MH Novice thinking of buying a AutoSleeper Eton - advice please

[JessieT]

Hi all, single female 60 plus, never had a van before and thinking of buying a AS Eton 2007 . It's a Ford Transit with the 2.4 engine, BHP 100 and 5 gears. Small van 5.7m long by 2.21m wide but as on my own I don't need anything bigger, would have preferred longer bench seats to just sleep on a single rather than make up the double. I am only 5.3 ft but bench seats are pretty smaller though I can turn one of the cab swivel chairs to make it longer but doesn't look as comfy as a full bench seat.

Got what appears to be a good deal from a main dealer as they took £500 off their asking price and fitting a solar panel and cruise control (they had mistakenly advertised as having cruise ) as well as tiding up a few bits on the van and will come with service, hab check, and 12 months mot. Van has a already has a rear camera, TV aerial and tow bar fitted. Will need to get propane, hook up lead, water hose levelling blocks, chemicals etc as none with the van.

Hoping someone others on the site may have or previously owned an Eton and can share their thoughts on the van, the good and the bad points.

Looking at the price elsewhere and price I they have agreed on with the extra fittings it seems a good deal. Also comes with 12 month warranty though it only covers up to £1000 per claim which isn't a lot but better than nothing.

The BIG concern of mine is that there is NO service book or any receipts in the documents wallet provided by previous owner. I find this astonishing and a little concerning. It has had a number of different owners ( 7, I think ). If van had had only only one previous owner who was a mechanic so just did the work himself it would be different. Seems very odd to m as a full or good SH always helps when selling and usually always gets passed on because of that. The previous MOT's all look okay with no major issues to raise concerns so that settles my mind a bit, just this total lack of service history ?

Thoughts and advice would be greatly welcomed, many thanks and warm wishes

Many thanks

JessieT

 

[rolosroller]

Yes, why ? Do you know anything about this van ?

Shame you can not travel as i have seen this one.

Auto Trader Motorhomes - New and Used Motorhomes For Sale

Find your next motorhome with Auto Trader UK, the official #1 site to buy and sell new and used motorhomes. Over 7,000 motorhomes online. Simple, easy, quick!

www.autotrader.co.uk

 

[JessieT]

Jessie,

This is a great forum, but with older Autosleepers you ought to also go on the Autosleepers Owners forum, where there are likely to be other Eton owners (or of that ilk):

Auto-Sleeper Owners Forum (ASOF) The Auto Sleepers Motorhomes Forums

Welcome to The Auto-Sleeper Owners Forum (ASOF) A friendly online community with dedicated forums for Auto Sleeper motorhome owners. Get help and advice with motorhome problems, Learn tips, or just ch

www.autosleeper-ownersforum.com

I belong to both forums - best of both worlds.

Many thanks already on there but no info available on an Eton, feel like there couldn't have been many made ? Some talk on the Nuevo which is very similar but on a Peugeot opposed to the Eton which is on a Ford. Bit concerned about the Ford as they are known to be more prone to corrosion.

 

[JessieT]

Shame you can not travel as i have seen this one.

Auto Trader Motorhomes - New and Used Motorhomes For Sale

Find your next motorhome with Auto Trader UK, the official #1 site to buy and sell new and used motorhomes. Over 7,000 motorhomes online. Simple, easy, quick!

www.autotrader.co.uk

Many thanks rolosroller, lovely looking van and has the advantage of a tracker so cheaper insurance though not sure about the subscription costs on having these. It is newer and on Peugeot rather than the Ford but the other van would come with so much more and costs less. It seems that these vans are all around the asking price I would be paying for the the Eton so that is good to know, I am just not sure why I feel I can't commit buying the van and I guess I have to go with gut instinct even if I feel I am getting a good deal, but it is hard

Oh and forgot to say, no warranties, service, hab check, etc would come with a van bought from this van as it being sold by a broker and not a dealer.

 

[Puddleduck]

Some brokers do offer warranty.

We sold via motorhome depot and needed to have a full hab check by their recommended service people plus a recent service (which we already had). MHD provided a warranty. The van was 6 years old and we had every document ever associated with the van.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Janine]

Many thanks rolosroller, lovely looking van and has the advantage of a tracker so cheaper insurance though not sure about the subscription costs on having these. It is newer and on Peugeot rather than the Ford but the other van would come with so much more and costs less. It seems that these vans are all around the asking price I would be paying for the the Eton so that is good to know, I am just not sure why I feel I can't commit buying the van and I guess I have to go with gut instinct even if I feel I am getting a good deal, but it is hard

Oh and forgot to say, no warranties, service, hab check, etc would come with a van bought from this van as it being sold by a broker and not a dealer.

Have you had any quotes for insurance as I understand that some companies are nervous about the vulnerability of Fords.

 

[JessieT]

Have you had any quotes for insurance as I understand that some companies are nervous about the vulnerability of Fords.

Yes, the caravan and camper club was horrific as over £1200, Safeguard was £465 with a dealer 5% discount which was still more than I had expected as had quotes earlier this year for other MH's and Coachbuilt vans which weren't nearly as much as this.

 

[JessieT]

Some brokers do offer warranty.

We sold via motorhome depot and needed to have a full hab check by their recommended service people plus a recent service (which we already had). MHD provided a warranty. The van was 6 years old and we had every document ever associated with the van.

Thanks for the info Puddleduck. Think I have been unlucky with my dealings with Motorhome Depot in the past as the vans I looked at there was no hab check by the owner/seller of the van. When I asked about this I was told No, if I wanted one I would have to have to pay to have it done myself. I have seen they now offer a warranty that you can purchase separately, think it is a bit like those you can buy either from dealer (if not already included) or you can purchase yourself for extra peace of mind.

Can I ask which Motorhome dealer you sold through as sounds like a good broker so may be worth me checking out his stock.

 

[Puddleduck]

JessieT

I can only speak as a seller of course.

MHD is a franchise with different agents in each area. We happened to get a good agent.

To be honest most warranties are as much use a a sparrow fart in a gale.

 

[Brize]

Many thanks already on there but no info available on an Eton, feel like there couldn't have been many made ? Some talk on the Nuevo which is very similar but on a Peugeot opposed to the Eton which is on a Ford. Bit concerned about the Ford as they are known to be more prone to corrosion.

Jessie,

I can't see any recent discussion on the AS forum about an Eton, last was in April.

One opinion voiced here by Johno:

Log in

www.autosleeper-ownersforum.com

Another discussion here:

Eton - Devon or Eton Automatic ??

Eton Hi Folks, We have come to the conclusion that we must find an "auto" version of our Nuevo Classic 2009. Looking at the Eton , it appears that it only has

www.autosleeper-ownersforum.com

I can only give you a personal opinion. No matter how good the deal might be, and all the extras on the van, I would walk away from a vehicle that has had 7 owners since 2007, and has no documentation whatsoever.

Autosleepers is one of the best UK makes, and I encourage you to look at the brand, but there will be better secondhand models out there.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Sue and Rick]

If bought from a dealer , as i understand it, you will have 6 months unlimited cost warrenty under statutory buyers rights. The dealer giving a 12 month limited warranty does not affect this.

Also check that the swivel seat isnt fixed by a bolt because the swivel mechanism doesn't work and it doesn't swivel.

Do a bit of digging in the paperwork, you may find a previous owner although the dealer may have removed this. (Look on the previous hab checks.)

Its just me i dont trust dealers.

Check with the base vehicle manufacturer dealer for services. You never know the manufacturer may have serviced it in its earlier years.

Get your self a damp tester and go around the van ( without the dealer present ) around the windows and roof lights and corners of the van.

 

[rolosroller]

Well it looks like you have made your mind up about the van .
Have you seen the marks on the floor . wall near the toilet under the widow .
I have bought a van threw Motorhome Depot no problems. .Good luck

 

[JessieT]

Jessie,

I can't see any recent discussion on the AS forum about an Eton, last was in April.

One opinion voiced here by Johno:

Log in

www.autosleeper-ownersforum.com

Another discussion here:

Eton - Devon or Eton Automatic ??

Eton Hi Folks, We have come to the conclusion that we must find an "auto" version of our Nuevo Classic 2009. Looking at the Eton , it appears that it only has

www.autosleeper-ownersforum.com

I can only give you a personal opinion. No matter how good the deal might be, and all the extras on the van, I would walk away from a vehicle that has had 7 owners since 2007, and has no documentation whatsoever.

Autosleepers is one of the best UK makes, and I encourage you to look at the brand, but there will be better secondhand models out there.

Many thanks Brize, I didn't put up a post on AS forum as had looked and found an old post query on Nuevo / Eton Comparison. I must admit I am a bit lost with forums, they are like a maze to me so I get lost but I tend to do that everywhere, goodness knows where I will end up when I finally get my MH or Camper but likely it often won't be where I intended I tend to go by the saying, “Not all those who wander are lost”

Thanks for the links, I had a quick glance but will take a better look later. I have let the dealer know that I won't be proceeding with the Eton, just something not sitting right with me. Still good to read about them as may buy a different Eton or the Nuevo. Think the Auto-trails look pretty good vans too so will keep and eye out for those also. Guess it is back to the drawing board for me, once again

Thanks again for your help

 

[JessieT]

If bought from a dealer , as i understand it, you will have 6 months unlimited cost warrenty under statutory buyers rights. The dealer giving a 12 month limited warranty does not affect this.

Also check that the swivel seat isnt fixed by a bolt because the swivel mechanism doesn't work and it doesn't swivel.

Do a bit of digging in the paperwork, you may find a previous owner although the dealer may have removed this. (Look on the previous hab checks.)

Its just me i dont trust dealers.

Check with the base vehicle manufacturer dealer for services. You never know the manufacturer may have serviced it in its earlier years.

Get your self a damp tester and go around the van ( without the dealer present ) around the windows and roof lights and corners of the van.

HI Rick and Sue, Thanks for the info. I didn't know about the dealer 6 months unlimited coast warranty so good to know.

Yes, just read something about the fact that not all of the front seats swivel, though they did agree in writing it would do.

There is absolutely NO paperwork at all provided other an a couple of old MOT certs (which of course you can find yourself online !) owners handbook and manuals, and certainly NO Service book, old receipts, etc. That was why I felt it was so "iffy"

I didn't know you could do a base vehicle manufacturer dealer check, I will have to look into that for future reference.

I have a damp meter and I went round the van myself when the dealer left me on my own, readings were all low. I did the windows, roof lights and washroom / shower area and in the big overhead cupboard at the cab end. Probably missed areas I shouldn't have though. I have a Brennenstuhl MD damp meter which wasn't expensive but did get good reviews and seems to do the job.

Thanks again, and no I don't trust dealers either but feel at least you have some sort of come back against them.

 

[JessieT]

Well it looks like you have made your mind up about the van .
Have you seen the marks on the floor . wall near the toilet under the widow .
I have bought a van threw Motorhome Depot no problems. .Good luck

Many thanks Rolosroller, yes I have told the dealer I am not going ahead with a purchase. Yes, I seen the marks on the floor and it was agree in writing this would be sorted if buying. I can't recall anything about the window near the toilet so will have to check but I did go round the inside with my damp meter ? I will take a look at the photos just out of curiosity as you have spotted something.

Do you mind telling me which MH Depot broker you purchased from, good to know as you have had a good experience, thanks.

Just taken a look, gosh I see what you mean, can't believe I missed that !

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[rolosroller]

Many thanks Rolosroller, yes I have told the dealer I am not going ahead with a purchase. Yes, I seen the marks on the floor and it was agree in writing this would be sorted if buying. I can't recall anything about the window near the toilet so will have to check but I did go round the inside with my damp meter ? I will take a look at the photos just out of curiosity as you have spotted something.

Do you mind telling me which MH Depot broker you purchased from, good to know as you have had a good experience, thanks.

MH Depot broker was in Yorkshire they are all different reps some know what they are talking about some don't.
And they don't always put all the details about the vans they are selling. You have to talk to them And ask questions'
That one i sent you looked a good van only about£1000 more than you were going to pay.
Did not say anything about the tv bike rack who knows what else they forgot. Just ring them.
If you do find a van in the future ask some on here if they could look at it .
Take your time looking. Good Luck

 

[JessieT]

Thanks you all for your comments and advice it has really helped. A mentioned I am not to buy the Eton or at least that particular one.

Still looking for a MH or Campervan 6 m or less and open minded but I do want a good quality build not flimsy even though only I will be using it though saying that I can be very clumsy at times

I would prefer to buy something not too far from me but will travel though preferably a journeys that don't take most of day to get too get to that I have to stop over as the travel and accommodation costs mount up. I also have a health issue which results in low the energy levels and having to deal with a bit of pain so it can be quite challenging at times.

So, I will keep looking and dreaming for now, no doubt I will be back again asking questions about other vans that I may be considering.

Thanks again Funsters xx

 

[JessieT]

MH Depot broker was in Yorkshire they are all different reps some know what they are talking about some don't.
And they don't always put all the details about the vans they are selling. You have to talk to them And ask questions'
That one i sent you looked a good van only about£1000 more than you were going to pay.
Did not say anything about the tv bike rack who knows what else they forgot. Just ring them.
If you do find a van in the future ask some on here if they could look at it .
Take your time looking. Good Luck

Thank you Rolosroller

 

[Brize]

Jessie,
If you like the Eton, have you seen this advert - it's up in your neck of the woods - well, Scotland anyway!

Auto Trader Motorhomes - New and Used Motorhomes For Sale

Find your next motorhome with Auto Trader UK, the official #1 site to buy and sell new and used motorhomes. Over 7,000 motorhomes online. Simple, easy, quick!

www.autotrader.co.uk

 

[Janine]

Jessie,
If you like the Eton, have you seen this advert - it's up in your neck of the woods - well, Scotland anyway!

Auto Trader Motorhomes - New and Used Motorhomes For Sale

Find your next motorhome with Auto Trader UK, the official #1 site to buy and sell new and used motorhomes. Over 7,000 motorhomes online. Simple, easy, quick!

www.autotrader.co.uk

I think it was confirmed in post #27 that this was the van that Jessie was looking at and subsequently rejected.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Brize]

I think it was confirmed in post #27 that this was the van that Jessie was looking at and subsequently rejected.

That will teach me!

 

[Janine]

That will teach me!

Aww, you did try

 

[JessieT]

That will teach me!

HI Brize, thanks for mentioning it anyway

 

[cliffanger]

Thanks you all for your comments and advice it has really helped. A mentioned I am not to buy the Eton or at least that particular one.

Still looking for a MH or Campervan 6 m or less and open minded but I do want a good quality build not flimsy even though only I will be using it though saying that I can be very clumsy at times

I would prefer to buy something not too far from me but will travel though preferably a journeys that don't take most of day to get too get to that I have to stop over as the travel and accommodation costs mount up. I also have a health issue which results in low the energy levels and having to deal with a bit of pain so it can be quite challenging at times.

So, I will keep looking and dreaming for now, no doubt I will be back again asking questions about other vans that I may be considering.

Thanks again Funsters xx

You could always look for one and if you find it and it’s near a Funster, I'm sure they would go and look at it and give you advice on whether it’s worth you making the trip to see it.

Best of luck with your search, and welcome to the best motorhome forum there is!

 

[Brize]

HI Brize, thanks for mentioning it anyway

Jessie,

Keep your eye on the AS Owners Forum classifieds. There is a section on motorhomes for sale by members (usually very well looked after), and you have just missed a Talisman which I think you would have liked.

If you are not registered as a member you can do so, it may help. In your introduction say what you are looking for, because owners often advertise on ASOF before putting it elsewhere.

Good luck!