Automatics

[Gareth]

Hi everyone, Well I decided I would sign up to this forum as I need some help in selecting my first motorhome. I am partially disabled so I am only able to drive a fully automatic home, not the autocluch option. I have a budget of £20K max and would ideally like to find a fixed rear bed, 4 berth, LHD. The problem I am having is finding what is actually available by model numbers between 1995 - 2000. After some painful researchad and a lot of help from Deepcut I at least know the Hymer ranges available on a Merc base. The problem I have with Hymer is the age I am looking at, say 1990 - 1994 at least 12 years old. So I am looking on alternatives say Rapido, but no idea were to start on model numbers, so getting to the point any of you out there with insight on which makes I could look at either here in the UK or Northern France and are there any specialists out there dealing with Automatics. Any help would be appreciated, mantime I continue to trawl through the internet. Cheers, Gareth (first timer)

[Ranger]

Hi Gareth, there are some smallish LHD American automatics around but they mostly have big engines. might be worth having a look in that direction.

[mauramac]

Hi Gareth I must warn you that I am no expert here but I did start out my long quest looking for a MH with an auto gearbox so I know how difficult it is to get one. As I recall, the only makes of chassis with an auto box on RHD vehicles are Mercedes, Ford, some VW's and now recently the Renault. Fixed bed layout - I was at the Peterborough show and saw the Lunar Premier 592 which is also marketed under the Home-car range as the PR59 or PR62 (made in Belgium). They have the option of an auto on the Renault which costs around £940 extra. These are new motorhomes and are what they described to me as being 'Entry Level' or budget range. They did start at around £29,950 which I thought was good value for a new motorhome. The Rapido's are lovely and good quality. They now only make the auto on the Mercedes(models in the 9M series) but I believe there are some older ones on the 7 series that you see occasionally. Kent Motorhomes had one but is now sold (sorry). http://www.kentmotorhomes.co.uk/StockList.asp If you telephone Caravans Rapido on 01189 791023 they are really helpful and will give you the old numbers you need to look out for. They only supply new vehicles but have a contact with a dealer who has pre-owned Rapidos. They are based in Berkshire. Only other major dealer I know of who has large stock of older models is Brownhills. Hope this helps, but you could always try the Owners clubs for help as well. Good Luck in your search & I hope you find something suitable. However, I have to say that your auto budget may be something you will need to think about. Maura My apologies, I mis-read your post. I thought you was looking for RHD, so sorry. Fiat do LHD auto's. Have you thought of trying an importer like Bundesvan? They will source a vehicle for you if you give them your requirements and carry out all the paperwork etc. Have heard excellent reports - but again, maybe £20k will be hard to achieve.