Thinking of buying a B654. Any advice or tips

[MaidinDevon]

 

[MaidinDevon]

Mr Colpot and his wife very very kindly went to view the van for me, and took some photos. Their overall view was that she is in good nick, but that the bathroom sink has been repaired, and although the underneath looks sound behind the wheel arches he wasn't sure if it was as it should be, does anyone have any further expertise to share regarding the issues raised. The locker has some mould/mildew but didnt feel wet, so he thinks maybe due to standing? Sorry some have been duplicated. Also I don't understand what the white hing is on the toilet hatch?

Also, the exhaust pipe is right beside the electric step. Is this normal?

TIA

Karen

 

[Lenny HB]

How can a dealer put a van up for sale in that condition. I did say I'd only seen poor reviews on them.

Probably not too bad for the age of the van and easily repairable but i would want quite a few grand off the price.
White thing on cassette door is a SOG filter.

 

[Ambilkate]

The price they are asking you would have expected to find that van of that age in Pristine condition.

 

[CazPaul]

Initial thoughts it doesn't look well looked after I wouldn't buy it, especially for top money, there will be loads more come along, just walk away and be patient.
They will be making a good 10 grand out of that sale.
Hard to tell from the photo behind the rear wheel, first glance it looks like a poor repair of rotten timber.

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[Peppadog]

I bought a b654 only 6 months ago. It is a 2007 reg but on the older x244 chassis as this one. Same twin sofa layout. Brilliant layout.
68k on mine plus another 3500 by us already with a 6 week trip to Spain. I paid over 33k but it is in very good condition with none of the issues this appears to have. How can it have rotted wood with only 29k miles would be my main concern here.

 

[Mr Colpot]

How can it have rotted wood with only 29k miles would be my main concern here.

I couldn't see or feel any rotten wood only what looks like a repair with mesh and rubber compound. I think that those that had the issue saw it after a few thousand miles (obviously depending how wet the miles were)

 

[MaidinDevon]

I am going to see It on Saturday. By then a hab check and MOT will have been done. The only real question in my mind is the mould/mildew/damp in the locker.
Is it aluminium sandwich or does it have a wooden lining ?

 

[Peppadog]

Good luck, try not to let your heart rule your head. Walk away if you are not sure about it. Another one will come up for sale

 

[CazPaul]

I am going to see It on Saturday. By then a hab check and MOT will have been done. The only real question in my mind is the mould/mildew/damp in the locker.
Is it aluminium sandwich or does it have a wooden lining ?

The van is aluminium outside, foam and then timber interior wall, PUAL.
To me it's looks poor and i wouldn't even view unless it was 17_18 grand but we are all different, be interesting to see what you think.
For 30 grand should be great though, don't like the look of the wet locker, it needs a damp meter taking and I would also lock all the locker doors and empty watering cans/hosepipes down them then open to check for water ingress.
Use damp meter all over inside, around skylights, front and rear roof seals, (pull front bed down) around all windows, below driver/passenger cab windows, take back off from the sofa, rear wall, open all cupboard doors and check with meter.
Get underneath with a screwdriver and torch and prod the timber, especially that suspect poor repair area, is it different behind opposite rear wheel? Take some photos with a flash camera phone underneath.
Take somebody with you, 4 eyes better than 2.

check all blinds, a lot get damaged or have pin holes, flyscreens too.

Windcreen, does it look good, cracks, chips, any sign of leaking from inside?

Any history of habitation checks, gas checks, fridge working on all settings?

Full service history, cambelt? MOT history?

Don't make a decision there and then, come away, have a think, do a second viewing on a different day with a friend/mechanic/experienced person and write on a notepad what to check and tick as you go along.

Look at a couple of others from roughly the same year, even if they are different models, good to compare areas of van, lockers, damp meter readings on the same areas(Around windows, skylights etc)

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[MaidinDevon]

Thanks @CazPaul. I am taking a friend with me. The habitation check is done by an independent person and is happening today.. The mesh seems to be behind both rear arches. Is this a repair?

Screwdriver and torch good idea.. I don't have a damp meter. Are they expensive to buy.

 

[Manic]

Found this one on Facebook-Hymer for sale.
It looks good to me.

Slightly older but looks good

 

[Mr Colpot]

Thanks @CazPaul.
I don't have a damp meter. Are they expensive to buy.

If the hab check is including damp and is by an independent person then you shouldn't need a damp meter. That said I have one you could borrow but it is a pronged version and does leave a mark so the dealer might not be too pleased if you use it where it shows e.g. round the roof vents and windows.

PS the one @Manic has posted looks a better deal - solar and satellite and already at 3.9 tonnes - depends if you were looking to px or not.

 

[MaidinDevon]

Thanks everyone for your help and advice. i am the new and proud owner of a Hymer B654.

Happy Days. I love her.

Any recommendations for a solar/refillable gas fitter in the Exeter or East Devon area?

New job and new van in the same week. Exhausted and a bit giddy!!

Karen

 

[Ambilkate]

Thanks everyone for your help and advice. i am the new and proud owner of a Hymer B654.

Happy Days. I love her.

Any recommendations for a solar/refillable gas fitter in the Exeter or East Devon area?

New job and new van in the same week. Exhausted and a bit giddy!!

Karen

Congrats x

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