Help checking a van out in North Merseyside

[kurvengeisst]

Hello all, I feel slightly embarrassed asking this but here goes, shy bairns get nowt as my mum used to say. After a few months searching, I've found a van with a dealer in the Preston area that fits our needs and budget; it would be our first MH. Ive read some horror stories here and other places about potential for getting this decision seriously wrong, and also read some advice to ask this group for help. So I was wondering if there's anybody experienced in the area who would be kind enough to help a newbie give a van the once over? - Free beer as much as a person can drink, our eternal gratitude and anything else I should offer in return!

 

[davanne]

I’m a great fan of Todd’s at Lostock Hall. They aren’t the cheapest but I’ve bought several vans off them over the years and can’t fault their knowledge and after sales service.

Another fan of Todd’s we bought 1 s/h and 2new motorhomes from them excellent after sales and they are a well established family firm.

 

[kurvengeisst]

i think your instinct is telling you to walk away but your wallet is telling you it might be ok ..... which do you trust the most?
There are lots of motorhomes for sale up and down the country, why take a chance on one that youre unsure of ? If the dealer cant even be bothered to keep it clean and offers an excuse you know doesnt ring true or make sense, doesnt that tell you something about the dealers?

I would take a look in the classifieds on this forum and even post an advert for the make and model that youre looking for, someone out there may be thinking of selling/part exchanging their motorhome and you might nudge them over the line?

Spot on MrB, that’s where I am. Thanks for the sage advice, and for thinking about it, and also thanks to others this morning for support. I think I’ll do what any man should under these circumstances.. Have a beer ! I’m going round the harriers tonight for pint or two and I’ll talk it over with a few folks who are the extreme opposite of impulsive. (Compulsive?). The fact I haven’t jumped in the car to the dealers is a sign my instinct to walk is winning…

 

[kurvengeisst]

Are you pushing your budget?
Will you have some in reserve if you do find it needs some expensive repairs?

Yes there would be something left in the tank, and we would want to upgrade quite a bit about the van anyway to get it just so. Me and Kerry were both put on the planet to graft !

 

[kurvengeisst]

Another fan of Todd’s we bought 1 s/h and 2new motorhomes from them excellent after sales and they are a well established family firm.

I’ll have a look…

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[kurvengeisst]

Quick update? I had another look at the van on Saturday, armed with a nice long list of things to check, and decided to pass on this one. In the end it was too risky;, no document history, 4 owners, and a big oil leak previously put me off. With many thanks to all for advice it was very helpful. BTW in case this comes up for others, the AA and RAC wouldn't do a pre purchase inspection for me, they don't do vehicles over 3.5k metric tonnes. I did a search for commercial van pre purchase inspection and it was twice the price (£400 for a standard Inspection), so decided against that too.

Slightly different experience with Red Lion this time, a good bloke called Simon took me out on a test drive and was very helpful fetching a ladder, hooking the van up etc. No pressure sales.Chatting to one of their happy customers who picked up a new caravan whileI was there (he'd been watching this chat with interest), said he'd driven up from Kent as they offered a real good price. I guess maybe they let their prices do the selling.

Anyroad, I came away wiser and richer so happy with that! Thanks again all.

 

[Hymerboy]

Hello all, I feel slightly embarrassed asking this but here goes, shy bairns get nowt as my mum used to say. After a few months searching, I've found a van with a dealer in the Preston area that fits our needs and budget; it would be our first MH. Ive read some horror stories here and other places about potential for getting this decision seriously wrong, and also read some advice to ask this group for help. So I was wondering if there's anybody experienced in the area who would be kind enough to help a newbie give a van the once over? - Free beer as much as a person can drink, our eternal gratitude and anything else I should offer in return!

Just a thought, do you have C1 on your licence ?

 

[kurvengeisst]

Just a thought, do you have C1 on your licence ?

Thanks Ducatikid, yes I do.

 

[rob1234]

hi i live 3 miles from red lion i often go in for a look ,,its only really the last couple of years they started doing motor homes ,but now there seems to be loads of them in there compound ,they have been there for years, always very helpful for parts etc, even though they seem expensive, if they had the van i am looking for i wouldn't hesitate buying from them ,i know they put there motorhomes into a garage in southport for any repairs that need doing