Older A class or newer Coachbuilt??

[jaykay]

Hi all,

Getting close to having the capital to buy a new(to us) motorhome. We had an old Talbot a while back but want something around the £30k mark now. I would class us as total newbies though to be honest.

We really want an Aclass, but you seem to get a lot more newer coachbuilt for the same money.

The main priorities for us are Garage for bikes with fixed bed over, and a nice roomy lounge for four people. Wanting to do France and Spain on a regular basis.

Thoughts and recommendations?

 

[westy77]

We have a C class Adria, build quality is really good. We had also considered Karmann as we had an older one in the past. The A class vans we saw looked very good quality, but we didn't like the idea of the drop down bed as we would have to make the choice between the living area and bed. Whereas with our van we have the rear bed, the over cab bed and can still have living area available at all times.

 

[funflair]

We have a C class Adria, build quality is really good. We had also considered Karmann as we had an older one in the past. The A class vans we saw looked very good quality, but we didn't like the idea of the drop down bed as we would have to make the choice between the living area and bed. Whereas with our van we have the rear bed, the over cab bed and can still have living area available at all times.

I don't understand the choice comment, with an A class (unless it's very small) if you don't want the drop down bed you don't use it but still have the living area and a bed at the back.

 

[westy77]

I don't understand the choice comment, with an A class (unless it's very small) if you don't want the drop down bed you don't use it but still have the living area and a bed at the back.

That would be ok if it's just the two of us, but we wanted rear bed for little un. Then the option of having the front bed always made up one of us wants to go to bed and the other stay up. Our C class gave us that option which we didn't see in the A class vans we looked at.

 

[treetops1]

Do not understand bed problem ,we have an A class Rapido 9 series drop down bed at the front, fixed double over garage at the rear its brilliant lol.

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[Theonlysue]

I use the drop down for storage. Took the mattress out and now have changes of bedding,towels and clothing up there.

 

[wanderer]

Its N & B Arto for us , we love the layout effectively 2 double beds made up and a good lounge. We have had it for six years and it still cleans up really well at 10 years old , i have noticed a few other models of the same year looking a little worn.
Downsides is the cramped engine compartment and cracked shower trays

 

[Scout]

do be put off by age, condition is king, layout is king, the right amount of seatbelts is king, the correct level of insultation for your use is king,

play your cards right

 

[jaykay]

For me the A class is the best of both worlds. The fixed front bed is there when needed, but not in the way when its not.
The over cab of a c class is often in the way of using the front seats and has to be propped up. You of course also have the increased external height above the cab with the c class. That said, c class vans are far cheaper than an a class so you get a newer van for your money.
I've considered both for the last couple of years so had plenty of time to think about it. For me/us it will be an a class. Unless we see a really nice c class at the dealers!

 

[funflair]

That would be ok if it's just the two of us, but we wanted rear bed for little un. Then the option of having the front bed always made up one of us wants to go to bed and the other stay up. Our C class gave us that option which we didn't see in the A class vans we looked at.

Ah, understand now, only two of us so don't have that problem. The owners before us used the drop down for the "little un" so would loose two lounge seats with the bed down.

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[stcyr]

Did something good happen to you in '97?

Hahaa! No, nothing in particular as far as I remember - it's just that overall we prefer the older vehicles as they've proved to be much more reliable than newer ones! And more comfortable too.

 

[westy77]

Ah, understand now, only two of us so don't have that problem. The owners before us used the drop down for the "little un" so would loose two lounge seats with the bed down.

Exactly that. When the little un has outgrown us we may get an A Class, but till then our C class layout is ideal. Bunks in the rear, big double up top which leaves dining area free all the time (or is another bed if needed).

 

[houdini]

do be put off by age, condition is king, layout is king, the right amount of seatbelts is king, the correct level of insultation for your use is king,
play your cards right

Agree - right amount of seatbelts very important.

 

[westy77]

Agree - right amount of seatbelts very important.

Agree with this too. We found most UK made vans has sideways facing rear seats with no belts in the back. Whereas European made vans will have a lap belt. Our van has forward facing rear seats so we have four seats with three point belts. Some of the Karmann's we looked at (online) have six seats with three point belts.

 

[westy77]

If you also wanted 4x4, how cool is this!!

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[jollyrodger]

This any good for you ?

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[jaykay]

This any good for you ?

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[jollyrodger]

No problem just pop in any/your email ad and a pw and register..simples