Devon Aztec

[Mark and Mindy]

We've been doing a lot more research about different vans which meet our needs, and having drawn up a spreadsheet for the various models it seems that the Devon Aztec would work for us.

We can go and look at it at the Newbury Show (just down the M4 from us!) but wanted to find out what other people might know/think about it.

Gives us a few weeks before we head up to Scotland as we'll be checking out the ENC Touring Fifer L, that way we can have a proper comparison.

 

[Jonno1103]

Interesting.
We went through the same back in 2012 even to the point of being on our way up to Durham until we turned around... we were committed, it was a long way from Haverfordwest at the time, but we just couldn't get that 'dated' feeling out of our heads. (surely if your buying a new van you want it to reflect the year it's built?) and how small the fresh and waste water tanks were/are.
We had one built in the end... with a hell of a lot more kit onboard for a fair bit cheaper.

For the money you'll end up paying after you've perused the options I'd consider the likes of WildAx or Shires first. They'll even be open minded to any build changes you may fancy.

 

[CazPaul]

Good layout, winterisation is very poor, exposed, uninsulated fresh and waste, lots of reports of insulation missing around bulkhead. The owner of Devon is very much ''My way or no way'' when you speak to him.
Basically a summer van which is a shame as they are just 2 minutes from where I work.

 

[Nasher]

We had one built in the end... with a hell of a lot more kit onboard for a fair bit cheaper.

I also bought a van & had it converted - really pleased with the result and it was very cost effective....

 

[Minxy]

I'll have a nice Globecar FamilyScout L (2015) up for sale shortly if the layout suits.

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[Mark and Mindy]

I'll have a nice Globecar FamilyScout L (2015) up for sale shortly if the layout suits.

We're after a 6m with rear lounge to convert into a front to back bed rather than transverse and don't need the front dinette, but thanks anyway.

 

[Jonno1103]

Is the length of particular concern? The reason I'm asking is as car park restrictions are usually governed by height barriers rather than length and the extra 20 or 30 cm surprisingly makes a hell of a lot of difference when using the the habitation area. The Sevel based vans also have a far superior turning circle than either the Ford or Renault, there's a noticeable difference in their maneuverability which offsets many an owners parking worries.

The more obscure smaller bespoke builders are worth a thought, many can even source any particular base vehicle you have in mind with good discounts. Back in 2012 we were discounted over £11000 off the price of a fully loaded auto Renault Master Sport. All of them are also individually inspected by VOSA for their type approval too which is more than can be said for volume builders who just submit photos of their build practices.

We loved our Flying Banana, had zero issues over 5 years and only sold her due to wanting a larger bed although Peggy has quickly filled the void nicely.

 

[scotzsue]

Good layout, winterisation is very poor, exposed, uninsulated fresh and waste, lots of reports of insulation missing around bulkhead. The owner of Devon is very much ''My way or no way'' when you speak to him.
Basically a summer van which is a shame as they are just 2 minutes from where I work.

Most obnoxious person we ever met. Went with the readies to order a van, purchased elsewhere. He seemed to have taken too much, the vans we saw in progress were not a patch on the one we saw at the show.

 

[Mark and Mindy]

Is the length of particular concern? The reason I'm asking is as car park restrictions are usually governed by height barriers rather than length and the extra 20 or 30 cm surprisingly makes a hell of a lot of difference when using the the habitation area. The Sevel based vans also have a far superior turning circle than either the Ford or Renault, there's a noticeable difference in their maneuverability which offsets many an owners parking worries.

The more obscure smaller bespoke builders are worth a thought, many can even source any particular base vehicle you have in mind with good discounts. Back in 2012 we were discounted over £11000 off the price of a fully loaded auto Renault Master Sport. All of them are also individually inspected by VOSA for their type approval too which is more than can be said for volume builders who just submit photos of their build practices.

We loved our Flying Banana, had zero issues over 5 years and only sold her due to wanting a larger bed although Peggy has quickly filled the void nicely.View attachment 229879

The length is important due to the length of our drive, if its any longer I won't be able to have the rear doors open without them overhanging the road. We've started looking at be-spoke converters as well and I'm trying to put together our wish list, but finding a converter will be the next task! Looking at similar vans will give us more ideas of exactly what we want, at least we had got as far as deciding on the Fiat Ducato due to the ComfortMatic gearbox.

Luckily our funds aren't in place yet so we have plenty of time to check some out, travelling as need be.

 

[Stonemags76]

We’ve just changed to a Warwick Duo with rear lounge & 5.9m long, as we have the same driveway issue. We love it so far, and the rear bed is really comfy - we always sleep length ways. Our old van was a Globecar Trendscout, but they don’t make the rear loung layout anymore! I think the newest of those you can get is 2011, but great vans.

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[Jonno1103]

We’ve just changed to a Warwick Duo with rear lounge & 5.9m long, as we have the same driveway issue. We love it so far, and the rear bed is really comfy - we always sleep length ways. Our old van was a Globecar Trendscout, but they don’t make the rear loung layout anymore! I think the newest of those you can get is 2011, but great vans.

I forgot about the Warwick Duo! A very tidy piece of kit which Autosleeper will build on a Fiat base if you want or need a comfort-matic gearbox. Underslung LPG and air top suspension, very comfy longitudinal singles or big double... Lovely.