Optare Posted July 3, 2010 Share Posted July 3, 2010 Hi All Still trying to purchase my first motorhome after reading some of the forums messages have come too the conclusion that the earlier Puegeot chassis seem to be a safe buy. The one that seems to tick all the boxes (especially the biggest one namely pleasing her that must be obeyed is a 2006 Autocruise Starlet II which I believe is a Marquis version of the Starburst this has the 2.2 engine on the Al-Ko chassis I would appreciate any advice/ comments on this combination especially any issues on spares for these pre Swift models Thanks Derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted July 3, 2010 Share Posted July 3, 2010 Hi Optare & welcome to the forum On a 2006 plate, I think it could have been manufactured by Autocruise, before Swift took them over. The old Autocruise had a good reputation for their build quality. From memory Swift were not honouring the warranty on vans produced by Autocruise before their takeover of the company. So worthwhile checking to ensure that everything is shipshape before putting down any deposit. Having said that, the van would now be outside the manufacturer's warranty. If purchasing from a Dealer insist on a warranty (time period may be negotiable). Also many of the equipment items are common throughout the industry, so should not cause a problem obtaining spares. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted July 4, 2010 Share Posted July 4, 2010 I have a 2006 Stalet II on 2.2 hdi Alko chassis - aka Starburst - made by the old Autocruise before Swift took over and it's the best van I've ever had for the practicality, ride, performance compromise. Or it would be if things didn't keep failing - van electrics, batteries, radiator, starter motor to name the biggest culprits! But then again we have done 16,000 miles in 18 months! Then again they were all easily fixed and nothing made by Autocruise has ever given trouble - which is just as well as spares are hard to come by. That said, I'm unconcerned by the risk of anything internal made by Autocruise needing to be replaced because A, it's reasonably well made - and much better made than the new post Swift era vans, and B you can usually find a way to resolve most damage issues with bits from DIY shops and the likes of Charles & Son and O'Leary's. The risk of damage to irreplaceable outside panels is more of a potential issue which is why I have a reversing camera and a bloody great steel rear bumper fitted for protection from idiots - like me reversing into a tree stump! Minor damage to lower outside panels can easily be repaired with fibreglass, polyester filler and a spray can of paint! The layout works well for us being a good compromise between plenty of space for daytime use with great feet up lounging and a super washroom with large shower suitable for carrying loadsa wine back from France, although the beds are a little on the firm side and storage for long trips is not overly generous. On the other hand the payload is generous and the water and waste tanks are a decent size, so all in all it suits us just fine - but it may not suit everyone. Downsides are large turning circle caused by long Alko wheelbase and this can make you look silly when doing a 17 point turn - but you do get used to it - and the low chassis ground clearance which has caused the odd bump or two on rough ground. But then again it's only the chassis grounding as nothing damageable protrudes below the chassis rails - unlike many newer vans. The Eberspacher diesel heating and hot (very hot!) water works well when it works well but should it fail it is more difficult to find a specialist who knows how to fix it - especially abroad. On the other hand it saves gas and allowed us to go almost 8 weeks abroad on 2 Calor 6kg propane bottles. Anything else? Just ask! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optare Posted July 4, 2010 Author Share Posted July 4, 2010 Thanks for the offer tracker I am sure there will be a few before I finally get going. I have not yet seen the actual van as I am dealing with our local Marquis dealer (Berks) and the van is in Eastbourne, am now waiting for it to be brought up to Newbury but looked at a 2008 one and thought the layout was excellent. After reading all the comments on the forum cannot wait. Not too worried about looking stupid turning it, anyone who has learnt to drive artics knows what its like to look stupid reversing one into tight loading bays. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted July 4, 2010 Share Posted July 4, 2010 I have bought several vans from Marquis and have always found them OK to deal with and their insurance backed warranty to do what it says on the label. They will also negotiate so don't be in too much of a hurry to say yes as you may well be able to haggle some nice freebies such as an alarm, cruise control (essential for long hauls due to the dreaded Boxer 'ankle ache' syndrome), maybe even a nice lcd TV, as well as such essentials if you are a newbie, such as Calor gas bottle(s), pigtails, or maybe even a Gaslow if you are very good at haggling, water hose & fittings, second leisure battery (essential for non ehu camping with Eberspacher)! The worst they can say is NO! Being national you have a choice of branches to consult if you do get a problem away from home and as they are all computer linked they will all have your details on file. Optare - isn't that a bus and coach maker? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optare Posted July 5, 2010 Author Share Posted July 5, 2010 Bus manufacturer based in Leeds, am into bus and coach photography especially like the Optare's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optare Posted July 14, 2010 Author Share Posted July 14, 2010 Finally got to purchasing the 2006 Autocruise Starlet 11 been waiting to come in at Marquis Newbury well impressed especially it having only done 4200 miles. Just got to wait for the PDI and habitation checks. One thing I forgot to check and I know Tracker can answer it as he has one I forgot to check the wheel size as I was going to purchase a wheel clamp so be gratefull if you can help Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted July 14, 2010 Share Posted July 14, 2010 Hi Optare We had one of these for our previous 2006 Fiat Ducato, which will also fit the Peugeot Boxer:- http://www.vanplusdirect.co.uk/epages/es133288.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/es133288/Products/%22MILENCO%20Wheel%20Clamp%20Compact%22 "Comes complete with an adaptor to fit the large wheel nut as used on the Fiat Ducato/Peugeot Boxer/Citroen Relay from 1994 to 2006 (fits the 2007 onwards models without an adaptor) Unique, innovative design with integrated locking mechanism and winding handle" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted July 14, 2010 Share Posted July 14, 2010 Mine has 15" wheels but there might be a chance that if yours has the 2.8 engine it might have 16" wheels - I don't know - it's just a thought? Unless you live in a high crime area why do you feel you need a wheel clamp? It is of course your own choice and I would never seek to condem anyone's personal choices if it brings peace of mind, but, on a vehicle fitted with an engine imobiliser and very possibly an alarm I'm not too sure how a wheel clamp will help? No doubt others will soon advise me of the errors of my thinking! Anyway - good van - good choice - and I wish you a long and happy relationship together! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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