Paul RMB Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 We are very keen to purchase our first motorhome but nervous about making the right decision. We have hired on several occasions and have registered with several sales outlets without success. We are looking for a rear lounge 2/4 berth. As first time buyers would we be better to purchase from a reputable firm? We have seen what we would consider to be a nice van on an online website (private purchase) - Autocruise Pioneer Magellan 2003 - 13000 miles. When purchasing cars you can get motors checked over by AA - is there any similar body in the motorhome world? Any help and advice would be gratefully appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 welcome Paul! have a look at this thread further down the page I think it will be of help ;-) http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=18119&posts=7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul RMB Posted December 30, 2009 Author Share Posted December 30, 2009 Thanks for the welcome. What a useful tool this site is. I have spent nearly all day reading the comments posted and have found the thread you referred me to very helpful. It is great to know we are not alone in feeling very confused and overwhelmed by the vast array of motorhomes out there. Having said that, we have been actively looking for 9 months waiting for the right motorhome. Perhaps we have too many things on our wish list! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 Paul, I would not be frightened regards buying privately, as long as you keep your wits about you, remain cautious, and use the resources available to check out the vehicles providence you should be fine.... just ask on here first someone will be along to help ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 Hi Paul - welcome to the mad house. :-D What engine does the Magellan have? What extras, has it got a full base vehicle service history? What about its MOT - when was it done and was anything rectified/marked as needing doing in the near future? What about habitation and damp check history? Have any problems had to be rectified? Does it look okay? Are there any discoloured patches (ie possible damp), any areas of damage that have been 'disguised' by stickers etc. Hopefully not but you can't be sure. These are just some of the questions that would be first on my list when enquiring about an older van. Do you know anyone who has a motorhome already who has more 'expertise' than you and could go with you to have a good shuftie? For the habitation part this could even be someone who has a caravan, as the habitation part is basically the same so they'd know what to look for if they've had one for a fair while. As for the base vehicle, if the MOT was done a while before, you could make it a condition of a purchase that it was done again at a garage that you trust and in the process ask them to give it a good look at too, it shouldn't cost much and the seller should be willing to pay for the MOT part as, obviously, if you don't buy it, it would stand him in good stead for another buyer. We did this once with a car we were going to buy privately, the guy selling it didn't have any qualms about us getting our garage to give it a good check over, unfortunately for him, they found that the brake pipes were badly corroded and needed replacing, not a cheap job so obvioulsy we didn't buy it ... don't think he was too happy though but better that than selling a car which was dangerous. If you want to give more info about the particular van you're considering buying someone might be able to offer more advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 I notice that there's a short owner-review of a 2003 Magellan on the MHF website: http://www.motorhomefacts.com/modules.php?name=MReviews&op=show&rid=31 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 Hi Paul Please remember to check the cambelt & tyres (including spare) have been changed. Typically replacement should be at 5 years for both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Raindrop Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 Sounds like you're doing all the right things so far, hiring first to get some ideas, Space is a premium, we always start from the biggest and work down to what fits on the drive and what I'm entitled to drive at over 70. This forum is good for advise with plenty of tradesmen of all types. They will talk straight and pointed which should be accepted as honest replies to your important questions. Al the time its ask, ask, and ask again, look at all you can, go to sites and knock on doors most are welcoming and will declare their knowledge. At the end of the day its your choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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