Hi all, I would appreciate help on brands or coach builders to avoid?

[Tobytastic]

looking to buy a motorhome, i had a very old Fiat daily in the past.

 

[pandas]

Thanks Vic, not sure my wife will tolerate a 100 views.

I read your original question to be around the quality of the build (or lack of), reliability and the after service. Buying new or second hand is also a factor that will influence any feedback. A good question and one that is often influenced by the perception of the brand. Layout, size etc is very much a personal thing.

 

[Dutch 68]

We've bought our last two motorhomes from Southdowns in Portsmouth. We were chatting to one of their agents last time we were there, who told us that Southdowns have reduced their new motorhome range down to Concordes, Carthagos, Hymers and Burstners.

Southdowns Motorhome Centre

Welcome to South Downs Motorhomes – your destination for top-quality new and used motorhomes. Explore our extensive range, expert services, and tailored finance options. Start your journey with us today!

www.southdownsmotorcaravans.co.uk

Happy with southdowns?

 

[Tobytastic]

I read your original question to be around the quality of the build (or lack of), reliability and the after service. Buying new or second hand is also a factor that will influence any feedback. A good question and one that is often influenced by the perception of the brand. Layout, size etc is very much a personal thing.

Hi and thanks we are looking at an older motorhome, 2003 to 2007 is our likely range.

 

[Tobytastic]

Happy with southdowns?

Thanks

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[Tobytastic]

Just a question and many thanks to all for your feedback, I guess a damp tester is a worthwhile tool whilst looking at vehicles?

 

[pandas]

Hi and thanks we are looking at an older motorhome, 2003 to 2007 is our likely range.

Then once you have thought through price, size, layout, configuration, weight
damp maybe high on the list to look at.

 

[Tobytastic]

Then once you have thought through price, size, layout, configuration, weight
damp maybe high on the list to look at.

Thanks, just ordered a damp meter.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Some of the Dethleffs [ T7051 DBM ] have an Island bed that can be raised or lowered depending on your use of the garage area underneath.
They also feature a separate bathroom and shower. 7.5mt.
Mike

 

[138go]

Happy with southdowns?

Very happy.

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[Dutch 68]

Very happy.

Good to know, might be another one to visit this winter, not too far either for us, daughter in uni in Southampton too, so Portsmouth will be a convenient one. Hope to have a bit more choice this winter, early spring.

 

[Lusky]

I would never buy another Swift it was the only that the roof leaked. I have had seven motorhomes over 35 years all from new and the Swift was the only one we had loads of trouble with. I was taking it back to the dealers nearly every week when we first bought it to have things fixed. The first 4 we bought were English and the last 3 were German Hymers.

My Swift which is now 11 years old has had absolutely zero faults detected (excepting the fresh water tank sensor, which seems to quickly play up in most vans)

 

[jimdob]

looking to buy a motorhome, i had a very old Fiat daily in the past.

More important to research the dealer that will fix the inevitable issues.

 

[Sticky Biscuit]

Don't know if it is due to Lockdown or Brexit or both but from my experience I would avoid Adria. Great finish but some spares take months to come from Europe. Also, Warranty work can only be done by relatively few companies.

 

[Nuguns]

looking to buy a motorhome, i had a very old Fiat daily in the past.

We have had just an experience of Elddis Accordo Majestic 105 Yes it’s had some warranty claims for issues but I have to say Elddis have been fantastic with their follow up - support in way of recommended repairers etc. Dealers have been a bit of hit and miss, it really pays to buy through a dealer that has an approved workshop for repairs as most dealers you approach are not interested if you did not purchase from them.

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[Blaydon]

Hi there. We bought our Liaka from Southdowns. The sales guy was a bit ‘laid back’ and we did have a few issues but the service centre and after sales are brilliant. There is a guy there called Ryan who has always been first rate. We love the Liaka, German build, Italian design. Worth a look and a bit different.
D

 

[Jamesh]

Hi and thanks we are looking at an older motorhome, 2003 to 2007 is our likely range.

Looking at an older British van, leaks will be a issue on some models.

Continental models were better built in that generation. But have habitation doors on wrong side and often don't have ovens.

Cheers James

 

[bexleyjohn]

A difficult question to answer if you’ve not owned several different makes to make fair comparisons.

After 30 years of caravanning half of which with our three daughters, we eventually made the move to Motorhome for just the two of us and the occasional trip with grandchildren. We traded in a VIP Coachman for a brand new Benimar 202 in 2015. BIG MISTAKE, We experienced a number of problems with the Benimar (mainly concerning the drop-down bed and the poor attachment of the guide rails and broken slats that took weeks to replace) but the biggest disappointment was the build quality and the materials used (e.g. some panels were laminated chip-board) which couldn’t cope with vibrations and screws coming loose. After 12 months we bit the bullet and traded it in for a new Dethleffs Trend. WHAT A DIFFERENCE.

We’ve now owned it for 5 years. No problems. Excellent build quality. Superb after-sales service from Pullingers. Surprisingly it’s what is looked upon as being a Dethleffs entry level MH.

It may be that Benimar have raised their game since 2015 but I would be very reluctant to buy another even though they offer lots of extras and some of their MHs have nice internal designs.

 

[Lenny HB]

Easy, avoid everything except Hymer, period, end of!

On our third Hymer I wouldn't buy another one. They are OK for a mid range van but I want something with better build quality next time.
I would never buy a Brit build van they make Hymers look good by comparison.

 

[Catpirate]

Love my old Burstner 747-2. 2003 model, no leaks but I know my vehicle warts and all. Had it for 12 yrs now. Fixed a few defects but on the whole has been reliable and great for a family of 5 with a dog and rat. Just back from a trouble free trip visiting Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and the New Forest. Off to Cumbria in 10 days.

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[Plumb]

Hiya yes have owned 2 chausson motorhomes both from new great design and innovation in these vans loved the contemporary finish , but alas damp was the major issue for us 90% readings on both at rear garage area floor !Dealer tried a couple of times to fix but was never successful so got rid after a couple of years or so ,dealers technician said they were all the same sad really loved the layouts with the drop down beds releasing loads of space in lounge area . Good luck with your search.

 

[frwjd]

We bought a 2008 Rapido from BCS in Rochdale and their sales and after service were superb.
We had 3 months warranty and took it back for a few jobs to be sorted and they happily corrected all the issues. They even repaired a damaged back corner, my fault and not under warranty, that would have cost £400 elsewhere - for free! Excellent company.

 

[pandas]

On our third Hymer I wouldn't buy another one. They are OK for a mid range van but I want something with better build quality next time.
I would never buy a Brit build van they make Hymers look good by comparison.

I think you get what you pay for in a Hymer. For the price I cannot think of an alternative that would be as good or for our needs. Not until you step up a gear price wise then in no doubt I would buy a Morelo but for the number of times we use it the added benefit would not be worth additional cost in our view. Current thinking anyhow. At least with electric vehicles imminent manufacturers might see this as an opportunity to step change the look and feel of motorhomes - not just change one drive chain for another.

 

[138go]

Hi there. We bought our Liaka from Southdowns. The sales guy was a bit ‘laid back’ and we did have a few issues but the service centre and after sales are brilliant. There is a guy there called Ryan who has always been first rate. We love the Liaka, German build, Italian design. Worth a look and a bit different.
D

Southdowns don't sell Laikas now. We had a Laika from them, which we loved but they said the quality has slipped.

 

[Lenny HB]

I would buy a Morelo

Me too but I might not live long enough to use it once 'er indoors found out.

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[Al n Val]

Easy, avoid everything except Hymer, period, end of!

try telling my mate that

 

[rosalan]

What should be your starting point, is your lifestyle. Before any other consideration, buy a van that fills this criteria.
Do you like to entertain? Is there enough interior space for a group of people?
Is cooking a priority? Work surface and storage for pots and pans.
Will most of your use be overseas? Outside activities like cooking and groups of people in hot weather.
Will you use showers or use them as storage. Picking up a dropped sponge in small space.

Repairing a mechanical parts of an older motorhome will be cheaper than fixing a leak.
Interior colour schemes do not matter, Most can be changed completely for £1600 ish.
Lately I have heard several Hymer owners complain about leaks and quality declining.
I love our van but it has taken several vans to get here no matter how hard we tried to get it all right.

 

[Podney]

Have a look at Rapido’s.

Generally well made.

 

[Keypresser]

Welcome.
Don't forget, if you buy a Fiat 2.3 multi jet based motorhome you will need to change the cam belt every 5 years costing £500+ at a dealer.
The 3.0l doesn't have a cam belt so no add on cost.

 

[Lenny HB]

Welcome.
Don't forget, if you buy a Fiat 2.3 multi jet based motorhome you will need to change the cam belt every 5 years costing £500+ at a dealer.
The 3.0l doesn't have a cam belt so no add on cost.

The Fiat belt kit is now £480 before any labour.

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[Bluethunder]

looking to buy a motorhome, i had a very old Fiat daily in the past.

We have a 2011 ELDDIS AUTOQUEST MAJESTIC,we love the layout BUT last year i noticed the paintwork was not good,apparently after they put the base colour on they overcoat it with lacquer this was now lifting big time,i contacted the manufacturers to ask about this and was told , WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM A 10year old motorhome,needless to say i am not a happy bunny.