Auto Trail Delivery Times

[The Wino]

I must admit if i look at a used private van for sale my way to value it would be to find the retail price, take off the 20% vat and then 5% per year. So 25% loss in year one... The longer you can keep a van the better, however new prices shoot up so just costs more for the next one.

A December purchase of a stock van with 20% discount means the shock will be taken out on my current van BUT have lost loads on past vans...

You might take 20% off but the vat cost to the dealer is nowhere near that. They pay vat on the sale but recoup it on the cost price the VAT is only on their margin. The 20% plus 5% a year figure might be close but its due to the dealers margin (fair enough they have to make a living) not VAT. It their margin on selling is say 15% the vat will be about 3% of the vans value

 

[Feltwell]

I think MH extras are much the same as optional extras on a car. They *may* add to the desirability of the vehicle and make it easier to sell, but they do very little to it's financial value.

My car had over £10k's worth of extras added to it when it was new (not by me) but it's not worth any more now than the same model without all the toys, though it may be quicker to sell.

Some things of course can narrow the potential market and reduce the value, external colours and upholstery especially.

 

[Blue Knight]

@Blue Knight I put an offer in for that new Auto Apache 700 they had on offer.. Guess what !!! Didn't want my old Autotrail as a part exchange...

I didn't realise that Steve but it's their loss. They can't shift their vans for love nor money so I think they'll accept a new offer soon enough

 

[Millsy's]

Thanks to everyone that commented especially on delivery issues but it looks like this thread has gone off in another direction slating Auto Trial regading depreciation etc, however if anyone does have anymore information about delivery times I look forward to your comments.

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

Thanks to everyone that commented especially on delivery issues but it looks like this thread has gone off in another direction slating Auto Trial regarding depreciation etc, however if anyone does have anymore information about delivery times I look forward to your comments.

Im guessing here but it looks like you have taken offence at the answers given even though they may have gone off track a little?
Most of us are Autotrail owners or have been at some point. It is common for us to slag or slate them off as you put it, because we have had the experience of them and the back up or should i say lack of back up? Ermm? There you go...I have may started another problem!!
Hey oh. That aside..Hopefully you will have no issues and therefore be happy with your new truck and your dealership you have purchased it from? Time will tell.

As regards the delivery times and supposed dates for its collection from any dealer when purchasing new...Welcome to the club!
Join the group ! We too have had to wait ...and wait...and wait. Remember when you place your order at the show as we did 5 years ago, like someone has already stated above on here, it gets shoved to the back of the cue. Eventually you will get it. It is just how things work with the dealers.

Just to add one thing more..the pay load up grade is free and can be done before you take it on as we did with ours. The 3500 kgs is purely a paperwork exercise and when you order from Auto trail..if you state that you want the up grade they will sort it like ours was done to 3850kgs FOC. The vehicle then comes to you with the VIN plate under the bonnet fixed and sorted with all details in the log book up to spec.


Kev

Kev

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[tonka]

Thanks to everyone that commented especially on delivery issues but it looks like this thread has gone off in another direction slating Auto Trial regading depreciation etc, however if anyone does have anymore information about delivery times I look forward to your comments.

Sorry your thread went off.. It's happening a lot, sometimes can start as a joke when Autotrail is mentioned.
As Kev said some of us are Owners and after having issues like a chance to sound off..

I was at the factory on Monday, seemed very quiet up there and was quoted in the press about staff cutbacks so in theory they should be on top of orders. Did also hear of delays with vehicle bases, so maybe it's something out of AT's control.

Get your dealer to chase it again. and keep on at them..

 

[Millsy's]

Kev,
I did not take offence at the answers that I received but more suprised that my simple request for information about recent purchase waiting times was used as a platform to slate AT, it is my first post and I did not see this one coming..
This is our first Motorhome purchase and it is a huge layout of hard-earned compaired with the nurmerous caravans that we have purchased over the last 40 years, I have read quite a lot of negative comments about the problems that have been associated with AT but I came to the conclusion that people mostly only post about issues that they have but rarely post when things are OK.
I have done my homework and have chosen a reputable dealer that had been recomended to me by quite a few
friends,all AT owners by the way,some of these have had issues and these have been promptly dealt with, they are more that happy.

Our last two caravans were Baileys both bought as new,they both had about a dozen or so problems each from sockets not working because the wiring was to short to ouside access hatches not closing unless you put your hoof behind them,not good but were easily and promptly remedied,I have come to the conclusion that the standard of British motorhome/caravan quality control is sadly found to be lacking and depending on your luck you may just end up with the one that slips through the net or in my case two!!

With regards to the comment "Why buy new when you can get a 18 plate one for 47K" for a start I know that I would not pay the RRP that you are using for this comparison, when I paid a only seven grand more than that figure for a brand new Apache 632 with all the extras that I require and I know I would struggle to find these in a used MH on any forecourt.

I am also aware that the German,French etc MH,s seem to have less issues but I dont like the sit bolt upright layouts,I prefer the British type lounge, its all down to personal choice and if that means running the gauntlet
and having to get problems fixed if they arise then so be it, I am more that happy to exept that and if I do have to endure that situation you sure wont find me jumping into threads that have nothing to do with the subject in hand, this is not a dig just stating the facts.

I do realise that the payload is very poor on the Apache 632 but I have requested the paper exercise upgrade to 3650 before it leaves Grimsby and I will then have it upgraded to 3850 via SV Tech with semi air suspension,I know that it is still a bit tight but it will have to do, I guess you cant have everything?

As far as depreciation goes Kev I think that those three dealers are trying to have you over,why not sell it privately?
There are few 18 plates on the forecourts at good prices because they want to get rid before new stock arrives but isn't it the same thing every year and its not just Auto Trails neither.

Mike

 

[Millsy's]

Sorry your thread went off.. It's happening a lot, sometimes can start as a joke when Autotrail is mentioned.
As Kev said some of us are Owners and after having issues like a chance to sound off..

I was at the factory on Monday, seemed very quiet up there and was quoted in the press about staff cutbacks so in theory they should be on top of orders. Did also hear of delays with vehicle bases, so maybe it's something out of AT's control.

Get your dealer to chase it again. and keep on at them..

Tonka,thanks for the heads up and I will be chasing them up

 

[Gellyneck]

Hopefully on track for you but second-hand.
Speaking with an Approved Workshop Scheme guy a couple of weeks ago and his Comanche has gone back from February to April to June to "not sure"!
The last update given by AT when on one of their factory visits!

 

[Millsy's]

Hopefully on track for you but second-hand.
Speaking with an Approved Workshop Scheme guy a couple of weeks ago and his Comanche has gone back from February to April to June to "not sure"!
The last update given by AT when on one of their factory visits!

Thanks Gellyneck that is alarming to say the least,I don think I would be prepared to wait that long !!

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[ABZSteve]

Hi All,
We are not so patiently waiting for our Apache 632 to be delivered to the dealer, it is supposed to arrive by the end of May and we placed the order at the NEC in February.
Is there anyone recently taked delivery from Auto Trail and was it on time?
Thanks in advance
Mike and Linda

Imala 615 in 2015 on time, Apache 634 in 2018 on time, so no problems for me. Both ordered in October for March delivery. Believe it or not both delivered on 21st March. You are on a tighter lead time from Feb to May. Good luck

 

[PeteH]

A-T. have been seeing a hard time locally for some time now. There are other posts on here about A_T`s Quality Control Issues.

Some of the Q-C issues are endemic in the "industry" and down to the working practices in the factories many of whom are still using incentive bonus and "piecework" rates. You cannot altogether blame the workforce if they have to "run" to make a living wage.

 

[Minxy]

I wonder if some of the delay is due to them letting some staff go and are being more 'careful' with construction now to eliminate some of the silly 'build' issues?

 

[Ivory55]

When they say that they have let staff go I wonder how many of those were agency or zero hours workers. An awful lot of firms use them now instead of 100% own workers.

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

As far as depreciation goes Kev I think that those three dealers are trying to have you over,why not sell it privately?
There are few 18 plates on the forecourts at good prices because they want to get rid before new stock arrives but isn't it the same thing every year and its not just Auto Trails neither.

Mike[/QUOTE]

The idea of selling privately is obviously the way to go..but as you can see on here ..dealers do not want them . Unless of course they can get them for lowest book price so that they can make a "killing' from the likes of new folks coming through buying for the first time!

I really do wish you well in your ventures with your new motorhome purchase. I honestly believe that you will not stop at Auto trail and you will choose a totally different make the next time around. Trust me...you will!
The comments made about Grimsby getting rid of 10 to 20 % of their work force because of low orders...should tell you something surely?
That aside..I am fortunate enough to let this slip by and so move on with a loss to my original purchase. A lot of folk out there ..they are not! it is those I have to worry or concern myself about even though I should not.. albeit because they do not know better It does worry me.

We are all took in by the fancy's and frills offered at the time of our first purchase. It is after when something just does not sit right when you have had it for a month or two....it makes you realise that you should have looked at something else and chosen better?
Hey..not everyone makes this mistake. But.......I bet...not everyone has chosen the right one the first time around! I will gladly put my #*C* on a block for that too! Come back in 6 months and say that you have got the Motorhome you wanted with out a niggle! If you can with hand on heart say..you have chosen the right one ...Seriously? I will give you the axe and feel free to put it on here ! Hey...I have nothing to lose .....According to my missus any way!

Joking aside...I really do hope you have found what seems to be the Holy Grail when it comes to Auto trail motorhomes. I am sure that there must be one out there? Then again........I believe in the moon landing!

.......... And.......I know Elvis does work at the chip shop local to us here in Stafford

Kev

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[ABZSteve]

Kev,
I did not take offence at the answers that I received but more suprised that my simple request for information about recent purchase waiting times was used as a platform to slate AT, it is my first post and I did not see this one coming..
This is our first Motorhome purchase and it is a huge layout of hard-earned compaired with the nurmerous caravans that we have purchased over the last 40 years, I have read quite a lot of negative comments about the problems that have been associated with AT but I came to the conclusion that people mostly only post about issues that they have but rarely post when things are OK.
I have done my homework and have chosen a reputable dealer that had been recomended to me by quite a few
friends,all AT owners by the way,some of these have had issues and these have been promptly dealt with, they are more that happy.

Our last two caravans were Baileys both bought as new,they both had about a dozen or so problems each from sockets not working because the wiring was to short to ouside access hatches not closing unless you put your hoof behind them,not good but were easily and promptly remedied,I have come to the conclusion that the standard of British motorhome/caravan quality control is sadly found to be lacking and depending on your luck you may just end up with the one that slips through the net or in my case two!!

With regards to the comment "Why buy new when you can get a 18 plate one for 47K" for a start I know that I would not pay the RRP that you are using for this comparison, when I paid a only seven grand more than that figure for a brand new Apache 632 with all the extras that I require and I know I would struggle to find these in a used MH on any forecourt.

I am also aware that the German,French etc MH,s seem to have less issues but I dont like the sit bolt upright layouts,I prefer the British type lounge, its all down to personal choice and if that means running the gauntlet
and having to get problems fixed if they arise then so be it, I am more that happy to exept that and if I do have to endure that situation you sure wont find me jumping into threads that have nothing to do with the subject in hand, this is not a dig just stating the facts.

I do realise that the payload is very poor on the Apache 632 but I have requested the paper exercise upgrade to 3650 before it leaves Grimsby and I will then have it upgraded to 3850 via SV Tech with semi air suspension,I know that it is still a bit tight but it will have to do, I guess you cant have everything?

As far as depreciation goes Kev I think that those three dealers are trying to have you over,why not sell it privately?
There are few 18 plates on the forecourts at good prices because they want to get rid before new stock arrives but isn't it the same thing every year and its not just Auto Trails neither.

Mike

I uprated my 634 to 3850kg Mike and like you, did my homework before buying. We were going to buy the 632, went to the dealership to order it but the wife spotted the 634, went in, loved it then changed my mind for me, lol. Good luck and enjoy and welcome to the AT owners club, be proud

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

I uprated my 634 to 3850kg Mike and like you, did my homework before buying. We were going to buy the 632, went to the dealership to order it but the wife spotted the 634, went in, loved it then changed my mind for me, lol. Good luck and enjoy and welcome to the AT owners club, be proud

See...It was the wife you have to thank for your potential c¢ck up! Just think for a mo....You could have bought he wrong one! Lol
Wives.....where would we be with out them?

 

[Blue Knight]

AT is trying to make a big push to get its vans to Australia and New Zealand (its new target market place), so this could potentially have an affect on UK orders too.

 

[Millsy's]

Ke

As far as depreciation goes Kev I think that those three dealers are trying to have you over,why not sell it privately?
There are few 18 plates on the forecourts at good prices because they want to get rid before new stock arrives but isn't it the same thing every year and its not just Auto Trails neither.

Mike

The idea of selling privately is obviously the way to go..but as you can see on here ..dealers do not want them . Unless of course they can get them for lowest book price so that they can make a "killing' from the likes of new folks coming through buying for the first time!

I really do wish you well in your ventures with your new motorhome purchase. I honestly believe that you will not stop at Auto trail and you will choose a totally different make the next time around. Trust me...you will!
The comments made about Grimsby getting rid of 10 to 20 % of their work force because of low orders...should tell you something surely?
That aside..I am fortunate enough to let this slip by and so move on with a loss to my original purchase. A lot of folk out there ..they are not! it is those I have to worry or concern myself about even though I should not.. albeit because they do not know better It does worry me.

We are all took in by the fancy's and frills offered at the time of our first purchase. It is after when something just does not sit right when you have had it for a month or two....it makes you realise that you should have looked at something else and chosen better?
Hey..not everyone makes this mistake. But.......I bet...not everyone has chosen the right one the first time around! I will gladly put my #*C* on a block for that too! Come back in 6 months and say that you have got the Motorhome you wanted with out a niggle! If you can with hand on heart say..you have chosen the right one ...Seriously? I will give you the axe and feel free to put it on here ! Hey...I have nothing to lose .....According to my missus any way!

Joking aside...I really do hope you have found what seems to be the Holy Grail when it comes to Auto trail motorhomes. I am sure that there must be one out there? Then again........I believe in the moon landing!

.......... And.......I know Elvis does work at the chip shop local to us here in Stafford

Kev[/QUOTE]
Kev,
Your comments have been duly noted,however I sincerely hope that you are wrong ! he who has little faith!
We all believe that we are chosing the right MH at the time otherwise we would not be doing it and I obviously believe that I am.
I do expect to have a few problems but I also expect solutions.
As I said the Apache 632 suites us down to the ground with my specific requirements and believe me I have looked at nearly everything out there.
The 10% staff lay off obviously makes you wonder but they are not the only company in the UK that have been effected,Brexit has a lot to answer for at the moment,one thing that doesn't sound right is that Trigano are building the Chausson PVC,s at the plant so one would assume that they would want the workforce ? just saying.
Keep your fingers crossed for me Kev,life is full of learning curves.
Mike

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

Just read this about a Auto trail V series regarding Auto trail and the Managers reason for Job losses..

The response to the reason for the job losses were as follows


"The company has continued to knock out vans with such poor build quality that it was only a matter of time before the customer said "enough is enough".



"Agree 100%. We are in the process of trading in our 2018 V-line. Its only 9 months old and on the face of it looked OK when we bought it but in practice its poorly built. The washroom is dreadful design - when you sit on the bog there is a tendency for clothing to pull the shower tap open, which is why we have a trigger operated shower head!
Sorry for the 10% who are losing their jobs ......"


It's quite sad to hear about this whole Autotrail issue but my question is where does the company go from here.

I'm also of the opinion that the motorhome magazines and the dealer networks should shoulder some elements of the responsibility for allowing the quality issues to continue without any real challenge ever being made.

The dealers have simply cashed-in on a very good thing without ever giving much consideration to the consumer while the magazine folk are so scared to lose their respective sponsorship streams that they look the other way and continue to peddle a product which ultimately requires some form of TLC and quality improvement.


Any company in this type of predicament should really expect things to get worse before they ever get better - I just hope that the respective stake holders take note.


If they cannot get it right with the Panel Van Conversion...Seriously dont see much hope?




Kev

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[Millsy's]

I uprated my 634 to 3850kg Mike and like you, did my homework before buying. We were going to buy the 632, went to the dealership to order it but the wife spotted the 634, went in, loved it then changed my mind for me, lol. Good luck and enjoy and welcome to the AT owners club, be proud

Hi Steve and thanks,
As both the 634 and the 632 are about the same weights how do you find the 3850kg upgrade
is it enough or do you have to be prudent with the gear that you carry?

 

[ABZSteve]

Hi Steve and thanks,
As both the 634 and the 632 are about the same weights how do you find the 3850kg upgrade
is it enough or do you have to be prudent with the gear that you carry?

Mike, I have weighed everything we have in the MoHo and really have everything we need and more. I travel with a full tank of fresh water so I have that spare if required.

 

[Stealaway]

I travel with a full tank of fresh water so I have that spare if required.

What do you mean - you have spare if required?

 

[Richard Stainthorpe]

Ordered a Delaware HB in Oct, given 22nd March for delivery to dealer, van arrived last Wednesday we are picking it up on Tuesday.
This will be our third Autotrail our previous two have both been no problem.

 

[Millsy's]

Mike, I have weighed everything we have in the MoHo and really have everything we need and more. I travel with a full tank of fresh water so I have that spare if required.

Thanks again Steve, that’s good news

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[PeteH]

It`s NOT JUST A-T, who have issues with payloads. The vast majority of `vans rated 3.5t just WILL NOT have an adequate payload. The "perceived desire" for more "gadgets" in vans is a contributing factor. As is the need to be able to offer `vans to a "target" age range, who will in short order be restricted by the requirement to take a 3 yearly medical in order to LEGALLY drive any vehicle over 3.5t. Once you have been sold, and accepted, a "restricted" vehicle, it becomes YOUR responsibility to ensure you drive it legally. No issue for those who are under 70, or fit enough to pass the medical (and pay £100 for the "privilege"). However it causes issues for anyone with some relatively minor medical issues who have to jump through hoops to comply. OR who are then faced with downsizing or giving up altogether.

In my view this is pure AGEISM, and if we where a "minority" it would be illegal. What is needed is a raising of the limit for "B" and "B+E" to a more sensible limit, ideally 4t IMV. It would make NO difference to any so called "safety" aspects, which would be still covered under the laws that apply to those below 70. But would take the blatant aspect of Ageist behaviour which is endemic in modern society out of the equation.

 

[buttons]

Hi and Welcome....​

 

[Blue Knight]

What do you mean - you have spare if required?

I think Steve means that he can leave the water behind and free up some more payload if required.

 

[Steadycam]

From someone who bought a swift

To be fair Swift's don't leak and don't have soft floors anymore....... They just have fitting that fall off and cupboard doors that don't like to be used. But they don't leak

 

[ABZSteve]

What do you mean - you have spare if required?

remove water, extra payload

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