First time buyer - A few questions

[Patrick and Lesley]

Hi all, I have been a member of Motorhome Fun now for about a week. A great site with lots of excellent information. My questions might sound a bit naive apologies about that.

We have been talking about buying a camper for sometime and now were now in the position where we can buy this makes it feel more real and a bit more scary. Are budget isn't big were looking at around 20k. We both love the look of the A Class Hymers The B544 or B584 we would like one with the double skinned floor as the storage would be useful for the activities we like to pursue.

1. Is a Hymer a sensible choice considering our budget of 20k?

2. At just over 6 Meters would we be able to fit into a regular parking slot, would the overhang be unsafe?

3. Servicing, parts and maintenance are they going to be a lot more expensive since the camper is German?

4. If buying from a dealer would getting an RAC inspection be money well spent?

5. Is there particular weakness I should be looking for when viewing Hymer A Class


Were not in a rush to buy which seems like a good thing as the choice of campers seems a bit thin on the ground. Thanks for taking the time to read.

 

[Figaro]

Great choice I would say.
Most have a Fiat Ducato base vehicle and servicing is reasonable regarding cost. They are a reliable vehicle capable of high mileage with maintenence. I would say an inspection would be worthwhile if your not mechanically minded.
No particular weakness, the quality of Hymer is generally good and given you budget it will probably be pre 2005 and before all the high tech electronics and gizmos were added that can be problematic on the newer models.
I have a 2003 B544, my first moho and been very pleased with it.
They are thin on the ground, you missed a good one on here this week sold by @Dave and Ginny but keep looking, they do come up,
Good luck !

 

[TerryL]

Hymers do have a good reputation but, at the risk of offending all the Hymer owners, there are other equally nice looking A-class out there. The important points to consider are layout and where are you going to store/park it. As ever, anything in your price range may be liable to damp so a thorough check is a must before you part with any cash - just remember a mechanical check (e.g. RAC/AA) won't include that so a m/h specialist would be more appropriate. I'm sure someone in your area could suggest someone.

 

[Patrick and Lesley]

Thanks Figaro. You have just backed up a lot of what I’ve read online. Going to see one on Wednesday I doubt we’ll buy as this one is out of our budget range. Thanks again

 

[Patrick and Lesley]

Thanks TerryL. My mind is still completely open to suggestions of alternatives to the Hymer. We’ve budgeted for storage in a compound as our drive way wouldn’t be big enough.

I’ll wait patiently hopefully someone can recommend s good company for inspection.

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[jongood]

Check the garage floors, some were plywood. Have a good test drive, lloking out for the usual clunks and clicks and satisfy yourself that it has the correct 5th gear ( some were fitted with a lower ratio, can be changed but another expense). But generally a very good first motorhome.

 

[haganap]

no questions are Naive when you are new to motorhoming. You can take what you want from my reply to your questions each person will have their own opinions I base mine on plenty of experience.

1) yes Hymers are a good van but don't get caught out on this. Hymers are no better than many other vans on the market. But as you stated you are Naive can I ask if you know what a Hymer actually is? I ask this as so many people think that a Hymer is an A-class and don't realise that there are loads and loads of brands out there, a bit of a "do you have a hoover or a Dyson" If you are confident that you understand that Hymer is no more than a manufacturer of Motorhomes then you need to take the next step. Find the right Layout, this is far more important than worrying about anything else at this stage. When you have the right van with what you think is the right layout, come back and ask further questions.
2) you will adapt your driving and shopping experiences, just park further away. If you are going in to towns etc find more appropriate places to park, check the council websites for advice, there's always somewhere to park and it's not stopped us with 8 meters.
3) No your camper is not German. It's likely to be Italia and a fiat based at that unless you can source a Merc based van which is probably unlikely on your budget but not impossibe. Therefore any garage will be able to throw a spanner at it just try and stay with your independents and stay away from the expensive main dealer prices. Anything on the cab side will be a mixture of things, they won't be German just because its "hymer" example, your fridge will most likely be say a Dometic. just the same that's likely to be in a budget van, the toilet will be a thetford and the list goes on and on. All you are buying is a company that have screwed it all together.
4) yes but a good dealer will do that anyway.
5) yes just like any Aclass or coachbuilt, check the seals are not letting in water anywhere. Damps a killer..

I would also say that make sure you are aware of what your budget is buying. 20k is not a lot of money in this world look at this..

100k miles
nearly 20 years old

good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[TerryL]

Get round as many dealers as you can and have a good look at what suits you - imagine doing all the "living" things in it; cooking, showering, loo, sleeping (try the beds).

Don't completely discount coachbuilts or even PVC, you may well find a bargain that also "ticks the boxes".

 

[Figaro]

@Patrick and Lesley Have you downloaded the Buyers Guide ? free download on here and very informative.

 

[WillH]

As I've posted before, layout, layout and layout.

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[Patrick and Lesley]

no questions are Naive when you are new to motorhoming. You can take what you want from my reply to your questions each person will have their own opinions I base mine on plenty of experience.

1) yes Hymers are a good van but don't get caught out on this. Hymers are no better than many other vans on the market. But as you stated you are Naive can I ask if you know what a Hymer actually is? I ask this as so many people think that a Hymer is an A-class and don't realise that there are loads and loads of brands out there, a bit of a "do you have a hoover or a Dyson" If you are confident that you understand that Hymer is no more than a manufacturer of Motorhomes then you need to take the next step. Find the right Layout, this is far more important than worrying about anything else at this stage. When you have the right van with what you think is the right layout, come back and ask further questions.
2) you will adapt your driving and shopping experiences, just park further away. If you are going in to towns etc find more appropriate places to park, check the council websites for advice, there's always somewhere to park and it's not stopped us with 8 meters.
3) No your camper is not German. It's likely to be Italia and a fiat based at that unless you can source a Merc based van which is probably unlikely on your budget but not impossibe. Therefore any garage will be able to throw a spanner at it just try and stay with your independents and stay away from the expensive main dealer prices. Anything on the cab side will be a mixture of things, they won't be German just because its "hymer" example, your fridge will most likely be say a Dometic. just the same that's likely to be in a budget van, the toilet will be a thetford and the list goes on and on. All you are buying is a company that have screwed it all together.
4) yes but a good dealer will do that anyway.
5) yes just like any Aclass or coachbuilt, check the seals are not letting in water anywhere. Damps a killer..

I would also say that make sure you are aware of what your budget is buying. 20k is not a lot of money in this world look at this..

100k miles
nearly 20 years old

Thanks again I appreciate your help.

good luck with whatever you choose.

Haganap Thank you for all the feed back all very useful. Its more of a mine field than I thought. I am pretty clear on the layout I want Hymer B548 RHD. I will be going to see one on Wednesday not with the intention to buy as Its above our budget but it will help to give me a feel for them. I will take the opportunity to look around other makes and models to see whats on offer also. I take on board that Hymer just screw or the sourced parts together, What does make Hymer speical? why do so many people want them if there just using the same parts as everyone else? or I could be missing the point.

Having spent the last couple of years looking I do realise how little 20k is to be spending with a bit of luck I can find something decent enough.

Thanks again I appreciate your help.

Get round as many dealers as you can and have a good look at what suits you - imagine doing all the "living" things in it; cooking, showering, loo, sleeping (try the beds).

Don't completely discount coachbuilts or even PVC, you may well find a bargain that also "ticks the boxes".

Thanks TerryL were looking at some coachbuilts on Wednesday no doubt I will have more questions then.

@Patrick and Lesley Have you downloaded the Buyers Guide ? free download on here and very informative.

Thanks Fiagaro just downloaded

 

[CazPaul]

Take your time, plenty around to choose from.

Hymer have a decent reputation, excellent Pual wall and roof construction but the underfloor build quality is disgraceful until around 2012.

Go around a few dealers and get a feel for them first, have a look at different makes too., niesmann&bischoff are a good make.

 

[duffs]

Hi all, I have been a member of Motorhome Fun now for about a week. A great site with lots of excellent information. My questions might sound a bit naive apologies about that.

We have been talking about buying a camper for sometime and now were now in the position where we can buy this makes it feel more real and a bit more scary. Are budget isn't big were looking at around 20k. We both love the look of the A Class Hymers The B544 or B584 we would like one with the double skinned floor as the storage would be useful for the activities we like to pursue.

1. Is a Hymer a sensible choice considering our budget of 20k?

2. At just over 6 Meters would we be able to fit into a regular parking slot, would the overhang be unsafe?

3. Servicing, parts and maintenance are they going to be a lot more expensive since the camper is German?

4. If buying from a dealer would getting an RAC inspection be money well spent?

5. Is there particular weakness I should be looking for when viewing Hymer A Class


Were not in a rush to buy which seems like a good thing as the choice of campers seems a bit thin on the ground. Thanks for taking the time to read.

I love Hymers and hope to have one, still trying to convince OH, but that's a long story.

Please join Classic Hymers Facebook page, they also have a sister site Hymermarket where vans and everything related to them is for sale, and also Hymers for sale facebook page.

Like this forum they are very helpful no naive questions I've been asking random questions for a month now

 

[Patrick and Lesley]

I love Hymers and hope to have one, still trying to convince OH, but that's a long story.

Please join Classic Hymers Facebook page, they also have a sister site Hymermarket where vans and everything related to them is for sale, and also Hymers for sale facebook page.

Like this forum they are very helpful no naive questions I've been asking random questions for a month now

Thanks Duffs will join up today.

 

[two]

Hi all, I have been a member of Motorhome Fun now for about a week. A great site with lots of excellent information. My questions might sound a bit naive apologies about that.

We have been talking about buying a camper for sometime and now were now in the position where we can buy this makes it feel more real and a bit more scary. Are budget isn't big were looking at around 20k. We both love the look of the A Class Hymers The B544 or B584 we would like one with the double skinned floor as the storage would be useful for the activities we like to pursue.

1. Is a Hymer a sensible choice considering our budget of 20k?

2. At just over 6 Meters would we be able to fit into a regular parking slot, would the overhang be unsafe?

3. Servicing, parts and maintenance are they going to be a lot more expensive since the camper is German?

4. If buying from a dealer would getting an RAC inspection be money well spent?

5. Is there particular weakness I should be looking for when viewing Hymer A Class


Were not in a rush to buy which seems like a good thing as the choice of campers seems a bit thin on the ground. Thanks for taking the time to read.

1. Hymer is a sought-after brand, so may also be a bit of a premium.

2. Parking is not normally a problem, but may take a bit of resourcefulness.

3. Many parts are common to other motorhomes, so their cost will not always a premium. Try not to break anything.

4. I wouldn’t bother with RAC but I would expect some kind of warranty from a dealer. Be sure you can use it well, before that warranty runs out.

5. Hymers should be as sound as any other. If there is damp, you may be able to smell it, so use your nose.

There are other motorhomes, besides Hymer. Non A-class can be better value and just as much fun, so I wouldn’t rule out other options. The more you look at in your price range, the better judge you’ll become regarding values. Be strict about the budget, though, because there will be more expenses to follow and you’ll need some cash for diesel.

Knowing the layout will help you sort the sheep from the goats but don’t forget payload. I hope you find a nice van that suits. Ask more if you’re still in doubt.

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[Patrick and Lesley]

1. Hymer is a sought-after brand, so may also be a bit of a premium.

2. Parking is not normally a problem, but may take a bit of resourcefulness.

3. Many parts are common to other motorhomes, so their cost will not always a premium. Try not to break anything.

4. I wouldn’t bother with RAC but I would expect some kind of warranty from a dealer. Be sure you can use it well, before that warranty runs out.

5. Hymers should be as sound as any other. If there is damp, you may be able to smell it, so use your nose.

There are other motorhomes, besides Hymer. Non A-class can be better value and just as much fun, so I wouldn’t rule out other options. The more you look at in your price range, the better judge you’ll become regarding values. Be strict about the budget, though, because there will be more expenses to follow and you’ll need some cash for diesel.

Knowing the layout will help you sort the sheep from the goats but don’t forget payload. I hope you find a nice van that suits. Ask more if you’re still in doubt.

Thanks for the detailed reply lots of useful info given. The more I’m learning about Motorhome the more complicated it seems to be coming. Off to Redditch tomorrow to look at a few including a Hymer B584. Are there any particular makes Coach built motorhomes I should be looking out for? My mind is open to any suggestions.

 

[maison]

I echo those who say layout is the most important thing to consider. Don't fixate on a particular marque. It took us three attempts to get it right for us., (we may be slow learners,) but it can be very expensive to change if you have made a mistake.

It was always my ambition to have a particular make. After saving for some months we traded in our m/h to get the "dream". After our first long trip away we realised the layout was just not practical for us and we changed it at just over a year old, losing money.

Now, if we change, we spend time in the m/h. Try the seating position:is it comfortable for eating, for lounging, for reading. Lie on the bed. Is it comfortable? If not a fixed bed how easy is it to make up at night? Do you have to utilise additional cushions leading to storage problems during the day? Are you going to use the on board "facilities"? Is there sufficient room? Do you intend to cook in the m/h? Do you need a cooker or will a hob do?

If buying from a dealer they should be happy to leave you in the m/h to consider your purchase. Take your time, don't commit in a hurry.

Good luck, and welcome to the community.

 

[two]

If you like the layout of Hymer, you will probably like many of the European makes also.
The dealer should know their stock and what may be suitable.

 

[Patrick and Lesley]

I echo those who say layout is the most important thing to consider. Don't fixate on a particular marque. It took us three attempts to get it right for us., (we may be slow learners,) but it can be very expensive to change if you have made a mistake.

It was always my ambition to have a particular make. After saving for some months we traded in our m/h to get the "dream". After our first long trip away we realised the layout was just not practical for us and we changed it at just over a year old, losing money.

Now, if we change, we spend time in the m/h. Try the seating position:is it comfortable for eating, for lounging, for reading. Lie on the bed. Is it comfortable? If not a fixed bed how easy is it to make up at night? Do you have to utilise additional cushions leading to storage problems during the day? Are you going to use the on board "facilities"? Is there sufficient room? Do you intend to cook in the m/h? Do you need a cooker or will a hob do?

If buying from a dealer they should be happy to leave you in the m/h to consider your purchase. Take your time, don't commit in a hurry.

Good luck, and welcome to the community.

Thanks Maison excellent advise. Will be putting it into practice this afternoon as we look around a few dealers. We have a modest budget hopefully we can get it right first time if we follow the superb advice offers on Motorhome Fun.

If you like the layout of Hymer, you will probably like many of the European makes also.
The dealer should know their stock and what may be suitable.

Thanks Rogher . I like the Hymer very much but I’m trying not to get to hung up and blinkerd on one Brand of Motorhome. The choice seems huge which is what makes it so difficult possibly. Thanks again.

 

[two]

When you find something, try a 'dry run': Act out all the things you may do in it, especially the routine things (getting in and out of bed for example). It'll be a shame to discover something that becomes an irritation after you've parted with your money. Take a test drive. Check mirrors for blind spots, looking forward. Make sure that any extras important to you actually work. Don't worry about being a pain to the dealer. They should realise that you're serious by then.