If you're considering a Ford Transit based motorhome make sure it has extra security fitted eg deadlocks etc. Or allow for having it fitted in the price as they are desirable to some communities.
Hi Guys, Newbie, nearly at Retirement, Single 66 year old lady, who is young in mind, and just bought an old lady as a M/Home!
- Thread starter sweet caroline
- Start date
Mother Ship
LIFE MEMBER
See post #127.
Tombola
LIFE MEMBER
Hi, I am so sorry as just your message. I am new to forums and keep getting lost ... not much better finding my away around anywhere so my travels will be exciting and probably much longer than was to be expected.
Many thanks for your advice, it is the first thing I do if I have a reg and yes I did check all the MOT history which is almost faultless only ever one fail and that was in only Windscreen washer not working. Had some advisories on brakes binding on one MOT but did not show on next one so assume were fixed.
MOT due next month but will be getting MOT'd Wednesday then I will go off down to see it. I guess if it passes MOT and no advisories on rust or anything else then I can assume it is a safe bet and get it serviced locally when after I buy the van ? No sign of any habitation certificate at any time of it's lifetime, seems odd but if the 4 previous owners were all capable enough to do themselves perhaps that is the reason.
Hasn't been serviced since 2020 but only done about 2,500k since then. No major service since 2016 so would have to get this done, as said would prefer it to be local to me but may get it done in the Midlands if I buy the van.
Decisions, decisions, decisions ... aaargh !!
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Many thanks for the advise. I was wondering about that. I was given what I thought was a pretty high insurance quote and I wondered if this was because of a security issue though as I still have a car I will not be transferring any no claims across so wondered if that was the issue, also no x number of years experience of driving a motorhome either, only the odd bit of vanhire driving here and there when younger when moving house.
I will look in what can be fitted as I would imagine they are not hard to break into, and so many doors to allow them to do so
Many thanks Silver Fox, AA and RAC will just to a vehicle check but not a habitation check also. Was just hoping to get a good all round check but that is now seeming unlikelyThere are many places that will check I’ve the base vehicle at a cost obviously.
Check mot on line.
I think the AA or RAC do vehicle checks
Good luck
raysalaugh
LIFE MEMBER
Can also depend who is carrying out the mot, if it's the same place that's selling it or one of their associates I would want to take for another
mot where they don't carry out repairs.
mot where they don't carry out repairs.
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When you do collect your MH I suggest you take notebook and pen and VIDEO record the handover. Let them show you every switch, knob and button and what they do and when. You will foget a lot of what they say until you become familiar with your MH. Better still record it AND take a more knowledgeable friend along to make sure all fixtures and fittings are in good order.... I know other funsters have done this on occasion that were local to the person looking to buy.
I think bigtree is out your way he may be able to advise you.
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Hi Caroline,
I have just joined and I spotted your old post. That is a lovely looking van you have managed to get yourself. I hope you are enjoying vanlife, I am sure you will have been busy finding out a lot about "Dollie" and what makes her tick.
I am single too, divorced and no man on the scene too and I can absolutely agree with you it is all the mechanical and practicals of vans are a nightmare. I am still on the journey of finding the right van and will be going to see a Ford Transit Duetto 2002 once it has had it's MOT.
Yes, it is a daunting time but very exciting also. I can hardly wait to get the van and be in position to hit the road. This one does not come with any extras so will have to buy all the bits for it if the purchase goes ahead.
Maybe catch up with you at a rally someday
JessieT
Hmmm... No posts from Sweet Caroline since over a year ago. She is down as a free member so presumably can't post. Wonder how she is getting on /got on??? Sad when people just disappear.
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I had a Duetto for over 8 years I did have an alarm/ immobiliser fitted but no extra locks, remember the habitation windows are plastic so if they want to get in they will.Many thanks for the advise. I was wondering about that. I was given what I thought was a pretty high insurance quote and I wondered if this was because of a security issue though as I still have a car I will not be transferring any no claims across so wondered if that was the issue, also no x number of years experience of driving a motorhome either, only the odd bit of vanhire driving here and there when younger when moving house.
I will look in what can be fitted as I would imagine they are not hard to break into, and so many doors to allow them to do so
If you do get it and need any help with how things work I will be able to help.
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Make sure you get the chassis checked for rust on a Transit of that age, don't rely on the mot. Some of them are a horror show.
Is it advertised ? If you can post a link you'll get some useful feedback.
Perhaps do it on a new thread under Motorhome Chat section
bigtree
Free Member
I would if I was at home but have just parked up near Weston Super Mare.
Off on my holibags.
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She never got to use it, reckoned she couldn't get it in gear and after some argy bargy the dealer had it back and sold it through an auction.
It's all on here if you do a search on her name.
Whether she had another or not hasn't been said.
Thanks for advice. It is the seller usual MOT place and that does concern me but as seller and van not local to me it makes another MOT station difficult and MOT is tomorrow.
Thank you
I have just posted a question on a habcheck for a Duetto, the middleman selling it for the seller said I don't need to get a Habcheck on a "Hightop",and has never know one done on Hightops, I find that difficult to believe. What are your thoughts on this please.
Nanniemate
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Mines a Hightop I had a full habheck lead to gas pipes being changed at sellers expense.Thank you
I also.made sure I got there whilst he was there and had a chat about what he thought. As he was my choice he had nothing to gain by not highlighting any issues
Hightops can get damp issues as they have windows and skylights that can leak but regular resealing should avoid this. Also if there is a high level brake light theses are kown to.let in water and often need reealing .not big jobs but regular maintenance.
I had an undetected leak in one of the pipes behind the fridge. AdamH found and fixed it. When he serviced the fridge for me.
Also replaced the wooden support it had effected
No mater what goes wrong or needs doing there is always someone on MHF who can fix it or knows a tradespeople who can.
Seems you've got your heart set on this ford transit.
I have a IH on a fiat 06 Tio these may be worth a look
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I never had a check done on it, a pvc is less likely to get a leak it's possible to leak through the roof because of the holes cut in it but it's not likely. The main thing is look for any damp in the top cupboards and around the roof vents. Make sure you see everything working, the heating, the fridge on gas and electric , hot water on electric and gasThank you
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It has definitely had a leak at some time over and into the top storage area near / above the cab area as can be seen on the photos, the middleman said it is completely dry but who knows until fully checked out. Thanks again.
Many thanks for all the advice. I live in Scotland and the van is down in the Midlands so would not be there during a habcheck. There can certainly be a lot of unseen issues lurking which need fixing.Mines a Hightop I had a full habheck lead to gas pipes being changed at sellers expense.
I also.made sure I got there whilst he was there and had a chat about what he thought. As he was my choice he had nothing to gain by not highlighting any issues
Hightops can get damp issues as they have windows and skylights that can leak but regular resealing should avoid this. Also if there is a high level brake light theses are kown to.let in water and often need reealing .not big jobs but regular maintenance.
I had an undetected leak in one of the pipes behind the fridge. AdamH found and fixed it. When he serviced the fridge for me.
Also replaced the wooden support it had effected
No mater what goes wrong or needs doing there is always someone on MHF who can fix it or knows a tradespeople who can.
Seems you've got your heart set on this ford transit.
I have a IH on a fiat 06 Tio these may be worth a look
Used Ih Motorhomes Motorhomes for sale | AutoTrader Motorhomes
Find Ih Motorhomes used motorhomes for sale on Auto Trader, today. With the best range of second hand Ih Motorhomes motorhomes across the UK, find the right motorhome for you.
I have put a holding deposit on the van so will take a look but if it doesn't feel right, it is not to be and I will just have to keep looking, and thanks for the link, so many different types of van out there to choose from.
Last edited:
Hi everyone, Thank you again for all your advice, there were many red flags, and the broker had become most unpleasant in his replies and attitude when I discussed hab checks etc. I wanted to let you all know that I have not bought the van, and my holding deposit has been returned. I contacted the broker and advised I would arrange a full mechanical and habitation check before agreeing a price and making a purchase. I advised him if the seller would not agree to me arranging these checks, I expected a full refund of the holding deposit.
So, no van as yet, but feel I have dodged a bullet with this one and will searching.
Safe and fun filled travels
JessieT x
So, no van as yet, but feel I have dodged a bullet with this one and will searching.
Safe and fun filled travels
JessieT x
bigtree
Free Member
Well done, if you’re still looking come June I will be home and happy to impart any knowledge I have towards a purchase. 
Nanniemate
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One red flag is o e too many .Good girl. Thevright one will turn up
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