Need advice with recently purchased 2005 motorhome

[ItaMotorhomer]

Hello

Last week we collected our new to us 2005 Ci Cipro Garage Motorhome

As we drove it home the passenger side electric window & mirror stopped working as well as one of the rear indicator.

On the next day I also noticed that the main roof skylight was cracked & a corner missing.

So we contacted the dealer who agreed for us to take it to our local Motorhome repairer to get a quote & hopefully fix all the faults/issues (under the 3 months warranty).

They were happy with the quote provided to repair the window/mirror & indicator but didn’t accept the £900 quote to replace the heki 700x500 skylight.

The garage alighted that the high quote was due to the fact that there’s al lot labouring involved to remove the current one as it’s sealed & then found the entire roof it’s been painted with something they even weren’t sure of what it is exactly (see photos)

The garage has made me worry so much as they stated that it looks like something that is used to repair cracked shower tray & baths and if that’s the case it could be there to mask something underneath

Plus they also alighted (I didn’t notice this ) the fact the rear panel it’s swallowed in one area. Not sure what caused this either.

THEIR ADVICE WAS, SINCE I ONLY HAD IT FOR A WWEK TO TAKE IT BACK AND ASKED FOR A FULL REFUND .

Now we knew buying a 18 year Motorhome wouldn’t come in pristine conditions and it would have its own little problems etc but as this is our first van we didn’t really know either what to look out for. That’s why we decided to buy from a dealer rather then private.

Just need some advice from you more expert Motorhome owners.

• Does anyone know what the material used on the roof and why could it be applied ?
• the back panel, what caused this ?

ALL IN ALL WHAT WOULD YOU DO ?

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Anyone heard any more on this difficult situation?
Drove by again on Sunday past the Lowdham/Gunthorpe site, and this time there must have been over 35 vans in their yard/compound.
But the gates were locked and no signs of any selling.
Both Fullers and Lowdham caravans on the same road were open with some car park activity.
Hope the OP gets sorted to his satisfaction.

 

[ItaMotorhomer]

Hi, the update is that they’ve accepted (for now) for me to return the Motorhome for a full refund after I sent an email with photos documenting that I was rejecting it under the CRA 2015. I have dropped the van to them today and should hear from their director on Monday (when he comes back from holiday). So far they’ve been ok/fair so let’s hope the end result matches that. They were very keen to resolve the matter after I left a negative feedback on Google (I guess the power of social media nowadays). So time will tell i should update you all then. Thanks for all the support

 

[Mike800966]

Good so far, lets hope for your sake that it stays that way. MHF will be the best subscription you ever bought
Best wishes
Mike

 

[CherylnMick]

Yeah not a great result/job

I hope you manage to get a full refund as that is what is advised by others (and me if I'm honest). Whereabouts in the country are you? Are you members of the AA or RAC? they used to do checks on vehicles for members before they purchased them, it might be worth the cost so you don't make another mistake. Let us know what happens.

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[Captain Yoghurtpot]

I hope you manage to get a full refund as that is what is advised by others (and me if I'm honest). Whereabouts in the country are you? Are you members of the AA or RAC? they used to do checks on vehicles for members before they purchased them, it might be worth the cost so you don't make another mistake. Let us know what happens.

I was under the impression that the AA and RAC checks were only on the mechanical side of a vehicle, not the conversion side.
But I may well be wrong.
Sincerely hoping that this turns out positively for ItaMotorhomer .

 

[ItaMotorhomer]

UPDATE

We’re now glad to confirm that after multiple emails & us dropping the Motorhome back to Rove Mansfield last week, today we have received a full refund.

Thank you everyone for your support and invaluable advice!

a further post will follow as we carry on with our search, this time with al lot more knowledge & a big lesson learned!

 

[tinkertaylor]

UPDATE

We’re now glad to confirm that after multiple emails & us dropping the Motorhome back to Rove Mansfield last week, today we have received a full refund.

Thank you everyone for your support and invaluable advice!

a further post will follow as we carry on with our search, this time with al lot more knowledge & a big lesson learned!

Fair game to them, that's why they have good reviews.

 

[ItaMotorhomer]

So after the bad experience with the Ci I think we’d be looking a different make now.

The biggest problem we’re finding is that due to our budget (around £28K) and the fact that the wife only drives automatic the only available base model would be Mercedes?

The main must have are:
- A garage at rear as we have 2 dogs
-double bed above garage at rear
-large/tall fridge with separate freezer
- toilet with separate shower
-Dinette a front
-3500Kg gross ( will be getting a C1 next year hopefully)

If we really have to we could compromise on the auto box and go for a manual if a much better van is available.

But for now the only 2 I was able to find with auto box that fulfil the above requirements are:
- Burstner T star 695
-Geist phantom
Both on Mercedes chassis

We’ve also seen the Burstner solano T695 on fiat chassis, the Burstner delfin on Renault chassis & the Chausson Allegro 94 again on fiat chassis. All of this are slightly more expensive (around £29/30K)

What model would you suggest? or if anyone has any better models which fulfill our requirements please let us know

Thank you

 

[pappajohn]

I realise this now resolved but how can they quote £900 to replace the heki.
For someone with experience, IE...their workshop, it shouldn't take a lot more than an hour to replace.
The hardest part is removing the old sealant, the rest is undoing and refixing screws

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[MichaelT]

So after the bad experience with the Ci I think we’d be looking a different make now.

The biggest problem we’re finding is that due to our budget (around £28K) and the fact that the wife only drives automatic the only available base model would be Mercedes?

The main must have are:
- A garage at rear as we have 2 dogs
-double bed above garage at rear
-large/tall fridge with separate freezer
- toilet with separate shower
-Dinette a front
-3500Kg gross ( will be getting a C1 next year hopefully)

If we really have to we could compromise on the auto box and go for a manual if a much better van is available.

But for now the only 2 I was able to find with auto box that fulfil the above requirements are:
- Burstner T star 695
-Geist phantom
Both on Mercedes chassis

We’ve also seen the Burstner solano T695 on fiat chassis, the Burstner delfin on Renault chassis & the Chausson Allegro 94 again on fiat chassis. All of this are slightly more expensive (around £29/30K)

What model would you suggest? or if anyone has any better models which fulfill our requirements please let us know

Thank you

Why do you need a garage for the dogs?

 

[ItaMotorhomer]

I realise this now resolved but how can they quote £900 to replace the heki.
For someone with experience, IE...their workshop, it shouldn't take a lot more than an hour to replace.
The hardest part is removing the old sealant, the rest is undoing and refixing screws

It was more to do with the conditions of the roof and the fact that had been fully coated and sealed (including all around the base of the heki) with some sort of plastic paint. They’d be honest in saying they didn’t know how long it could have taken precisely to relive all that or what was under the paint/material applied so yes I can see your point but I also respect their point.

 

[ItaMotorhomer]

Why do you need a garage for the dogs?

We are going to transform the garage/part of it into a kennel for them. The main use of the Motorhome would be driving/touring to Europe as be both have family living in Italy & Germany so a dedicated space for them is a must for us.

 

[ItaMotorhomer]

Fair game to them, that's why they have good reviews.

Yes however the Motorhome shouldn’t have be sold in those conditions/state in the first place. I don’t believe they weren’t aware of the conditions it was on. But hey up a very expensive lesson leaned for us!

 

[Riverbankannie]

I know it is another Ci but they are not all bad …

Motorhome Ci Pro 85

Motorhome in very good condition, no damp, with Fixed Single beds that can convert easily to large double bed, 6 Speed Automatic, Cruise control, Air Suspension, Reversing camera, Bike rack, Tow bar, Wind out awning, Low Mileage 40.251, Trauma...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

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[ItaMotorhomer]

I know it is another Ci but they are not all bad …

Motorhome Ci Pro 85

Motorhome in very good condition, no damp, with Fixed Single beds that can convert easily to large double bed, 6 Speed Automatic, Cruise control, Air Suspension, Reversing camera, Bike rack, Tow bar, Wind out awning, Low Mileage 40.251, Trauma...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Yes we’ve seen that but for a similar price I think the Burstner wouid be a better option (built quality etc)?

 

[our poppy llll]

First thing. Take it back and ask for a refund, put it in writing, make a copy, take someone with you, if they refuse, immediately afterwards, go see a solicitior, you will have to take them to county court, they won’t turn up, you immediately put it into high court and get the bailiffs in, they will take control of stock, with luck. but you must emphasise speed, the faster the better, there is no reason to accept delays, tell the county court and solicitors such, tell your solicitors you want it in county court within the minimum time frame. If needs be you take the Moho to another dealer and pay for a habitation report, make sure your solicitor is on the ball and not too busy or this could drag on years.
Do not negotiate with the dealer, this is a major damp issue that has not been repaired and your warranty will likely not cover it. Goods must be sold fit for purpose but it’s a mind field, if you get your money back, you only pay for another on your credit card or walk away. You are buying used goods, so take someone with you… there are lots of used moho’s out there in great condition. I’m afraid you may be stuck with a pig in a poke, or another dealer will fully repair it at several thousands of pounds. I hope you win, but I doubt that they will refund you. Good luck.. let us know what happens..
A note, take great care if they refund you, they may sell you an even worse motor, where nothing comes to light for a few months and then you don’t have a leg to stand in, if you are refunded, go somewhere else.

 

[Lenny HB]

First thing. Take it back and ask for a refund, put it in writing, make a copy, take someone with you, if they refuse, immediately afterwards, go see a solicitior, you will have to take them to county court, they won’t turn up, you immediately put it into high court and get the bailiffs in, they will take control of stock, with luck. but you must emphasise speed, the faster the better, there is no reason to accept delays, tell the county court and solicitors such, tell your solicitors you want it in county court within the minimum time frame. If needs be you take the Moho to another dealer and pay for a habitation report, make sure your solicitor is on the ball and not too busy or this could drag on years.
Do not negotiate with the dealer, this is a major damp issue that has not been repaired and your warranty will likely not cover it. Goods must be sold fit for purpose but it’s a mind field, if you get your money back, you only pay for another on your credit card or walk away. You are buying used goods, so take someone with you… there are lots of used moho’s out there in great condition. I’m afraid you may be stuck with a pig in a poke, or another dealer will fully repair it at several thousands of pounds. I hope you win, but I doubt that they will refund you. Good luck.. let us know what happens..
A note, take great care if they refund you, they may sell you an even worse motor, where nothing comes to light for a few months and then you don’t have a leg to stand in, if you are refunded, go somewhere else.

Wake up, he took it back last week and now has a full refund.

 

[ItaMotorhomer]

First thing. Take it back and ask for a refund, put it in writing, make a copy, take someone with you, if they refuse, immediately afterwards, go see a solicitior, you will have to take them to county court, they won’t turn up, you immediately put it into high court and get the bailiffs in, they will take control of stock, with luck. but you must emphasise speed, the faster the better, there is no reason to accept delays, tell the county court and solicitors such, tell your solicitors you want it in county court within the minimum time frame. If needs be you take the Moho to another dealer and pay for a habitation report, make sure your solicitor is on the ball and not too busy or this could drag on years.
Do not negotiate with the dealer, this is a major damp issue that has not been repaired and your warranty will likely not cover it. Goods must be sold fit for purpose but it’s a mind field, if you get your money back, you only pay for another on your credit card or walk away. You are buying used goods, so take someone with you… there are lots of used moho’s out there in great condition. I’m afraid you may be stuck with a pig in a poke, or another dealer will fully repair it at several thousands of pounds. I hope you win, but I doubt that they will refund you. Good luck.. let us know what happens..
A note, take great care if they refund you, they may sell you an even worse motor, where nothing comes to light for a few months and then you don’t have a leg to stand in, if you are refunded, go somewhere else.

Hi

Thanks fir your input and reply

See my previous comment, I have received a full refund today.

So yes we’ll be looking elsewhere with a lot more knowledge now and a big lesson learned.

I guess I’ll be also looking at different make (to no fault on the Ci). I think I’d be going for a German built, due to our budget I’ve done a bit of research in the past few days and they seem or should be of better built quality and hopefully less chances of damp/problems .

 

[Northernraider]

My advice

Go look for a decent German built van , even if you have to go older. Pre 2006 are generally better build quality. Buy privately and you will get more for your money. If you can take someone with some experience with you.

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[Silver-Fox]

You could also look at a Rapido.

995 or 996M maybe good vans and we’ll built around 2005 2006

 

[Nanniemate]

For once I've read the whole thread

So pleased the OP got a full refund. I'm sure they are not the first to be wrapped up in he excitement of buying a van

Loads of advice and comments. From experienced MHers .it's 5 years now since I bought mine with little to.no research except the colour - don't show dirt
Service records - complete
Full instruction pack - from new
Checked it over for obvious problems including crawling underneath to check body work

I was lucky but have been thinking maybe a new thread

What were what you would now think is obvious the faults on the first van. Taking off the rose tinted specs.

The OP is now looking for their second van and the first cost them in £ nothing

So they are already 1 up on many
Let's hope they are in a field with a glass of wine and a bacon butty soon

 

[ItaMotorhomer]

My advice

Go look for a decent German built van , even if you have to go older. Pre 2006 are generally better build quality. Buy privately and you will get more for your money. If you can take someone with some experience with you.

Any specific make or in general any German brand?

 

[ItaMotorhomer]

You could also look at a Rapido.

995 or 996M maybe good vans and we’ll built around 2005 2006

Would they be 3500kg?

 

[ItaMotorhomer]

What base vehicle would you say it’s best for a 2004-2009 Motorhome, fiat , Renault or Mercedes?

Should ford be avoided? as I read the were easier to be stolen. I was asked specifically by the insurance when getting a quote if this was a ford base vehicle.

Lastly would you say the chassis is more important then the engine side ? ie would you rather have a moho with an alko chassis?

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[Lenny HB]

Layout is probably more important than the base vehicle.

All the base vehicle have their own problems, you hear about more on Fiat but that's because until recently they had about 75% of the market.

Mercs tend to have a soft rolly ride but the vintage you are looking at have rear wheel drive which is a huge advantage when camping on grass.

The Al-ko chassis gives a stable ride with good handling and a lot of vans with it have a double floor, warmer & more storage & winterised.

Two chassis on the Fiat, Chassis Cab & Camping Car chassis (from 2007). Budget vans build on the Chassis Cab.
The Camping Car chassis is lower, wider rear track, handles a treat but at the loss of ground clearance.

 

[Silver-Fox]

Would they be 3500kg?

I’m pretty sure they start of at 3500kg

But I may be wrong, easy to up plate when you’ve got the license sorted.

Well worth having looking into imho

 

[ItaMotorhomer]

Layout is probably more important than the base vehicle.

All the base vehicle have their own problems, you hear about more on Fiat but that's because until recently they had about 75% of the market.

Mercs tend to have a soft rolly ride but the vintage you are looking at have rear wheel drive which is a huge advantage when camping on grass.

The Al-ko chassis gives a stable ride with good handling and a lot of vans with it have a double floor, warmer & more storage & winterised.

Two chassis on the Fiat, Chassis Cab & Camping Car chassis (from 2007). Budget vans build on the Chassis Cab.
The Camping Car chassis is lower, wider rear track, handles a treat but at the loss of ground clearance.

Thank you for that

 

[chaser]

Yes however the Motorhome shouldn’t have be sold in those conditions/state in the first place. I don’t believe they weren’t aware of the conditions it was on. But hey up a very expensive lesson leaned for us!

Far from being an expensive lesson, I would say you have got out of that very cheaply, they could have been a lot more difficult in giving you your money back.

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Very pleased to hear your good news, and suspect you will now get some sleep and stop worrying.
Your approach now , with the asking of questions and seeking of advice is to be commended.
I wish you every success in finding what you want in a van, but please don't rush!
Half the fun in motorhoming is searching for a van.
The other half is paying for it!!

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[Lenny HB]

A few more points, Auto only avalible on Fiat in LHD until the X250 in 2006 not many motorhomes were produced on the X250 until 2007 then the auto (Comformatic) only on the 3 Lt which is not practical at 3500 kg, I think it was around 2012/2013 it was available on the 2.3 Lt.

Nearly all Mercs impossible to run at 3500 kg.