Panel van quest.

[Krazykate]

Hi, a bit of a newbie here and your help would be much appreciated.
After having a Bongo many years ago and a very old 5.7mt coach built Fiat, I’m on a quest to find my first 'grown up' van. Got the pennies, been researching like a mad thing, but struggling with sourcing one from a Scottish dealer or by a reasonably simple route going to get one or even transporting one up here. Does anyone have experience in Scotland (or vice versa) of obtaining a van and perhaps favoured dealers with stock with mainland uk delivery? I’ve looked at every Scottish entry on the dealers list on here, left my details with many and now stabbing in the dark at the rest of the country. Any advice would be great. Thank you.

 

[stuartholmes]

Sure. eg. https://www.auto-trail.co.uk/campervans/v-line-sport-636/

Good shout! £76000 will have something to do with why I've never seen one!!

Looks a nice 'van though, might have to watch for a nice s/h if our Murvi ever wears out.

This isn't 'my' theread but thanks..

 

[Krazykate]

This one seems to meet many of your requirements. Except the 4 seats. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202404228925922

I'm just noticing comments earlier, catching up, thank you everyone, this is so helpful.
Need four seats, nieces!

KrazyKate - have you had a chance to sit/lie in any vans yet?

Is 4 belts a must? I just wondered about the need for 2 "dining" areas as it can certainly compromise the space at either end.

As I'm over 6' (and not a lightweight) I felt I had to rule out any transverse sleeping in PVC which would be inevitable (unless you go for an extra-long PVC).

For info, we also have Europa - albeit typically left as 2 singles (rear cushion normally used for double is left at home and a smaller insert used (for dog!) in the middle) - permanent rear lounge, permanent beds!

Definitely suits us when the other is still in bed or to leave more room at the other end...

Think leaving lounge made up becoming a strong option and making it up for socialising and using middle space for carrying stuff from back door.

 

[Krazykate]

Have you had a look at Select Motorhomes stock, Simon Select is a member on here.

Don't think so, will add to the search thank you!

 

[Krazykate]

We got lucky and found ours through Motorhome Depot who act as brokers, ended up just down the road from us in Renfrew. Wildax Europa, end lounge but no dinette, suits us as only takes 3/4 minutes to make the bed up each night.

Definitely need dinette Linda.

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[Krazykate]

Was just about to say the same...this one is a little out of your price range but he may have something in the pipeline

2021 Auto-Trail Expedition 67

Check out our previously sold 2021 Auto-Trail Expedition 67 at Select Motorhomes Ltd in Newton Abbot, Devon

www.selectmotorhomes.co.uk

Thank you, on the case!

 

[Krazykate]

Sorry folks, just getting grip of how the reply system works and reading away, in the meantime thank you.
I’ve replied to a few people on my phone but the messages have disappeared! Bear with me!

 

[Krazykate]

This one seems to meet many of your requirements. Except the 4 seats. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202404228925922

Defo need 4 seats.

 

[Krazykate]

I would hire a fixed bed campervan and a rear lounge camper for a week to see which suits you best! Then look for a second hand van in your selected flavour anywhere in the uk. Then book a train ticket(s)
Motorhome depot and auto trader are good as sources to look at the different models!
Motorhome depot offer a warranty I believe. You need to let your chunky chicken try out the shower/loo for space and practicality

I answered this earlier but don’t know where it’s gone! hire very difficult just now but I’ve been lying in and looking at vans. I think the loo is always going to be tight, but you can get the door shut on most!
I have become obsessed in my search, I’m sure I’m not alone on here.
So far I’ve looked at all of Scotland on the dealers list and the first page!

 

[Blisteringblue]

Hi Blisteringblue
There must be a sold sticker on every accent we see!
Will have a look at the others, thank you.

Worth mentioning in the final year of Swift using the Autocruise brand they released the Autocruise Select 144, they are rare but they retail cheaper than the Swift Select. It's basically a newer Accent.

I still give my head a wobble that I paid similar for my then 9 year old Accent that the Elddis CV40 was brand new in 2020. Live and learn though.

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[DBK]

Hi, a bit of a newbie here and your help would be much appreciated.
After having a Bongo many years ago and a very old 5.7mt coach built Fiat, I’m on a quest to find my first 'grown up' van. Got the pennies, been researching like a mad thing, but struggling with sourcing one from a Scottish dealer or by a reasonably simple route going to get one or even transporting one up here. Does anyone have experience in Scotland (or vice versa) of obtaining a van and perhaps favoured dealers with stock with mainland uk delivery? I’ve looked at every Scottish entry on the dealers list on here, left my details with many and now stabbing in the dark at the rest of the country. Any advice would be great. Thank you.

This Scottish company do very good quality conversions, my brother has one. They also have a couple of PVCs ones for sale. Might be worth talking to them as they may know of others due in.

Pre owned campervans for sale. Hurry as stock is sold almost immediately.

We offer a small range of part excanged used campervans. All are excellent quality and have gone through our workshop for our meticulous checks.

eastneukcampervans.co.uk

 

[Krazykate]

Does any panel van conversion with 4 seat belts and rear dinette/lounge exist anywhere an any price? I can't remember seeing one.

Don't factor in price of delivery, agree the sale online with help of video tour etc, agree it's reserved for you then go & pick it up yourself.
(Actually don't do that, it's not for me to give instructions. But it's what I did.)

There are a few about Stuart but seem to be snapped up.
I’m actually bending towards just you’re saying, it’s all a risk really but getting to the south coast for me for example could cost me hundreds so maybe paying transport will be less hassle.

 

[Krazykate]

Was just about to say the same...this one is a little out of your price range but he may have something in the pipeline

2021 Auto-Trail Expedition 67

Check out our previously sold 2021 Auto-Trail Expedition 67 at Select Motorhomes Ltd in Newton Abbot, Devon

www.selectmotorhomes.co.uk

Yip, exactly that, thanks. (Goes off to rob bank)

 

[Krazykate]

This Scottish company do very good quality conversions, my brother has one. They also have a couple of PVCs ones for sale. Might be worth talking to them as they may know of others due in.

Pre owned campervans for sale. Hurry as stock is sold almost immediately.

We offer a small range of part excanged used campervans. All are excellent quality and have gone through our workshop for our meticulous checks.

eastneukcampervans.co.uk

Yes thanks, I’ve looked here. None for now.

 

[stuartholmes]

Need four seats, nieces!

Try to make sure the niece seats are nice.

A seat with a vertical 'backrest' ticks the legal definition but when did a child last sit comfortably in one for more than half an hour?

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[Krazykate]

Why not look in the classifieds on here?

Thank you, have done that. Not giving up!

 

[Krazykate]

Try to make sure the niece seats are nice.

A seat with a vertical 'backrest' ticks the legal definition but when did a child last sit comfortably in one for more than half an hour?

Are these seats compatible with boosted car seats?
I just been reliably informed they require the raised cushions under their bots just like in car journeys. We won’t be going miles with them (two very giggly girls).

 

[Krazykate]

Good shout! £76000 will have something to do with why I've never seen one!!

Looks a nice 'van though, might have to watch for a nice s/h if our Murvi ever wears out.

This isn't 'my' theread but thanks..

perhaps not a possibility for my first 'grown up' van.

 

[stuartholmes]

Hi, a bit of a newbie here and your help would be much appreciated.
After having a Bongo many years ago and a very old 5.7mt coach built Fiat, I’m on a quest to find my first 'grown up' van. Got the pennies, been researching like a mad thing, but struggling with sourcing one from a Scottish dealer or by a reasonably simple route going to get one or even transporting one up here. Does anyone have experience in Scotland (or vice versa) of obtaining a van and perhaps favoured dealers with stock with mainland uk delivery? I’ve looked at every Scottish entry on the dealers list on here, left my details with many and now stabbing in the dark at the rest of the country. Any advice would be great. Thank you.

What's the budget?

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www.autotrader.co.uk

 

[Tombola]

What's the budget?

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35-40k

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[stuartholmes]

Are these seats compatible with boosted car seats?
I just been reliably informed they require the raised cushions under their bots just like in car journeys. We won’t be going miles with them (two very giggly girls).

Don't know about booster seats & modern campervans but I do know giggly girls! And they grow up!

Can't answer but look forward to other people's comments as our grandchildren are pre-school so not a factor but they will become so before too long

 

[Krazykate]

Don't know whether it helps but my brother lives in Fife & bought his factory-fresh 'van from a dealer Newcastle. I live in Nottingham & bought my first from an individual in Edinburgh. Then my second from Bristol. And our current one from some dealer in the darkest depths of the 'home counties'.
Point is, the 'right' 'van, once you know what that is for you in particular, may be so precisely defined that there's not a million on sale at the right price at the right time so you may need to go beyond your doorstep.
I do 'get' the benefits of somebody you can easily go back to if there's any issue but if you use a dealer who gives a nationwide insurance-backed warranty and are clear before purchase that any required rectification/warranty can be carried out locally to you I'd think you needn't worry too much about the dealer being in Scotland.
But have you visited Perthshire Caravans beside the Tay on A90 ?

Absolutely get your point Stuart thank you. I’m aware that many people don’t get their favourite lay out until van number 3 or 4!
I agree something has to give. I would like a van sooner rather than later, one because of the weather and two because all the searching is driving me nuts!
All the support on here is amazing.
With regards to dealers in Scotland I thought it more sense to eradicate those then look further afield. Where is the problem.
Maybe I simply need to continue looking up all the dealers on the MHF list.
Perthshire Caravans has a very good reputation but they don’t have anything suitable right now.
Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it.

 

[Krazykate]

What's the budget?

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www.autotrader.co.uk

£40,000 ish ( small ish )

 

[Krazykate]

Don't know about booster seats & modern campervans but I do know giggly girls! And they grow up!

Can't answer but look forward to other people's comments as our grandchildren are pre-school so not a factor but they will become so before too long

My daughter is 21 and is already chirping in the background, “you have to get a three berth mum”

 

[h8ten]

One bit of advice that I wish I had known before I bought mine, this only applies to new vans. When I bought my new it was ex-stock, not from the nearest dealership, and available immediately. I found out later that other dealerships will not carry out warranty work for the brand it has to go back to selling dealership. This may not be the case with all makes but this is my experience so it may be worth considering this if you are buying from further afield.

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[Krazykate]

Don't think so, will add to the search thank you!

He just has coachbuilts and pop tops right now.

One bit of advice that I wish I had known before I bought mine, this only applies to new vans. When I bought my new it was ex-stock, not from the nearest dealership, and available immediately. I found out later that other dealerships will not carry out warranty work for the brand it has to go back to selling dealership. This may not be the case with all makes but this is my experience so it may be worth considering this if you are buying from further afield.

Many thanks, won’t be buying a new van but relevant just from buying a van at a distance. Not funny having a post sale problem and having to drive 900 miles return to get it sorted!

 

[Krazykate]

My partner just sent me this, quote “but it’s got a wood burning stove in it!”

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[scotzsue]

Wondering how much a stumbling block not having white is, how about a cheaper white one and getting it wrapped.
tongue in cheek suggestion.
Not had a PVC but found booster seats worked fine on all 4 rear travelling seats of the 6 berth coach built, only 2 would take full child seats. Boosters fine in both other vans with single dinette.
Good luck with the search
That one you just showed would be like driving a tank, heavy on fuel and do you have a C1 licence?

 

[rod_vw]

£40,000 ish ( small ish )

As I have just sold a 66 plate VW T6 that I built myself on a new van for more than that I guess you are looking for something about 8 - 10 years old!

 

[Krazykate]

Wondering how much a stumbling block not having white is, how about a cheaper white one and getting it wrapped.
tongue in cheek suggestion.
Not had a PVC but found booster seats worked fine on all 4 rear travelling seats of the 6 berth coach built, only 2 would take full child seats. Boosters fine in both other vans with single dinette.
Good luck with the search
That one you just showed would be like driving a tank, heavy on fuel and do you have a C1 licence?

Don’t joke, the person who just bought my old white one is considering getting it wrapped!
Think the child seat thing is sorted, well in my head anyway.
As for the tank, not a hope even if it does “ look pretty on the inside”

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[Krazykate]

As I have just sold a 66 plate VW T6 that I built myself on a new van for more than that I guess you are looking for something about 8 - 10 years old!

I’m looking for something that matches £40,000!