Hope you can help...:o)

[PipeDreamer]

After a long period of consideration, I am about to take the plunge and enter the world of motorhoming.
Reading here (and elsewhere....), I do realise how much I don't know - and how much there IS to know - and am in danger of vacillating endlessly. I have a small budget (£10-11,000) and really do need advice from knowledgable and experienced folk, before I make a bad move.
I have narrowed down my search to -
Peugeot Boxer 2.5D Elddis Autoquest Elite 350D 1996 and done 100,000 miles. MOT to May, no advisories on last one - and all previous show a couple of fails on silly things (washer fluids and lghts).
I have seen and driven this one and seemed fien but do feel that as a lone female, I can be seen as dumb about thee things - which I am.
The seller works with caravans and MHs, although not a dealer, and will complete a habitation "certificate". There were no visible signs of damp (although he is replacing one of the vents) but the floor just after the entry door creaked a little when he stood on it (- very tall man); should I be worried?
The price is £9000.

The other, I am due to see this afternoon and is a Fiat Ducatto Mobilvetta Top Drive 52 2 litre. This is 1998 and had really low mileage (30,000) - which is not always a good thing I understand. It is priavtely owned and according to the prev. MOTs, has had advisories on corrosion on the chassis, which have not been attended to, also an oil leak on the last two or three tests.
There is - not shown on pictures - some corrosion on "the rear", which they say has not worsened in their 5 years ownership. Most (?) important is that there is a crunching noise in 2nd gear, which does not affect driving, but would need looking at (a new gear box, God forbid?); this is apparently reflected in the price, which is £9500.

It sounds as Mobilvettas are quite desirable, so think this might have been the better of the two ...but what do I know? From what I can see, the price is "OK" - given that there is one not too far away that is £13,000 - but is a larger model, more miles, full MOT etc - BUT is a Category D insurance, which I am sure I would be advised to steer clear of? Again - what do I know )

Which is why I am here, asking the experts for any and all input and advice. Thank you so much!


(Sorry to not explain more about myself just yet [v. boring anyway] - I hope that's not a big issue /)

 

[Howard H]

And

 

[PipeDreamer]

And

Thank you

(I found the smilies now - although haven't figured out how to edit.....and correct my spellos)

I am setting off over the Pennines now to look at the Mobilvetta but will check for any replies, all of which will be gratefully received.

 

[carthorse]

 

[Hollyberry]

I'm nowhere near an expert but I'd avoid the second one---- each concern sounds expensive to me.
Would it be feasible to buy a panel van and have it converted ?

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[SuperMike]

As @Hollyberry says, stay away from the second one. The first bares getting an expert type person to check it over, even if it costs you. But as ever make sure whatever you choose that the internal layout suits YOU. Sit in any possible purchase, literally for hours just looking and trying to think of any possible problems with how you would use it. A good example is enough worktop space for YOUR needs etc.

Buy with your head, not with your heart.

 

[TerryL]

Hi @PipeDreamer (love that handle!) and a big

Be very very careful when it comes to corrosion, surface is (usually) treatable, if a little unsightly, but anything to do with the chassis is a no-no. The vendors of the Mobilvetta seem aware of it but haven't done anything - why not? Of the two you mention the Autoquest sounds a better deal to me, but I'm no expert - at that age I don't think I would be too concerned about the creaking floor but would have it checked by someone who knows nevertheless.

As regards desirability, each of us has their own thoughts and preferences and it's down to how they plan to use the motorhome. Layout is everything so when you look at a van imagine yourself living in it when it's pouring with rain. Is there enough room, storage. What about cooking, washing, sleeping, using the loo? All very relevant things to consider. At your budget you perhaps are going to have to make some concessions, but you would be better to avoid anything that has a "don't like" about it. This is a good time of year to be buying as dealers are trying to move their end-of-year stock and this eventually filters down to the cheaper end of the market. Just don't jump at the first one that takes your fancy.

What I would encourage, though, is becoming a full member, it'll be the best £15 you'll spend on motorhoming and opens up the forum to you with lots of info and support. In particular you'll also have free access to Jim's book "Buying a Motorhome" which would be an excellent starting point in your search.

Whatever you decide, good luck and we all hope you find what you're looking for.

(PS - to edit, for a short while after you post an"edit" option appears under your post. Click on it and you can make changes. But it's not there for long.)

Edit (see, it works!) others have posted similar thoughts whilst I was typing - that's the sort of quick reaction you can get on here.

 

[Puddleduck]

I echo what SuperMike and Hollyberry say. [EDIT] and TerryL !!!

You have come to the best place for help and advice, it might be worth paying an annual sub so that you can post and ask as much as you like. You will save far more than it costs believe me.

At the moment you "might" pick up a better deal than at other times of year but good vans sell at any time of year.

If there is a Funster near you it might be that he or she will go and have a look with you and be a bit of a reality check.

Don't be concerned about being a solo, there are quite a few on this forum - of both genders.

 

[Puddleduck]

Here is some info about Cat D write offs from the RAC:

"It’s important to remember a Cat D car will have been written off only because it is uneconomical to fix, not because any potential damage was so great it could not be driven again.

As a result, no test is needed to validate the work, as a reputable garage should deliver the car to a roadworthy standard – if not, subsequent MOT tests should pick up any defects or faulty repairs anyway.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that while a Category D car for sale might be much cheaper than the market value – even if it is in perfect shape with the repairs being carried out to a high standard – when it comes to reselling the vehicle, it won’t be worth as much...

Traders have to declare if a car has been written off as part of a sale, but private individuals do not. To help make sure you don’t get caught out paying over the odds, a data check is advisable and can be done for just a few pounds.

While a cat D write-off might seem cheap, don’t forget some insurers might refuse to offer you cover on a written off vehicle, too, no matter how light the damage was. If you are thinking about buying a cat D vehicle, be sure to check with your car insurance company whether they cover Category D cars."


Would I personally buy a Cat D? Depending on why it was written off, the price and the model I would consider it

 

[PipeDreamer]

Thank you for your lovely replies and advice ...... I AM planning to subscribe, I am sure it will be worth it! especially for someone like me who needs some help (not so much irl ). I will come back shortly to answer more fully and politely.... This is a great plcae, wish I had found earlier x

The Fiat is near Skegness, but I am 60 miles away. If anyone is close to that part of the East Coast? The other one is 50 miles in the opposite dircetion so I couldn't do the two in one day.

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[Minxy]

Hi and welcome to the fun house.

Best thing you can do is definitely join and then download Jim's excellent buyers guide - it's in his shop I think, £7.99 but free to subscribers so that's half your money back ... you'll learn a LOT from reading it and will save yourself a lot of aggro and money by doing so as you'll have a lot more knowledge on what to look for etc.

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[gus-lopez]

 

[TerryL]

So @PipeDreamer how did you get on?

 

[tonka]

DONT RUSH,,,
The winter is coming, there are always lots of vans for sale and it's better to gain a little knowledge first and then you can start asking the right questions of the seller..
Someone who is a true motorhomer will have the answers, maybe even bore you to death as well..

AND only buy or leave a deposit on a van you have physically seen. To many scams out there.

 

[f6c]

Welcome aboard

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[jollyrodger]

&
Buy in haste .......
Good luck with your search

 

[davidbaldam]

Hi and welcome to FUN.

 

[TUCANO]

@movan will introduce you to the girls section on this site where I am sure they will all make you feel at home.
Personally I wouldn't rush into making a quick decision at this time of year, gaining a little, or lots of knowledge from this forum over the winter will give you a better understanding of your new hobby before you spend thousands of pounds, £15 for membership is an absolute bargain.
By my putting an @ before movans name informs her that she has been mentioned in a post.
And to the fun from Yorkshire.
Norman.

 

[In the Pink]

Hi @PipeDreamer,
I can't offer any advice as I am in the exact same position as you and it is quite daunting.
I have joined and downloaded Jim's guide and can honestly say it is money well spent and a 'must' purchase.

Good luck with your search

 

[Lenny HB]

Agree with what has been said about the Mobivetta, I would also tread carefully with the Elddis they are notorious for damp problems and delaminating floors.
Old Hymers fair well in and are fairly trouble free.

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[ambulancekidd]