Autosleeper Executive 2003 - advice and thoughts on this one please

J

JessieT

Joined
Apr 3, 2024
Posts
65
Likes collected
79
Location
Ayrshire, Scotland, UK
Funster No
102,179
MH
Don't own one yet
Exp
I'm a newbie
Okay, here we go again. Just been on a video call with Wrightington Motors, Wigan. They have this 2003 AS Executive coming with a few extras on it that I was wanting. Seems good price, MOT History appears good but couple of advisories on last MOT.

What do you think funsters ...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorh...de=ka22 8dt&radius=200&year-from=1995&fromsra

Just nipping out now so will pick this up when I get back.

Many thanks :giggle:
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
We had an Autosleeper of that vintage. Cannot fault the interior fixtures and fittings and could all be washed and cleaned and came up like new. The only thing I replaced (but didn’t really need to) were the cupboard knobs as the shiny “brass’’ wore off a bit.
However we did have a VW base so cannot comment on the Peugeot.
I think those monocoque conversions are fantastic.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
Our first ‘van (AS Clubman) was a ‘W’ reg, and a lovely little motorhome, just a bit too small for us and the four dogs we had then!😉
Very similar to the Executive and, as Riverbankannie says, monocoque construction excellent and less likely to have water ingress issues……
 
Upvote 0
Burge said:
Might be worth a call to Highbridge as it's been there , nothing to lose 😉 👍Chris.
Click to expand...
Sorry you have lost me there Chris as not sure what you mean. Just taking a look at ad again and can see they did a service in 2014 (y)
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
JessieT said:
Sorry you have lost me there Chris as not sure what you mean.
Click to expand...
Looking at the pics there is a Folder with Highbridge on it they are quite a large Motorhome Dealership I believe might be able give you some History on it 😉forgot to say if you have the Reg.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
Advisories for wear items, or for suspension and brakes, that stuff can be fixed. They don't necessarily imply anything major, other than age. It's when it's chassis rust and signs of a tired engine or gearbox that are more troublesome.
 
Upvote 0
Burge said:
Looking at the pics there is a Folder with Highbridge on it they are quite a large Motorhome Dealership I believe might be able give you some History on it 😉forgot to say if you have the Reg.
Click to expand...
Thanks Chris, I will give them a call as you say worth a call and yes I have the reg.

I'll put up a post to find out if anyone on here lives nearby as hoping I can find someone who would meet with me and take a look at the van as would be a great help.

Spoke with Safeguard for a quote on van and I was surprised it was just as pricey as the AS Eton ! thought as older and less value that it would be a lower quote :rolleyes:
 
Upvote 0
Guigsy said:
Advisories for wear items, or for suspension and brakes, that stuff can be fixed. They don't necessarily imply anything major, other than age. It's when it's chassis rust and signs of a tired engine or gearbox that are more troublesome.
Click to expand...
Thanks Guigsy
 
Upvote 0
AndyPK said:
Our first ‘van (AS Clubman) was a ‘W’ reg, and a lovely little motorhome, just a bit too small for us and the four dogs we had then!😉
Very similar to the Executive and, as Riverbankannie says, monocoque construction excellent and less likely to have water ingress issues……
Click to expand...
So good to know Andy, these really do look like good well built MH's and lovely and homely too.

They have a lovely looking Neuvo which looks really tempting but pricey and think this as a first van for me to learn about and get used to driving is probably the more sensible thing to do, and as I said I like the look of the van, has what I want even cruise which I spotted as he had not put it in the advert. Not sure of make or capacity of solar panel but at least there is a solar panel :giggle:
 
Upvote 0
JessieT said:
Okay, here we go again. Just been on a video call with Wrightington Motors, Wigan. They have this 2003 AS Executive coming with a few extras on it that I was wanting. Seems good price, MOT History appears good but couple of advisories on last MOT.

What do you think funsters ...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202410175300910?sort=price-asc&searchId=83a92e79-9284-4deb-888c-18cd8d161f0d&advertising-location=at_motorhomes&make=AUTO-SLEEPERS&model=EXECUTIVE&postcode=ka22 8dt&radius=200&year-from=1995&fromsra

Just nipping out now so will pick this up when I get back.

Many thanks :giggle:
Click to expand...
I had a look at the photos breafly and it looks nice make sure you check for cracking around the shower waste and shower tray base. The other thing is the age of the tyres regardless of the amount of tread. Its often a good barganing point if there yrs old and if you havent already looked at the thread Jim has done on buying a motorhome read it
I have found it very helpfull to sit down before i ever look at a van and just write a list top to bottom because when you get there without a list to tick off you,ll forget to check loads of things
Obvious things for me and easy for anyone to look at will be engine coolant level and colour ,say if it looks clean or rusty,
That will say a lot about an engine. Check oil level. Its all very well if the dealer says he will fix anything thats wrong but you have to take it back so best find out before you buy and get a discount from the asking price

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
PeterCarole29 said:
I had a look at the photos breafly and it looks nice make sure you check for cracking around the shower waste and shower tray base. The other thing is the age of the tyres regardless of the amount of tread. Its often a good barganing point if there yrs old and if you havent already looked at the thread Jim has done on buying a motorhome read it
I have found it very helpfull to sit down before i ever look at a van and just write a list top to bottom because when you get there without a list to tick off you,ll forget to check loads of things
Obvious things for me and easy for anyone to look at will be engine coolant level and colour ,say if it looks clean or rusty,
That will say a lot about an engine. Check oil level. Its all very well if the dealer says he will fix anything thats wrong but you have to take it back so best find out before you buy and get a discount from the asking price
Click to expand...
Many thanks for the advice. I will try but I don't know anything about tyres and under the bonnet.

I know there is a date on tyres so I will look out for that. How old is too old ? Just hope I can get myself up without too much hassle after getting down to read the date :LOL:

I can check the oil in my own car and I seem to recall checking coolant level once but never known anything about color etc.

Very very much a novice in these things, my husband used to deal with all those things or he would take it to our local mechanic to get checks done if he thought anythings was amiss with either of our cars. Feels like a minefield having to do it on my own, but I really do want a van and I will learn as I go along.

Will look for Jim's thread, thank you.

I also don't think this guy would be up for bargaining at all and I really don't have much confidence in doing that with him. The last van I looked at at the main dealers I felt I could point things out that weren't right and say I needed them sorting and haggle for extras but as not a main dealer and his words to me was it was a great van and ready to go so if I liked it I could take it on the day ! So that doesn't sound to me like he would entertain any haggling.

I have asked in another post if any funster lives in Wigan area that would help me out with a viewing next week., fingers crossed there will be someone, if not I will have to take my chances.

Thanks again.

Oh, and something to mention he did do a little live video walk round, it wasn't the best as a bit too quick and poor connection but one thing he did mention was the floor of the shower tray was good but I will check it out as you said. :giggle:
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
Think you best PM people that get in touch Jessie keep it a bit private 👌😏
 
Upvote 0
I foubd the shower tray and tip up sink in my 2002 Autosleeper much better quality and more robust than the ones fitted in my newer 2016 conversion and I have had to have both fixed 2 years ago as cracking. Had them speedcoated. I cannot imagine the Autosleeper would need that but not an expensive fix.
The article you need to read is here, you have to click to download the PDF to read it
www.motorhomefun.co.uk

The Motorhome Buyers Guide

This book will save you money, probably a lot of money. It will show you, step step by step, how choose the right motorhome and then show you how you can easily negotiate the very best price. This book is FREE to subscribers. Download it by...
www.motorhomefun.co.uk www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Anyone selling is up for haggling, remember indicate strongly that you are ready and in a position to go ahead with the purchase (not a time waster), take one big bite off the asking price, they come back saying no way but drop a little, you respond by taking a nibble off that price.
Hope you find someone in the area to come with you.
Good luck
 
Upvote 0
Do you know if there is any information regarding cam belt replacement in the service history ? If there is not , it may be worth allowing for a replacement cam belt if you decide to purchase the Motorhome. (or any other )
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
JessieT said:
Many thanks for the advice. I will try but I don't know anything about tyres and under the bonnet.

I know there is a date on tyres so I will look out for that. How old is too old ? Just hope I can get myself up without too much hassle after getting down to read the date :LOL:

I can check the oil in my own car and I seem to recall checking coolant level once but never known anything about color etc.

Very very much a novice in these things, my husband used to deal with all those things or he would take it to our local mechanic to get checks done if he thought anythings was amiss with either of our cars. Feels like a minefield having to do it on my own, but I really do want a van and I will learn as I go along.

Will look for Jim's thread, thank you.

I also don't think this guy would be up for bargaining at all and I really don't have much confidence in doing that with him. The last van I looked at at the main dealers I felt I could point things out that weren't right and say I needed them sorting and haggle for extras but as not a main dealer and his words to me was it was a great van and ready to go so if I liked it I could take it on the day ! So that doesn't sound to me like he would entertain any haggling.

I have asked in another post if any funster lives in Wigan area that would help me out with a viewing next week., fingers crossed there will be someone, if not I will have to take my chances.

Thanks again.

Oh, and something to mention he did do a little live video walk round, it wasn't the best as a bit too quick and poor connection but one thing he did mention was the floor of the shower tray was good but I will check it out as you said. :giggle:
Click to expand...
It would be lovely if someone was able to look with you if only to make you aware of what you need to spend on it
on a positive maybe someone could actually speak to the seller on the phone on your behalf .
on another note you can always feel free to walk away from a van thats for sale as there will be another one
It is a minefield even for people who are experienced
I think anyone including myself who buys an older van is buying a shell on wheels
If i give you an example a 20yrs olsd van thats looked after thats not rusty is likely to have original fridge, water heater and gas heating. So if working well even though 20yrs old they will break so expect to sometime replace them
 
Upvote 0
JessieT, I do know this MH as it belonged to friends - if still for sale. A bit of a way away from you though.
Nothing wrong with it when traded in. Serviced recent tyres and solar recently fitted.
If still for sale, definitely worth a haggle as been there over a year.

Autosleeper Sigma - Davan Caravans

A good quality shorter 4 berth 4 seat belted motorhome from Autosleeper. Comprising a rear kitchen and corner washroom / shower. Spacious with large beds. And very well maintained. This vehcile features an electric step, Canopy, Hab door Grab handle, Reversing Camera, Tv bracket and much more.
www.davan.co.uk www.davan.co.uk
I do prefer the look of the monocoque bodies though.
 
Upvote 0
Riverbankannie said:
JessieT, I do know this MH as it belonged to friends - if still for sale. A bit of a way away from you though.
Nothing wrong with it when traded in. Serviced recent tyres and solar recently fitted.
If still for sale, definitely worth a haggle as been there over a year.

Autosleeper Sigma - Davan Caravans

A good quality shorter 4 berth 4 seat belted motorhome from Autosleeper. Comprising a rear kitchen and corner washroom / shower. Spacious with large beds. And very well maintained. This vehcile features an electric step, Canopy, Hab door Grab handle, Reversing Camera, Tv bracket and much more.
www.davan.co.uk www.davan.co.uk
I do prefer the look of the monocoque bodies though.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for the info. Gosh, wonder why it has been up for sale for such a long time ? Not sure about the link to the Sigma though as it isn't this van I am looking at ? it is a lovely van also though.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
JessieT said:
Many thanks for the advice. I will try but I don't know anything about tyres and under the bonnet.

I know there is a date on tyres so I will look out for that. How old is too old ? Just hope I can get myself up without too much hassle after getting down to read the date :LOL:

I can check the oil in my own car and I seem to recall checking coolant level once but never known anything about color etc.

Very very much a novice in these things, my husband used to deal with all those things or he would take it to our local mechanic to get checks done if he thought anythings was amiss with either of our cars. Feels like a minefield having to do it on my own, but I really do want a van and I will learn as I go along.

Will look for Jim's thread, thank you.

I also don't think this guy would be up for bargaining at all and I really don't have much confidence in doing that with him. The last van I looked at at the main dealers I felt I could point things out that weren't right and say I needed them sorting and haggle for extras but as not a main dealer and his words to me was it was a great van and ready to go so if I liked it I could take it on the day ! So that doesn't sound to me like he would entertain any haggling.

I have asked in another post if any funster lives in Wigan area that would help me out with a viewing next week., fingers crossed there will be someone, if not I will have to take my chances.

Thanks again.

Oh, and something to mention he did do a little live video walk round, it wasn't the best as a bit too quick and poor connection but one thing he did mention was the floor of the shower tray was good but I will check it out as you said. :giggle:
Click to expand...
It’s not ready to go, as at the very least he should see to the advisories.
 
Upvote 0
JessieT said:
Thank you so much for the info. Gosh, wonder why it has been up for sale for such a long time ? Not sure about the link to the Sigma though as it isn't this van I am looking at ? it is a lovely van also though.
Click to expand...
I know not the one you are looking at, but I just thought of it whilst reminiscing about older, quality, Autosleepers.
I think sales have slowed this year, becoming more of a buyers market.
 
Upvote 0
My parents had an autosleeper executive 1995 model .. autosleeper is one of the better UK built vans especially the monocoque body ones as they tend not to suffer from leaks.

There are always a good supply of them for sale at various prices there's a good 1995 model on ebay at present for a little under £8000 , so don't feel rushed to buy this one .

All prices are negotiable, if they're not then the seller is likely to be waiting a while for a buyer.

Always make an offer it's an old van and it will absolutely need something doing to it . They all do
 
Upvote 0

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Join us

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Back
Top