Oh heck ... yet another very, VERY expensive show ...

[Minxy]

I have something to tell you all ... we're not getting it now!

Today quite by accident we discovered there isn't something 'quite right' about the age of it ... we immediately spoke to the dealer who was unable to show us details of when it was actually built and signed off by Carthago, just the date on the invoice to themselves in February 2018, so it has been standing around somewhere since then at least. Now we don't mind buying one that's not absolutely brand new and fresh off the production line but in all likelihood the base vehicle is getting on for 2 years old, not ideal especially since we don't know where it's been stored for all this time, had this been brought to our attention we wouldn't have signed up for it in the first place so the dealer agreed to refund our deposit, they believe it is still a 2018 built one but it still means it over 18 months old something we're not overly happy about.

Our 'dream' was shattered ... we consoled ourselves with another potter round the show, eating some free Haribo sweets and talking in silly voices!

Then ... out of the corner of our eyes ... something was glinting away in the sunshine at the back of a display ... no, it couldn't be ... could it? We must be imaging it, like an oasis to a thirsty man, the sweets must have been causing us to have a sugar rush causing hallucinations. Was is really another Carthago C-Compactline i-138???? You bet it was! Quite a bit more expensive but we thought what the heck, lets have a shuftie ...

Stepping inside we discovered it had a few more 'bits and bobs' fitted already including:

• Automatic gearbox
• Thule awning
• Alloys
• Touch screen radio/media centre/sat nav
• Dual Waeco camera & monitor
• TV & aerial
• Extra garage trim/fitments
• Oven & grill
• Decor panels on outside of washroom etc

and it is a genuine 2019 build!

Oh hell ... would it be too much over what we were wanting to pay? After talking to the dealer we discovered that he'd add/do all the remaining stuff we wanted, namely:

• uprate to 3850kg
• 2 x 100w solar panels with MPPT controller
• 2 x 80ah gel batteries
• 12v socket in the rear (in place of the existing USB)
• alarm

Plus:

• a spare wheel & tyre
• free first hab service

Although it has a Smev oven/grill that's not something we would have had fitted as an extra but seeing as it's there we'll give it a good old bit of use; also whilst we weren't bothered about an awning either seeing as it's already on it would be churlish not to have it! ?

The upshot is it is going to cost a bit more than the other one but what it comes with is worth a heck of a lot more than the difference between the two MHs and hubby is chuffed to bits to be able to get an auto which we thought was out of our reach and alloys too (he likes his bling ).

All that was left was to have a test drive as hubby has never driven an auto MH before and wasn't sure if he'd take to it (although we love our auto Smarties!) but we had to wait until the show ended today at 4.30 pm as they were unable to take it off the stand this morning. We had quite a bit of time to kill so spent many hours playing with the dogs, chilling, pottering round the show for the umpteenth time - some of the stall holders are now 'good buddies' ! Time don't half drag when you want it to go quickly!

Eventually it was time to have a drive, we were allowed out 'on our own' so we could relax and chat about it which was good and the ride and handling was great with the only noise being from the grill - hubby took to the auto like a hippo wallowing about in mud ... second nature. Unfortunately it had started to rain whilst we were out and just as we got back to the showground it absolutely threw it down so we were 'trapped' in the MH and had no choice but to pretend it was already ours and chill for a while until it lessened. We still got a bit drowned walking back to the stand but it couldn't wipe the silly grins from our faces. By this time lots of traders etc had already vacated the place so it was starting to look a bit like a ghost town but we managed find our way back to the dealer without getting 'lost' (as we'd done earlier!) and after sorting out the paperwork we were soon on our way, a bit soggy but happy!

If the first one had been as it should have been we wouldn't have looked further so would have been very happy with it but sometimes things happen for a reason and what at first was turning into a major disappointment turned out to be serendipitous in the extreme.

Hope you like the picture!

 

[Minxy]

When we were away this year we decided that a compact A class would be the only thing that would tempt us away from the Campscout.

Its the ONLY one that ever tempted us as we really did NOT want a chubby one, even the Hymer Exsis ones are 10cm wider than the Carthago so these are the only skinny ones.

There’s a chap in fb Globecar page seriously thinking about a Campscout ... so when you’re ready worth popping it on there too.

Thanks, I'll do that.

Jane & I were chatting to Terry when you strolled past. I thought you looked deep in thought - now I know why! ?
So how will I know what modifications to do to my Campscout now I won't have you to follow? ?

You were quite right ... the discussions went on for quite some time until well past midnight! I'll be doing some bits to it, but as it's got most stuff already I won't get to play with my power tools so much ... sad I know as I really DO love doing so but I must resist!

Nice one, beautiful van, I agree about not having the awning too would also choose the solar and batteries.

All change now (see above) so getting one whether we like it or not!

Congratulations Mel!! Sounds amazing ! Will it tow a smartie?! ?

It probably would but it ain't gonna!

 

[Minxy]

So why the sudden decision to sell the "newish" Globecar?, did it need its first wash or something?

Cheeky s*d!

You need to learn to keep your wallet and cards at home.
Congratulations, now its a ...roll on pick up date. I hate the waiting game.

At least it's only gonna be weeks rather than months ... don't think I could stand it any longer!

Minxygirl
You're so easily led

Maybe ... but then again sometimes if you make others think they've thunk something first it might just appear that you've been led whereas in reality it might be them who's been led ....

Sence at last, an A Class, well done girl, it will be pure luxury after that tin kennel. A Class are so much easier to drive you will really enjoy it.

Well the Globecar is a tin of sorts and yes as we have dogs a 'kennel' on wheels ... I'm not sure that's how you meant it, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt!

We had a 1st this year first time we have been to Caravan Salon and not bought a new van. ?

I tell you what Lenny, you can be God-father to our new 'baby'. ?

 

[Minxy]

Without pictures it doesn’t exist!

More to follow ...

Welcome to the MHFun Carthago club. Nice big kennel at the back for the dogs too !!! Enjoy

... hubby thinks its a giant beer lorry! ? Its got some padding so if he misbehaves it might end up as a 'padded cell'!

Campscout TRAITOR!!!! Where am I going to look now for ideas improve the functionality of our new Campscout?

Seriously........great to meet you both and chat yesterday. I am sure you will be delighted with your new MoHo and have much FUN with it.

Sorry ... sometimes when you've been used to a Globecar's quality you simply cannot go lower, so the only way is up! ? It was good to meet and chat to you both too.

 

[Minxy]

Congratulations! Make sure you have a GOOD look around and everything is as you want it quality wise before you pay. What engine and HP does it have?

We have ... the quality is superb, having had some major cramming sessions about them (on-line research, brochures, chatting to owners etc) as to how they are built and what's included ... to bastardise the M&S advert "this isn't just a motorhome, it's a Carthago motorhome!" ?

Its based on a Fiat and has a 2.3 150bhp engine, same as our Globecar but is the 6b variant so no extra VED or luxury tax to pay.

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[steve 6644]

 

[Minxy]

Too much disposable... Me thinks... ?
Just well jell... ??... I look but canna touch.. ? sooo expensive nowadays ...
I'd av to pimp myself out for the foreseeable... ??

Corr, that's a posh one!
Did you rob a bank, or something?
And you've finally got the bigger fridge you wanted... Bit of an extreme and expensive way to acquire it though.

Well our ISAs will be non-existent after this along with some other stuff, the dogs piggy banks will be raided and I might have to rent my hubby out ... to cook Sunday roast dinners that is! No more money left for other stuff now ... might end up eating plain spaghetti and rice for a while!

I can’t believe it! You’ve been shouting from the rooftops the benefit of a Globecar Campscout and the benefits of a PVC over anything else and then blow me down on a whim you come over to the dark side , an A class

Enjoy your Carthago but don’t go all aloof and stop waving at PVC’s

Not 'quite' a whim, been bubbling away since we saw one a few years ago but it was out of our league then ... fortunately by standing on our tippy toes we can just reach it now!

We still love the Campscout but with 3 dogs and especially our Romy needing fresh bedding nearly every day (bladder problem), having something with a bit more space for her extra bedding etc will make it easier all round and of course we 'might' enjoy the extra luxury too!

As I really, REALLY do suffer badly with the cold having a MH which is fully winterised with a double floor means I can now realistically contemplate doing Norway, Sweden, Iceland etc without worrying about if I'll be up to it.

 

[Minxy]

 

[Caggsie1]

Well I’ve drooled

 

[irnbru]

It looks lovely. When are you getting it? I bet you are super excited now.

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[596]

I don’t see one spot of sloppy mastic, ‘Swift’ take note!!!

Congratulations it looks beautiful, if it wasn’t for our payload needs and rear lounge there seems so much quality out there. Have you checked your payload and that it suits your needs? The last German van I looked at when weighed was 220kg more than I was told almost cutting the payload in half, maybe get them to weigh it! You have chosen the best engine, I think the auto takes some getting used and is like marmite to some, but once people have had them say they wouldn’t go back, I have auto and manual cars but opted for the manual in the Swift having done loads of research based on what I wanted.

See you at the NEC x

 

[RowleyBirkinQC]

Minxy Girl you will need to revise your signature given you will no longer be a GOAFER, will you now be a COAFER instead?

 

[Grianan]

Stunning .... made me go look them up. Trouble is I’d want the single beds so up at 7m! And, I suppose, no funds ....
enjoy, you only live once!

 

[lesleyjean]

Congratulations, looks like a real beauty.

Bet you can't wait to try it out.

Enjoy

 

[Pausim]

Nice.

For us one of the big selling points of the Compactline was being a narrow A class, it makes a big difference to driving but still feels bright and spacious inside. I am sure you will love yours as much as we love ours. Much more fun than ISAs.

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[eddie]

I expect Minxy will be selling off more of her property portfolio now ?

 

[Hettie's Crew]

We were very tempted by the C-line Chic i4.2 on the Camper UK stand. Though not impressed by the salesman who knew next to nothing.
Your i138 looks very nice indeed and I’m sure you will love it.
Carthago’s are impressive and would be near the top of our list if we ever replace our Hymer B544.

 

[Minxy]

Well I’ve drooled

Not on my new MH I hope!

It looks lovely. When are you getting it? I bet you are super excited now.

Extremely excited ... plus nervous ... hubby will probably go in to hyper 'baby protection' mode now! ?

Minxy Girl you will need to revise your signature given you will no longer be a GOAFER, will you now be a COAFER instead?

I'm gonna have to think up a new one as I don't think there'll be a lot of fettling with this one ...

Stunning .... made me go look them up. Trouble is I’d want the single beds so up at 7m! And, I suppose, no funds ....
enjoy, you only live once!

We love the single bed one too but just weren't comfortable with the extra 58cm (nearly 2ft) on the rear and having had a longer one previously we knew the compromises it brought which we weren't prepared to make. We'd seen a used 138 with cupboards at the front instead of a drop down bed which we dismissed immediately but it got us thinking about whether the 2 beds have to be next to each other ... as this one has doubles front and back we can utilise the drop down as/when needed so still have the option of 2 separate beds if we want, that's what swung it for us in the end, best of both world in a length which is only 5 cm more than we have now.

 

[Minxy]

I don’t see one spot of sloppy mastic, ‘Swift’ take note!!!

The finish is really great, no squeaks or rattles (oven excepted!), all the furniture is properly constructed with dovetail joints, bolts etc so it can 'separate' and rub causing issues.

Congratulations it looks beautiful, if it wasn’t for our payload needs and rear lounge there seems so much quality out there. Have you checked your payload and that it suits your needs? The last German van I looked at when weighed was 220kg more than I was told almost cutting the payload in half, maybe get them to weigh it!

This is one of, if not the, lightest A-classes available, in running order (including driver etc) it is 2825kg ... yup, you've read that right!



The dealer is getting it registered at 3850kg for us anyway so no payload issue to worry about and even allowing for the weight of all the fitted options and extras we'll have loads to play with, just need to make sure we don't overload the rear but I think it would be difficult unless we stick a baby elephant in the garage (it can take 350kg!).

You have chosen the best engine, I think the auto takes some getting used and is like marmite to some, but once people have had them say they wouldn’t go back.

Having had the 150 bhp engine on 2 PVCs we too think it's a good-un, we've done a lot of research on autos and the vast majority love them and say they get even better after 8,500 miles (12,000 km).

See you at the NEC x

Do you think I DARE risk a visit to the NEC? Hubby might want another one!!! ?

 

[596]

I was offered a ‘special’ coating on mine called Diamondbrite, only £699 or so, makes the rain just roll off the van and keeps it gleaming, a bargain!

I went on Amazon and bought the stuff for £12 to do a test on a new car I have, It was a piece of cake to put on, did two coats on a Land Cruiser in 45 mins, looks stunning, even did the alloys, poured with rain yesterday and worked as it should

SO will order 2 more bottles and give the grandkids a fiver each F...k paying £699 for an hour job and £24 of polish!

Amazon product ASIN B07KQJVXN5

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[Pausim]

just need to make sure we don't overload the rear

With all the under floor storage it is easy to move lots of heavy stuff like tool boxes forward. We weighed our 143 a few days ago and have more or less the same spare capacity on both axles.

 

[Wagoneer]

On our 2010 Chic we have a sliding door between hab and garage. We find this very useful. Later models seem to have a solid bulkhead/wall.

From your pics, it looks like you also have a sliding door, judging by the handle above the steps. Handy for putting hubby or the dogs in the sin-bin

 

[Minxy]

With all the under floor storage it is easy to move lots of heavy stuff like tool boxes forward. We weighed our 143 a few days ago and have more or less the same spare capacity on both axles.

That's our thinking too, my kayak, paddles, chairs etc will all go in the 'through' lockers located nearer the front, along with some of the heavier stuff.

On our 2010 Chic we have a sliding door between hab and garage. We find this very useful. Later models seem to have a solid bulkhead/wall.

From your pics, it looks like you also have a sliding door, judging by the handle above the steps. Handy for putting hubby or the dogs in the sin-bin

We do have the sliding door but that's the wardrobe so no garage access plus the spare wheel is likely to be bolted to the other side. I won't stay a wardrobe though as it will become a pantry as due to it having a oven/hob we lose half of one of the large kitchen drawers and the one below has a built-in bin, plus no under fridge locker. We just fold clothes and put them in lockers anyway so it's not a problem. If the dogs misbehave they might end up in the 'dungeon' in the middle of the camper ... not sure hubby would fit in though so he'd end up in the garage 'padded-cell'!!

 

[Minxy]

I was offered a ‘special’ coating on mine called Diamondbrite, only £699 or so, makes the rain just roll off the van and keeps it gleaming, a bargain!

I went on Amazon and bought the stuff for £12 to do a test on a new car I have, It was a piece of cake to put on, did two coats on a Land Cruiser in 45 mins, looks stunning, even did the alloys, poured with rain yesterday and worked as it should

SO will order 2 more bottles and give the grandkids a fiver each F...k paying £699 for an hour job and £24 of polish!

Amazon product ASIN B07KQJVXN5

Its all about preparation ... if the vehicle isn't pristine before you do it, it won't last so you might be best doing it yourself!

 

[jezport]

I saw it at the show, it looked nice. Is it an real auto or a Comfortmatic? I heard a rumour that a real auto is now available on the Ducato

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[Caggsie1]

Not on my new MH I hope!


Didn’t dribble honest

 

[Chockswahay]

Minxy Girl It sounds fantastic! One thing that just crosses my mind however, you mentioned not using the Globecar since January (!) ........ will you find the time to use this one?

I am indeed a tad jealous Minxy, enjoy it! ?

 

[nomadic]

Hi Mel and congratulations, looks very nice and automatic as well.

Just out of interest , has the dealer mentioned the Fiat extended warranty on the engine/gearbox, five years for what I thought was a very reasonable fee. The problem is they are only available from Fait Professional outlets AND they are only available for 15 DAYS after purchase of your new baby.

May be of interest to you, auto boxes are expensive when/if a replacementis required.

your old Globe is running well.

 

[ambulancekidd]

Here's wishing you the very best of health to enjoy your new purchase.

 

[Minxy]

I saw it at the show, it looked nice. Is it an real auto or a Comfortmatic? I heard a rumour that a real auto is now available on the Ducato

Its a Comformatic, the new one is a 9 speed apparently. We're quite happy with the one we're getting as it drove beautifully .... did you notice that I mentioned it has a large 3-way AES fridge?

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