Go on the mobile.de site in Germany.
Hymer, N+B could be a good startHi all,
Been looking for my first proper MH and think I have it down to 3ish. I am dwelling over Elddis Encore 250, Bailey Autograph 70-4i and Swift Escape 694. Any pointers good or bad on these vans? Ideally I want 4 Berth, Alde heating, Island Bed, Separate shower? Large fridge.
There are so many out there so I'm a newbie when it comes to choice. Would appreciate any input on pointing me in the right direction.
TA Steve
Yes ,we just had a swift Kon Tiki 599 sport .It is 6 month old with 600 miles on her .
But there has to be differences within a market from low to high build, at the lower end for Hymer is the ‘free’ range they should be cheaper but at the moment dealers are asking top money if anyone doubts what I am saying look at the components such as the wooden bed slats v froli bed system and the panel’s compared to the higher finish on the Fiat and Mercedes pvc such as the Yosemite Grand Canyon or Ayres rock.
I would look for secondhand German makes. There are many makes but, just as an example, Niesmann & Bischoff… something like the one below. I know this particular one is above budget but you may find similar. They hold their value very well and are extremely well built. If you’re taking your grandchildren you’ll need a good garage and payload.
No they aren't. Swift and Bailey are wholly British owned. If you're trying to give useful information to a newcomer, at
Sorry havent read the whole thread. but my suggestion as follows.
Good advice, Flairs are very well built and very nice inside with a huge garage. The downside of that model is the very small kitchen and the Marmite Agile gearbox.
Lovely motors, about the only French bed model motorhome that actually works. Is that the one with the raising floor?
I don’t think that’s true. Expensive motorhomes have a far better build quality and the interior cabinetry, fixtures and fittings are also excellent quality.The trouble is, price is no guarantee of quality, IMHO………..
Yes, I know. I just thought it might give food for thought. I think the OP will get a better quality vehicle for his budget than the ones he’s been viewing if he looks at secondhand German makes… I don’t know about the raising floor I just found the advert after a quick search. It certainly looks very nice
You need to first think of how you're likely to use the MH . Are you likely to use mostly sites or do you need to be able to manage off grid a long time ( what size water and waste tanks/ need for solar etc). Do you want fixed beds or don't mind making one up doubles or singles do you want a garage. Most important of all do you want a pretty big MH and don't mind it restricting where you go possibly taking a motorbike or towing a car or do you want to stay compact. All you have listed is largely what appliances you want! If you've been looking for a couple of years rent one for a couple of weeks or better still two different ones to get a better idea. Sooner or later then either take the plunge or go on package holidays and save the time spent looking!
Sell it privately maybe try on here first. I bet you're going to easily get 5 to 10 k more than the trade in value and the buyer will get to meet the previous owner
Agreed, the second hand mh market is extremely buoyant at present. we sold our previous motorhome in 2020, bank transfer, no messing, the buyer didn't even come and see it.
I’ve seen the advice to buy locally on here before. Better advice imho is to buy a good build motorhome from a decent dealer.
I'm pretty sure the Mb chassis one have a false cab floor that raises and lowers electrically. funflair ?Yes, I know. I just thought it might give food for thought. I think the OP will get a better quality vehicle for his budget than the ones he’s been viewing if he looks at secondhand German makes… I don’t know about the raising floor I just found the advert after a quick search. It certainly looks very nice
I'd sort of agree if it was possible to name a make that always is a good build even people who buy premium brands sometimes get a duff one. I think it's not a great idea to buy just because the dealers local but also not buy one at the other end of the country without thinking about how to get any warranty issues sorted.
I can vouch for that, I drive an AstonThe trouble is, price is no guarantee of quality, IMHO………..
, recently bought a new BMW 1250GS motorcycle, 3 months later the engine failed and was given another new bike, just recently took delivery of a brand new Hymer based on a Sprinter panel van, it's riddled with issues, I have decided to sort most of them myself as with previous warranty experience, dealers just bodge things up a lot of the time and I don't want to waste most of my remaining life repeatedly visiting the dealer. I have to say that I'm really getting pissed off paying good money for things that are just not fit for purpose. I think real quality is now becoming something of the past now I'm afraid.We found Lowdhams seemed to lose all interest once the payment went through!. But I wouldn't buy 200 miles away without considering what would happen if through no fault of the dealer warranty work was required. It could be the plan might be a long extra weekend away!
I think the quality of most things these days is way above what it was in the past. A lot of old cars were rusty after two or three years and a long trip was seen as a bit of an adventure.I can vouch for that, I drive an Aston
We weren't very impressed with our experience as a potential buyer with southdowns and know others who have had similar.
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