Suggestions.

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just looking
Hi all,
Newbie here.
My partner and I are looking at purchasing a motorhome, but we're undecided at which one.
We'd obviously love a VW California, but budget wise, we think it's slightly out of our price range.
There would be us two, plus a toddler. I also have two teenagers from a previous marriage.
We're looking at about £12,000 outlay.

What are good other models?
Looked at Mazda Bongos, but never really heard about them before.


Any tips and tricks and pitfalls to watch out for when looking at motorhomes.

Thanks in advance.

Tom
 
Both of my girls have ventured into campers, in recent years both with slightly less budget than you

You are going to be very lucky to get anything that doesn’t have issues which will drain any further savings you have

That said much newer much more expensive units are still likely to have things go wrong

I would just say get the seller to show you everything important working, both of my girls got ‘caught’ with assurances that everything worked 🙄

When things don’t work start knocking money off the asking price

Good luck, you can have the same fun in a £12K van as one costing many times that value 👍
 
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Welcome.
That's a difficult one to answer as there are many variables and opinions.
Beware of the many and convincing 'Too good to be true' m/h's on auction sites.
Always check the MOT history on the Gov't website, especially for past corrosion, steering and suspension wear etc.

Probably best to start by looking at the buyers guide by Fun Leader Jim ..........


I looked at a Mazda Bongo many years ago but from a vague memory the downside was that the older ones often suffer from engine overheating, plus when the bed is set out it's not possible to access some of the cupboards.
 
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Hi all,
Newbie here.
My partner and I are looking at purchasing a motorhome, but we're undecided at which one.
We'd obviously love a VW California, but budget wise, we think it's slightly out of our price range.
There would be us two, plus a toddler. I also have two teenagers from a previous marriage.
We're looking at about £12,000 outlay.

What are good other models?
Looked at Mazda Bongos, but never really heard about them before.


Any tips and tricks and pitfalls to watch out for when looking at motorhomes.

Thanks in advance.

Tom
The models you mention would more likely be considered a campervan rather than a motorhome. A couple of old Hymers for that price on ebay that would be worth a look. Best to just set your price range on there and see what comes up. So many different motorhomes with so many different layouts out there.
 
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Mazda Bongos are a good option with your budget but I doubt they will be big enough for two and a toddler. They carry a good reputation.

https://www.parkers.co.uk/campervans/mazda-bongo/

As Monzer says, an old Hymer will be worth a look.

https://classichymers.co.uk

Auto Trader has a fair number of camper vans to look at. I'd hold back say £2,000 to deal with faults that arise.

Alas, you will have to do the searching and narrowing down what you want. I doubt anyone will find the ideal van for you. On the upside, doing the research with forum will get you where you want to be.

For the three of you and two teenagers, you might find better value with a caravan instead of a camper or motorhome. I tend to recommend caravans for families!

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With the number of motorhome and camper shows coming up, might be worth going to see what's on offer and how it might work for you.

Look at the rallies section. Where in the country are you? Folks may have some recommendations.

Our daughter and family had a Bongo some years ago. It was OK, but we seemed to always be sleeping the grandchildren in our motorhome.
 
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I would be thinking about toilet provision and how easy it is with a toddler and at night.
 
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Thank you to everyone who's responded. We've borrowed a friend's motorhome in the past, so we do know what it's like with a toddler etc.
We'd rather a motorhome/camper over a caravan because we'd have difficulty storing a caravan close by, but also we could use the motorhome for day trips to the beach etc.

I do appreciate it is kind of a matter of taste as much as anything. Like most things, what's good for us, someone else will hate. I'm just thinking of a general consensus.
 
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If you rule out the silly expensive VWs, which are way overpriced due to cult like followings, you have a lot more options. At that budget I would be looking at a self converted van. You get way more for your money
 
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Have you considered a romahome? Re the bongo, I didn't like the layout primarily when we were looking about 10 years ago because you couldn't access the living area without climbing over the engine. We opted for a converted Honda Stepwagon with pop up roof, which was ideal for two and may suit you for a while. Lack of toilet and shower were the only reasons we parted company with it!

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I used Bongo for 6 years and some times wish i wasnt so sort sighted and sold it. I would have made a surpurb 3rd vehicle in comparison to the fabia.
It is feasible to use it for 2 adults and child upstairs (freetop model) We also had different setups for different periods away. ie including 3 different awnings and towing eg small trailer and 6m awning or a folding camper (penine). It requires a different attitude to space and packing.Space wise there is always the roof or rear window bike rasks (small awnings) or platforms. We are still taking stuff out of our 6m MH because its not needed.
IMG_3724.JPGIMG_4160.JPGIMG_4401.JPGIMG_5660.JPG
 
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