Could this motorhome be haunted?

L

Lizbiebrowne

LIFE MEMBER
Joined
Jun 1, 2020
Posts
529
Likes collected
753
Location
Teesside
Funster No
71,293
MH
Hymer B654
Exp
Since 2019.
I’ve found a 15 year old low mileage Hymer motorhome I’m interested in but I’ve found out it’s had 8 previous owners. That seems a lot to me and I was wondering what could possibly be wrong that caused the previous owners’ tenures to be, on average, 2 years and 4000 miles. I was thinking possibly a poltergeist but perhaps there are other more innocent explanations.

What is the average period funsters generally own their motorhome for?
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
It does seem a lot but there could be a simple explanation, as said, post some photos and someone may recognize it
 
Upvote 0
That is a lot of owners. Pics please and details of the van,what model etc.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
Podney said:
That is a lot of owners. Pics please and details of the van,what model etc.
Click to expand...

Hymer Starline B655 PN07VKS

Clivefog said:
Check the MoT history. How long did the last owner have it for?
Click to expand...

The MOT history is good. Three fails over 18 test, 6 advisories in total over that time. Would appear to have been well maintained.

Last V5C change was 2021. I don't have any more details of previous owners.
 
Upvote 0
is it left hand drive? people may buy it thinking of european trips and then decide they dont like driving in UK, also if habitation door on wrong side it might become irritating for some people
 
Upvote 0
Last owner only did 2500 ish miles with it. Covid purchase?
 
Upvote 0
Some of those 'owners' may be dealers, who had it sitting on a forecourt over winter.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
3 fails doesn't sound good to me but we all think differently what did it fail on and what were the advisories

Some people use the mot to be notified of problems others rectify beforehand

Mines an 06 never had a fail and running with a non mot advisory which will eventually need changing
But it's a part that it's know to need changing after 15 to 20 years

Do you have access to the service history addresses or at least the vans location can be identified

When we disposed if my parents van ownership had to be transfered to me for selling so that added to the number of owners which gave a false impression if you did not know it was part of an estate clearance
 
Upvote 0
A Hymer Starline (Merc chassis) has a lot of appeal to those who distrust Fiats. Many MH newbies would see it as desirable as a used purchase. It is often said that you don't find the one that suits you until you buy your 3rd MH so that could explain why it keeps changing owners. I am only on my 2nd so .... :rolleyes:

4000 miles in 2 years is probably quite common especially if the owner is still in employment and only uses it for weekends and holidays. Due to personal circumstances and health issues I only travelled 1,100 miles last year.
 
Upvote 0
OK some people get rid of a van in under a year if they can't get on with it but 8 in 15 years I think I would tread with caution.
 
Upvote 0
Lizbiebrowne said:
Hymer Starline B655 PN07VKS



The MOT history is good. Three fails over 18 test, 6 advisories in total over that time. Would appear to have been well maintained.

Last V5C change was 2021. I don't have any more details of previous owners.
Click to expand...
How come 18 tests on a 15 year old Moho?

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
Worked for many years maintaining and repairing all types of motorhomes, we also had a large storage yard. With an average of 40 plus vans kept there. Some were in and out all the time, some just the two week annual holiday and an odd week end. One was sold twice without ever leaving the yard and one had been there over 5 years and never moved. We have seen people who are thinking of buying come and check rates for storage being car service customers buy one use it two or three times then sell. Too slow, too big, too small etc. we often have mot’d our own van at different times of the year depending when we would be away. As to defects our 2019 Burstner bought new fail its first mot with a track rod end worn. Our 2012 Aspire failed its second mot with lower ball joint wear. Our 1999 Sundance passed every mot whilst we owned it with no advisories. So there is no set pattern.
 
Upvote 0
They usually are a good van and good layout, the sort of van that people keep for some time, I too would be very suspicious of it…😎
 
Upvote 0
dna said:
is it left hand drive? people may buy it thinking of european trips and then decide they dont like driving in UK, also if habitation door on wrong side it might become irritating for some people
Click to expand...
It's RHD with habitation door on the starboard side.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
  • Like
Reactions: dna
Upvote 0
Nanniemate said:
3 fails doesn't sound good to me but we all think differently what did it fail on and what were the advisories
Click to expand...
Here you go.

PN07 VKS

MERCEDES MOTORHOME​

Check another vehicle

Colour
Blue
Fuel type
Diesel
Date registered
19 June 2007
MOT valid until
10 May 2024
Get an MOT reminder by email or text.

Download test certificates

If you think the MOT expiry date or any of the vehicle details are wrong: contact DVSA.
Hide all sections

MOT history,Check mileage recorded at test, expiry date, and test outcome,Hide​

Date tested
11 May 2023
PASS
Mileage
33,958 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
9232 3180 0831
Expiry date
10 May 2024

Date tested
1 December 2022
PASS
Mileage
33,822 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
8152 4997 3738
Expiry date
30 November 2023
Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):
  • Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))
What are advisories?

Date tested
30 June 2022
PASS
Mileage
32,870 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
9783 2018 9841
Expiry date
6 July 2023

Date tested
7 July 2021
PASS
Mileage
31,291 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
9738 2104 0064
Expiry date
6 July 2022

Date tested
17 March 2021
PASS
Mileage
30,943 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
5931 4080 4150
Expiry date
16 March 2022

Date tested
14 September 2020
PASS
Mileage
30,754 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
7722 6030 3280
Expiry date
13 September 2021

Date tested
5 February 2020
PASS
Mileage
30,107 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
6537 2407 3243
Expiry date
4 February 2021

Date tested
20 July 2019
PASS
Mileage
29,990 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
1472 8803 1022
Expiry date
19 July 2020
Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):
  • Stop lamp(s) non-obligatory stop lamp not working 3rd (4.3.1 (a) (ii))
What are advisories?

Date tested
20 July 2019
FAIL
Mileage
29,990 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
4531 0434 8099
Repair immediately (major defects):
  • Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively All 3 wipers (3.4 (b) (ii))
Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):
  • Stop lamp(s) non-obligatory stop lamp not working 3rd (4.3.1 (a) (ii))
What are defects and advisories?


Date tested
22 May 2018
PASS
Mileage
29,337 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
3986 5274 8891
Expiry date
21 May 2019

The MOT test changed on 20 May 2018
Defects are now categorised according to their severity - dangerous, major, and minor. Find out more.
Date tested
27 June 2017
PASS
Mileage
25,342 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
2073 9686 0362
Expiry date
4 July 2018
Advisory notice item(s)
  • Front Inner Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
  • slight corrosion to exhaust rear pipe after rear box
What are advisories?

Date tested
5 July 2016
PASS
Mileage
20,777 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
9534 7470 7570
Expiry date
4 July 2017

Date tested
24 March 2016
PASS
Mileage
19,760 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
9567 9960 5424
Expiry date
23 March 2017

Date tested
21 March 2016
FAIL
Mileage
19,734 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
3722 0676 2308
Reason(s) for failure
  • Centre Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)
  • Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)
  • Offside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
What are failures?

Date tested
29 April 2015
PASS
Mileage
17,885 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
2088 6951 5480
Expiry date
18 May 2016

Date tested
19 May 2014
PASS
Mileage
16,508 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
5661 6953 4195
Expiry date
18 May 2015
Advisory notice item(s)
  • Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)
What are advisories?

Date tested
7 June 2013
PASS
Mileage
14,986 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
4173 8805 3180
Expiry date
19 June 2014

Date tested
7 June 2013
FAIL
Mileage
14,986 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
6095 4845 3167
Reason(s) for failure
  • Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position (8.4.1)
  • Nearside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)
  • Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
What are failures?

Date tested
25 May 2012
PASS
Mileage
13,188 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
9867 7604 2142
Expiry date
19 June 2013
Advisory notice item(s)
  • Offside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)
What are advisories?

Date tested
3 June 2011
PASS
Mileage
10,632 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
5663 2425 1194
Expiry date
19 June 2012

Date tested
21 May 2010
PASS
Mileage
7,929 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
9123 4194 0188
Expiry date
19 June 2011

Date tested
21 May 2010
FAIL
Mileage
7,929 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
4105 4174 0149
Reason(s) for failure
  • Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)
 
Upvote 0
Clivefog said:
Last owner only did 2500 ish miles with it. Covid purchase?
Click to expand...
Lenny HB said:
Dealer selling with a new MOT?
Click to expand...

Folkranger said:
How come 18 tests on a 15 year old Moho?
Click to expand...
Here's the mileage graph. Folkranger, you're right. There's 7 MOT's since Feb 2020. A lot of COVID related sales with little use? Each time point represents an MOT.

1685274077600.png
 
Upvote 0
JJ said:
15 years old...
8 owners...
Low mileage...

Something seems a tad odd here.

Suspicious.


JJ :cool:
Click to expand...

Lenny HB said:
OK some people get rid of a van in under a year if they can't get on with it but 8 in 15 years I think I would tread with caution.
Click to expand...

Just smiffy said:
They usually are a good van and good layout, the sort of van that people keep for some time, I too would be very suspicious of it…😎
Click to expand...

What should I be suspicious/concerned about?
 
Upvote 0
Nanniemate said:
3 fails doesn't sound good to me but we all think differently what did it fail on and what were the advisories

Some people use the mot to be notified of problems others rectify beforehand

Mines an 06 never had a fail and running with a non mot advisory which will eventually need changing
But it's a part that it's know to need changing after 15 to 20 years

Do you have access to the service history addresses or at least the vans location can be identified

When we disposed if my parents van ownership had to be transfered to me for selling so that added to the number of owners which gave a false impression if you did not know it was part of an estate clearance
Click to expand...
No, I'm hoping to go and see it at the end of this week.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Upvote 0
When I take delivery of my van conversion next week 🤞 I will have had 3 vehicles in 10 months! Our original criteria was max 6 mtrs length.
The first was an Elddis Autoquest that was bought by the heart - it was 2006 with 25k miles, but was the wrong layout and couldn't get on with it.
The second was a Bailey approach 620 se that was bought as it was the layout we wanted (rear kitchen/bathroom) it was 2012 with 44k miles. It was everything we wanted, but, it was too wide and it was awkward to get car and mh on drive AND be able to getin/out of them.
The third, and hopefully last one 🤞 is an Autosleeper Sussex Duo and is a 2010 with 37k miles. This has end lounge, aircon, safe (like I've got any money left now!) and is slim enough to fit on drive comfortably.

So you can see that it doesn't take many people like me to push the number of owners up!
 
Upvote 0
Over the years we have had in excess of 15 motorhomes, the last bought new 2012 we part x for our current one failed on its first mot (3 years) nearside bottom ball joint worn, it failed again at (5 years) with the same joint I had replaced it with OEM both times. We sold it at 27,000 miles 7 years old. Dealer who shall remain nameless said the mileage was a bit high?
 
Upvote 0
I read the comments with interest. I think that the OP is right to be suspicious of any and all vehicles, but as has been said - suspicious of what with this particular one - apart from the many owners.

I think that people spend a lot of money on these vehicles so there is a perception that they have a value and - as has been said a number of times - if people don't use/ get on with/ have the money or time regarding an MH, then they'll sell on or trade in quick to get back the value to put towards a new purchase or something else.

The MoT history doesn't indicate anything terrible, the excess numbers of MoTs is explained by it's being with dealers for sale. I'd suggest an engineer'e report if the OP is concerned to ensure that the vehicle is a decent purchase. Maybe pointing out the number of owners and MoT's might even get a reduction?
 
Upvote 0
This mileage thing is a bit of a conundrum to me, previous owning a mh I've had quite a few ex notability cars as generally speaking they've been regularly serviced and had anything they may have needed during their 3 year tenure with the owner, plus are generally low mileage.
Now there seems to be a conflict of opinion as to what kind of mileage is best. There's the 'don't go for a low mileage' camp, saying that it must have been stood for a long time and could suffer from chassis rust etc. Then there's the 'don't buy a high mileage' camp, saying that it will have been well used and abused! 🙄
 
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