Motorhome for full time living? Autosleeper or something else under 10k?

[jdmw21]

Hello I've previously owned an Autosleeper Talbot Talisman and loved the lay out and over cab bed. It had the one piece fibreglass body.

I’m planning to live in it part time as I spend months abroad in Europe but have to come back to the UK for 90 days every three months.

My budget is limited hence under 10k any suggestions welcome! TIA

 

[MisterB]

Under 10k, which God do you pray to ....?

How much time is part time, and what parts of the year and where?

You can get converted vans and older motorhomes within your budget and some of them will serve you well if you are able to use your skills to keep them on the road etc.

There's a decent motorhome on sale in the forum adverts section but it's around £4.5k over budget but looks to be worth considering.

 

[jdmw21]

Thanks! I know I’m asking a lot ..I’m considering mainly spring/summer when in the UK and find a short term let in the winter..I’ve seen a few around budget but not sure if there’s something I’m missing by ruling out a hymer or something similar?

 

[3cabbages]

"Older" motor homes with no computers or electronics, are less likely to bamboozle you when or if there's a glitch!

and also more fun!

Kind regards,
Leo

 

[Figaro]

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[MisterB]

Thanks! I know I’m asking a lot ..I’m considering mainly spring/summer when in the UK and find a short term let in the winter..I’ve seen a few around budget but not sure if there’s something I’m missing by ruling out a hymer or something similar?

Take a look at Uberleisure on eBay - they sell to the public but on a strict trade only sale basis, no comeback whatsoever, no guarantee, bought as seen. If in any doubt walk away ....

I've had two motorhomes from there and been pleased. BUT you need to climb all over and under, checking for rust, damage, leaks, spongy floors, damp etc and so test all appliances, electrics etc check service history and do a test drive. It's very much buyer beware so be warned .....

If you can do work yourself or get it done cheaply it might pay you to spend a day there mooching around.

3cabbages makes a good point about older motorhomes, especially the 2.8jtd engines which run forever..

 

[pampam]

Ive seen cheap autosleepers on ebay also look on partco motorhomes some are damaged but driveable theres an elnagh on there at moment

 

[pampam]

Sorry its copart ……… i do that all the time

 

[Northernraider]

Hymer B544 Motorhome | eBay

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1994 HYMER C544K CLASSIC MOTORHOME 4-BERTH - 4-BELT - RHD - GOOD CONDITION | eBay

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[cyberyacht]

Really old vans may have Euro Zero engines and ultimately be taxed/driven off the road. It may be an aspect to consider.

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[Northernraider]

Really old vans may have Euro Zero engines and ultimately be taxed/driven off the road. It may be an aspect to consider.

Don't listen to the media scare tactics .

 

[jdmw21]

Thank you for all your replies, so helpful and I lot to think about so I don’t want to be too impulsive and take my time..this site is so helpful so thank you all

 

[MisterB]

Thank you for all your replies, so helpful and I lot to think about so I don’t want to be too impulsive and take my time..this site is so helpful so thank you all

Pay your subs and join then?
Let us know how you go on?

 

[MisterB]

Gazgandalf - how is your Uberleisure purchase going? Perhaps you can offer some actual experience of buying an older motorhome from them after owning it for over 12 months now?

 

[Lee Fryer]

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[Gazgandalf]

Regarding Uberleisure. (sorry I find it so hard to write short-responses) You are not going to get the kind of service you might expect from a regular Motorhome outfit. That is not their main business, they sell odd stock. My experience and I would recommend you do similar if you find a Motorhome for sale is ask someone to have a look at it with you or for you.

I was miles away from Ubrleisure, but this Dethleff's (Premium Globetrotter, none of your common English stuff, twas 'Premium' ) so it was suggested to me to ask someone on MF to look at it. Dave, aka Mister B took up the challenge, drove some distance from his own home and sent me over 1 million photo's.

He refused payment for travelling in pre-Christmas traffic even though what he advised and the photo's sent I feel was as professional as any could give, without opening up the engine. I am grateful to Dave and the many other folk on here that have given important advice and help and it's all been free. There is something innate in us 'Campers' that want to help others if we can.

Now, if you want someone who will do such things as an engine check, it will be worth contacting a mobile mechanic who supplies a report or some organisation like the RAC.

Budget: At this stage, if you have £15,000, then make sure a part of that is set to one side to pay for things which need repair or were not noticed on the first check, but have arisen since, such as newer tyres. Uberleisure vehicles come without warranty, so we need to be sensible.

I paid through bank transfer. Now I will say this, if Uberleisure want to increase their standing in the M'Home world, perhaps an easily available person to undertake sales would be appreciated.
But all was fine and access to the M'home was given for Dave to take his 1 million photo's (much valued) including the under-carriage, so he must have gotten himself well and truly underneath and mucky.

If you like the M'home you see at Uber and you want to chance a discount, just ask. In 1967, a new section was added to Traffic Law, which states: "No customer will be shot after asking for a discount." So you're safe. I did ask, and I got something knocked off ... my two side lights ... Kidding I can manage those little tasks all by myself.

Next I needed transport. Chesterfield Hooligan came to the rescue aka Brian, and with a buddy drove the van all the way up T'North for a reasonable amount. Again all Funsters and all I needed to do was ask. Something I am bad at. Brian's a nice guy, I was given info of their whereabouts throughout their trip. There are a lot of good and generous folk on MotohomeFun.

So I have had no problems with my Dethleff's (which my tongue still has trouble saying with ease unless slowly) Yes it's an older bus, and yes it could do with some bits ... but I didn't buy brand new, so my expectations were lowish, but raised when I saw it. Some body discolouring was sorted with some buffing. Other items have been budgeted for. It was definitely worth what I paid and have enjoyed her since last year (Dec)
I had no problems with Uberleisure, except correspondence was a little lacking - but hey, it was almost Christmas.
So that's my experience of buying from Uberleisure. Not affiliated in any way. This is purely my own gobbledegook. Buying long-distance without seeing ... well that anxiety was eased by folks on here and Brian and Dave. Hope this helps someone.

 

[BigVtwin]

Regarding Uberleisure. (sorry I find it so hard to write short-responses) You are not going to get the kind of service you might expect from a regular Motorhome outfit. That is not their main business, they sell odd stock. My experience and I would recommend you do similar if you find a Motorhome for sale is ask someone to have a look at it with you or for you.

I was miles away from Ubrleisure, but this Dethleff's (Premium Globetrotter, none of your common English stuff, twas 'Premium' ) so it was suggested to me to ask someone on MF to look at it. Dave, aka Mister B took up the challenge, drove some distance from his own home and sent me over 1 million photo's.

He refused payment for travelling in pre-Christmas traffic even though what he advised and the photo's sent I feel was as professional as any could give, without opening up the engine. I am grateful to Dave and the many other folk on here that have given important advice and help and it's all been free. There is something innate in us 'Campers' that want to help others if we can.

Now, if you want someone who will do such things as an engine check, it will be worth contacting a mobile mechanic who supplies a report or some organisation like the RAC.

Budget: At this stage, if you have £15,000, then make sure a part of that is set to one side to pay for things which need repair or were not noticed on the first check, but have arisen since, such as newer tyres. Uberleisure vehicles come without warranty, so we need to be sensible.

I paid through bank transfer. Now I will say this, if Uberleisure want to increase their standing in the M'Home world, perhaps an easily available person to undertake sales would be appreciated.
But all was fine and access to the M'home was given for Dave to take his 1 million photo's (much valued) including the under-carriage, so he must have gotten himself well and truly underneath and mucky.

If you like the M'home you see at Uber and you want to chance a discount, just ask. In 1967, a new section was added to Traffic Law, which states: "No customer will be shot after asking for a discount." So you're safe. I did ask, and I got something knocked off ... my two side lights ... Kidding I can manage those little tasks all by myself.

Next I needed transport. Chesterfield Hooligan came to the rescue aka Brian, and with a buddy drove the van all the way up T'North for a reasonable amount. Again all Funsters and all I needed to do was ask. Something I am bad at. Brian's a nice guy, I was given info of their whereabouts throughout their trip. There are a lot of good and generous folk on MotohomeFun.

So I have had no problems with my Dethleff's (which my tongue still has trouble saying with ease unless slowly) Yes it's an older bus, and yes it could do with some bits ... but I didn't buy brand new, so my expectations were lowish, but raised when I saw it. Some body discolouring was sorted with some buffing. Other items have been budgeted for. It was definitely worth what I paid and have enjoyed her since last year (Dec)
I had no problems with Uberleisure, except correspondence was a little lacking - but hey, it was almost Christmas.
So that's my experience of buying from Uberleisure. Not affiliated in any way. This is purely my own gobbledegook. Buying long-distance without seeing ... well that anxiety was eased by folks on here and Brian and Dave. Hope this helps someone.

Great overview