Hi everyone, looking to buy first motorhome , will 30k be enough

[Wrightys]

Hi everyone,

I’ve just joined looks a great forum so far

going to buy my first motorhome next year, I’ve had Campervans for 12 years , but need more space now. I’ve got 30k so it’s going to be and older model, hopefully enough to get started

thanks

anthony

 

[f6c]

Welcome aboard

 

[wfdTamar]

Yes. You could probably get something ok at a starting point of high teens, but keep in mind two drawbacks the older you go. More likely to have things wrong with it, or that will soon go wrong with it. Also will be banned from more & more cities (if not whole regions) due to emissions.

 

[Wrightys]

thanks , didn’t think of the emissions ruling? Everything I’m looking at seems to be fiat Ducati based , I presume the 2.8 Utd engine is the best

 

[Terry]

That’s a decent budget for a first van. Your biggest problem is LAYOUT choiceBTW welcome

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[Wrightys]

I know it’s a minefield when you go bigger, loads of options for layout !

 

[wfdTamar]

The Fiat certainly seems the most popular base vehicle. There are some Mercedes based ones, but I don't think the base vehicle makes a huge impact. More the actual motorhome bit. I have the 2.8 jtd (in a 2002 Hymer) and it's good. Decent power and economy. You'd probably get a better Euro rating (emissions) from a newer one though. Although that allows you into more cities, would you want to go into them? It may matter for transit routes through some (like having to go around vs through Rouen if you're going south through France). More important if you do short holidays and need to get somewhere. You want a more direct route.

Have a look at the greenzones.eu site and app if you want to check where you can go with a certain rated vehicle (oh, whoops, you need a subscription to see the data in it). For example, my 2002 Hymer is Class 4 (in France & Germany). You'd be looking at £18-22k for one like it. Basically meant I couldn't go into any bigger city.

 

[UptheGas]

The Fiat certainly seems the most popular base vehicle. There are some Mercedes based ones, but I don't think the base vehicle makes a huge impact. More the actual motorhome bit. I have the 2.8 jtd (in a 2002 Hymer) and it's good. Decent power and economy. You'd probably get a better Euro rating (emissions) from a newer one though. Although that allows you into more cities, would you want to go into them? It may matter for transit routes through some (like having to go around vs through Rouen if you're going south through France). More important if you do short holidays and need to get somewhere. You want a more direct route.

Have a look at the greenzones.eu site and app if you want to check where you can go with a certain rated vehicle (oh, whoops, you need a subscription to see the data in it). For example, my 2002 Hymer is Class 4 (in France & Germany). You'd be looking at £18-22k for one like it. Basically meant I couldn't go into any bigger city.

To be fair , I’d rather go around Rouen than through it again . Nightmare of a place to drive through .

 

[davidbaldam]

Hi and welcome to FUN.

 

[Jo662]

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[UptheGas]

Hi everyone,

I’ve just joined looks a great forum so far

going to buy my first motorhome next year, I’ve had Campervans for 12 years , but need more space now. I’ve got 30k so it’s going to be and older model, hopefully enough to get started

thanks

anthony

I’m sure you‘ll get something suitable you like for your budget. Just don’t make the same mistake I did ….. start looking at things in your budget but just out of curiosity you have a gander at 5k over….. then 10k, 15k, 20k and end up buying one at 25k over like I’ve just done

 

[martin west dorset]

The 3.0 litre Fiat is the better engine to have as no cam belt & water pump change at regular intervals, also very economical I average 30mpg driving at 60mph, I previously had Mercedes based motorhomes but so far impressed with the Fiat with the 3.0 litre Iveco engine, but time will tell.

 

[Al-Di]

 

[Wrightys]

Thanks to everyone, great advice on the engine and emissions front. I thought having a camper for 12 years i would find the step up easy enough, it seems there’s a lot to consider when making there move to a moho

 

[ambulancekidd]

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[Clive Mott]

Yes. the 3 litre Iveco engine is much better than that 2.8. No cam belt for starters on the 3 litre. Check out the gearbox as there were issues with 5th gear. The later Fiat models suffered from judder in reverse. On the electrics steer clear with anything with Nordeltronica electrics, refered to NE in the manuals. These cost Swift a fortune until they moved to Sargent. DAMP TEST CERTIFICATE. Make sure anything you consider has an up to date formal damp test carried out by a professional body. Not someones DIY.
And if anybody says Oversealing then run away.
Most are Fiat based as they were the cheapest base vehicles, but also look at Ford, Mercedes, Renault.

 

[Don Campbell]

We found Mercedes parts and servicing were costly when we had a 3 Litre V6 and the base vehicle is more expensive so for a first buy 2nd hand I'm sure you are better off not considering that make.

 

[ChrisAndEmma]

Hi

I think you can get some great motorhomes for that money. We got our first one a y reg Fiat Ducato Mobilvetta for less than 20k amd we love it.
Things I now realise as a newbie to MH is that it does need you to be able to get to grips with the technical aspects of the on board systems. I‘ve got reasonable tech knowledge from cars but it took a while to get my head around the habitation aspects of the van.
The other thing I realise is the standing time probably is more destructive to the vans than the mileage. So low mileage doesn’t mean no worries with the chassis aspects. I’d say take your time and really check all on board systems work as they should or that any problems are identified and fixable.
I’d also get an AA type buyer report including chassis inspection to check for corrosion issues not obvious from the bodywork. Get a new MOT done before you buy and make sure any advisories are either fixed or taken into account in the price.
This forum has been very useful to me for learning and I’m always amazed at (and grateful for!) the knowledge and experience that people share here. I’d say you won’t go far wrong buying from an owner who is moving on a much loved vehicle- they’ll be pleased to share all the history and knowledge with you. Perhaps be prepared to buy new batteries and tyres according to age and use.
Good luck

 

[SeanF1]

On the electrics steer clear with anything with Nordeltronica electrics, refered to NE in the manuals.

Hi Clive. What were the issues with NE please? I have a brand new van on order which will come with latest NE kit so I'm keen to understand these issues if possible. Many thanks. Sean

 

[simon bocock]

thanks , didn’t think of the emissions ruling? Everything I’m looking at seems to be fiat Ducati based , I presume the 2.8 Utd engine is the best

Correct ! Fiat 2.8 turbo diesel the best . Had my Dethleffs Globebus 2 ( much modified internally ) since new in 2005 , lhd , auto gearbox , cab air con , cruise control , bought at Le Bourget show . No problems ( so far ) after over 160,000 kms . Regular servicing important . I don’t bother with official dealer habitation checks . Not garaged . Be patient . They will be about this Winter . Anything over 2.1. - 2.2 metres wide will be hard work if you want to travel a lot across country . Plus or minus 6 metres long wriggles into many parking spaces with overhanging grass verges etc. A lot easier driving on the Continent generally - and parking up a doddle . Don’t be tempted with anything too big - unless an absolute steal ! Hope this helps .

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[scotzsue]

Welcome to fun, looking at the FB forums I am on and there seems to be a lot more coming up for sale recently, some silly prices, but if the trend continues prices should drop. Good luck with your search.

 

[john prince]

I bought a Ford Transit based Burstner Nexxo MH recently from Dolphin Motorhomes, ‘09 plate @30k. Have to say , brilliant choice for the two of us. Good idea to go to a dealer with regards to warranty etc

 

[Brains]

When buying for the first time I'd suggest:

Hire a couple of vans for a long weekend (we hired four before we bought) it will give you a good idea of what you really want/need and dont want/dont need.

There are so many makes and models to see, that make some basic choices right from the start
(80% of modern vans are Fiat Ducatto based)

There is a lot to be said for 'matching collar and cuffs'
We decided to limit our search to German vans only, therefore it also had to be a Mercedes base vehicle.

Select the min/max length you need
Min/max number of berths

If you can afford to get a Euro 6 engine, which is almost any van from 2014 onwards, then well worth the additional cost, as pre 2014 vans are steadily being banned from more and more cities.
In a few years time driving an older van long distance will be like playing a game of chess where you will need to very carefully select a route to ensure you do not pay excessive fines.

 

[simon bocock]

When buying for the first time I'd suggest:

Hire a couple of vans for a long weekend (we hired four before we bought) it will give you a good idea of what you really want/need and dont want/dont need.

There are so many makes and models to see, that make some basic choices right from the start
(80% of modern vans are Fiat Ducatto based)

There is a lot to be said for 'matching collar and cuffs'
We decided to limit our search to German vans only, therefore it also had to be a Mercedes base vehicle.

Select the min/max length you need
Min/max number of berths

If you can afford to get a Euro 6 engine, which is almost any van from 2014 onwards, then well worth the additional cost, as pre 2014 vans are steadily being banned from more and more cities.
In a few years time driving an older van long distance will be like playing a game of chess where you will need to very carefully select a route to ensure you do not pay excessive fines.

When buying for the first time I'd suggest:

Hire a couple of vans for a long weekend (we hired four before we bought) it will give you a good idea of what you really want/need and dont want/dont need.

There are so many makes and models to see, that make some basic choices right from the start
(80% of modern vans are Fiat Ducatto based)

There is a lot to be said for 'matching collar and cuffs'
We decided to limit our search to German vans only, therefore it also had to be a Mercedes base vehicle.

Select the min/max length you need
Min/max number of berths

If you can afford to get a Euro 6 engine, which is almost any van from 2014 onwards, then well worth the additional cost, as pre 2014 vans are steadily being banned from more and more cities.
In a few years time driving an older van long distance will be like playing a game of chess where you will need to very carefully select a route to ensure you do not pay excessive fines.

Good advice . Totally agree about German vans , but mine and other German makes did have and do have the Fiat turbo diesel engines . Mercedes believed to have had problems around 2005 with their engines , for anyone looking for an older Mercedes van . As to future possible emission fines if you don’t have the latest Euro 6 engine , and choose to drive through the big cities of the U.K. and Europe , I don’t see the huge number of French “ CAMPING-CAR “ readers and Motorhome owners putting up with this for long . It is no longer much fun driving through any busy urban environment , anyway , let alone in a Motorhome . Leave it on the fringes , walk in , or bus .

 

[Wrightys]

Some brilliant replies here , really appreciate the advice and tips. I’d love a Mercedes based van as I’ve had Mercedes work vans in the past and they were all brilliant, also my old Campervan was based off a 312d which was bullet proof. If pushing the budget up slightly gets me into a 2014 van then that might be a good option re emission. Also noted that a well used van is going to be better than one which sits for months on end. Great stuff people , thank you

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[Speve]

Some brilliant replies here , really appreciate the advice and tips. I’d love a Mercedes based van as I’ve had Mercedes work vans in the past and they were all brilliant, also my old Campervan was based off a 312d which was bullet proof. If pushing the budget up slightly gets me into a 2014 van then that might be a good option re emission. Also noted that a well used van is going to be better than one which sits for months on end. Great stuff people , thank you

I would also suggest not to worry about or overthink the emissions I realise there are more zones being implemented? However you don’t need to actually go into the zones? You could usually find a stop on the perimeter and visit using alternative transport such as bikes,bus,trains or trams?

 

[Brains]

I would also suggest not to worry about or overthink the emissions I realise there are more zones being implemented? However you don’t need to actually go into the zones? You could usually find a stop on the perimeter and visit using alternative transport such as bikes,bus,trains or trams?

The European map for clean air zones now in place or in the process of being set up that will typically ban or toll diesel vehicles built before Euro 6/2014.

Looking at this map you can see which major industrialised nation seems to be lagging behind the rest.
I'm guessing that come 2025 there will be a lot of catching up to be done, particularly in the 'red wall area' of central England.
But I guess the current government are hoping they can leave that decision to the next government.

 

[simon bocock]

The European map for clean air zones now in place or in the process of being set up that will typically ban or toll diesel vehicles built before Euro 6/2014.

View attachment 689817

Looking at this map you can see which major industrialised nation seems to be lagging behind the rest.
I'm guessing that come 2025 there will be a lot of catching up to be done, particularly in the 'red wall area' of central England.
But I guess the current government are hoping they can leave that decision to the next government.

Sounds like another well meaning piece of “ super bureaucracy “ : we can and will avoid !
Who on earth would now deliberately want to drive our Vans through the middle of say , Madrid , Paris , Rouen , Chartres , etc. etc. ? You can get caught out sometimes ( I know , with or without Sat. Nav. ! ) …. but no problem . Check your route first on an appropriate scale map . Then just switch on “ View Map “ . Go !

 

[Monty777]

Just for information our January 2016 registered Hymer Exsis which is on a 2015 Fiat Ducato base is Euro 5 not 6-Euro 6 came on 2016 manufactured Fiat Ducato’s. However we have emissions stickers for both France and Germany and haven’t had any problems when abroad.

john

 

[funflair]

The Fiat certainly seems the most popular base vehicle. There are some Mercedes based ones, but I don't think the base vehicle makes a huge impact. More the actual motorhome bit. I have the 2.8 jtd (in a 2002 Hymer) and it's good. Decent power and economy. You'd probably get a better Euro rating (emissions) from a newer one though. Although that allows you into more cities, would you want to go into them? It may matter for transit routes through some (like having to go around vs through Rouen if you're going south through France). More important if you do short holidays and need to get somewhere. You want a more direct route.

Have a look at the greenzones.eu site and app if you want to check where you can go with a certain rated vehicle (oh, whoops, you need a subscription to see the data in it). For example, my 2002 Hymer is Class 4 (in France & Germany). You'd be looking at £18-22k for one like it. Basically meant I couldn't go into any bigger city.

You should find that there is a corridor through Rouen that is not part of the green zone.

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