Brian Kirby Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 aston - 2012-07-03 8:56 PM......................So if I were to buy a van in France or Spain and stayed in Europe surely there would be no problem until I bought the van to the uk. (If I was insured for any vehicle which I am) I am not so sure on the changing speedo for an MOT as my VW camper speedo reads KPH and has never failed it's MOT..................... I echo Tracker's caution regarding your assumption as to your insurance cover. Do check this very carefully because I too suspect there is a misunderstanding. Were what you say the case, few of us would ever need to insure more than one vehicle, providing both were never on the road at the same time. I should be able to insure my car and, when away leaving the car at home, use the "driving other vehicles" provision of my insurance to drive my motorhome. I can't. I also doubt that your insurance would cover you to drive a foreign registered vehicle. I further doubt that you could complete purchase anywhere outside UK as, AFAIK, the registration process would require, as in UK, evidence of insurance and an address in that country. Buying for export is not the same as buying to use in the country of registration. Different rules apply. There is no EU harmonisation of these rules, so what is acceptable in one country may not be in another. Vide the German export insurance that, AFAIK, is unobtainable in any other state. You will need to check very carefully, or you may spend your money and find that you cannot register in UK what you have bought, but equally that neither can you use it abroad. Double (expensive) whammy! You will need to install a speedometer that reads MPH, and is properly visible at night, in order to register the vehicle in UK. This has nothing to do with the MoT, but with the now mandatory (to the best of my knowledge) VOSA inspection prior to registration. They will check that lights and speedometer have been altered as required by UK Construction and Use regulations. If it does not satisfy the registration requirement, you will have great difficulty, and may well find registration is not authorised. In the past this was taken largely on trust, and any number of un-modified vehicles were registered. Presumably your VW is among them and was illegally registered. The MoT does not check legality, only that the vehicle meets certain prescribed standards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 aston - 2012-07-03 9:54 PM.................Out of curiosity, why should I avoid Private sellers abroad? ................... In a nutshell, insurance and registration, especially in Germany. As above, the German registration number belongs to the driver, not the vehicle. Thus, used vans in Germany are sold minus a number plate, and you have to affix your own on purchase. Usually the supply of temporary export plates is by the selling dealer. You may be able to arrange with a dealer that they will supply the plates and insurance, but it will cost you and I have no idea how willing to play any given dealer may be. After all, what's in it for them? Equally, I have no idea whether either you, or the seller, would be able to complete the German export procedures yourselves and so obtain the registration number and insurance. In France registration is not the issue so if, having seen a van you like that your insurer will agree to cover, you should be able to drive it home on its French plates. However, I suspect you will have some difficulty finding a UK insurer who will do this (which is not to say none will, just that many won't), and I very much doubt that they could, under present UK insurance regulations, cover your van for use abroad until it is registered in UK. As before, you need to check this yourself, because we all have differing circumstances, and what works for one cannot be guaranteed to work for all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 You lot are unbelievable... He will get 3rd party export insurance and plates when he accompanies the seller to local office, for between £120 - £220. Seller will retrieve his personal registration and replace his plates with yours. You will drive home anything between 3 -6 hrs depending on where you buy van. Change or adjust headlights, get new speedo overlay or old speedo from breakers to convert to MPH. fit fog lamp. get MOT. Go to DVLA and register *-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I bought a new car in Gib back in the 70's, and drove it back through Morocco, Spain, Andorra & France and I had my UK number plates waiting for me with UK customs..........I don't recall it being a lot of hassle ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 JudgeMental - 2012-07-04 12:51 PM He should be able to get 3rd party export insurance and plates when he accompanies the seller to local office for between £120 - £220. Seller will retrieve his personal registration and replace his plates with yours. Change or adjust headlights Get new speedo overlay or old speedo from breakers to convert to MPH. fit rear fog lamp. get MOT. Go to DVLA and register *-) Just think how much more pleasant to read your worthy advice could have been? These rules and requirements are all very well if you know how to do it and everything goes smoothly and no doubt the second time you do it it will - but one small glitch especially if one is not fluent in the language could be time consuming to resolve? As I understand it, headlights should be changed to comply although you may well get away with it unless you get an MOT tester who knows the rules? Same for speedo as rules say an unbacklit overlay is not good enough because it can't be seen in the dark - but you might get away with it? Rear fog lamp easy enough and MOT should be too - with luck! I'm not saying don't do it but I am saying it needs very careful and precise planning which, if you are unfamiliar could be a challenge. Similarly I am unconvinced that a panel van is any less prone to rust or any easier to repair than a coachbuilt as they both have their advantages and disadvantages. However with it's very specific cab door and windscreen in particular as well as lots of other model specific parts an old A class might be very difficult if you need unavailable bit? I suppose the best bet is to find the very best example of a layout that you can live with rather than worry too much about specific types or makes as at that age condition and history are everything - as long you don't mind the wait? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 quick look on Gumtree: it is I presume a dethleff..not a bad make. its a turbo, looks solid with long MOT http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/fiat-ducato-dethless-motorhome/101468272 or this http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/motorhome-low-mileage-3-owners-immaculate-long-tax-and-mot/105980536 just 2 of front page..9 more pages Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Well spotted Eddie - both look good from this distance but I would want a full MOT on the Dethleffs and Elldis were always a budget brand with a tendency to leak which should be easy to spot in all the body joints, windows and nooks and crannies. 2.5 TD is a tough and durable motor - a bit agricultural by today's standards - but should be good for many more miles if fed and watered properly 28 mpg from a 1.9 petrol engine? Maybe but I never bettered 24 mpg on two A/S Talismans from that era - perhaps he only drives at 45 mph!!?? That is basically the Peugeot engine from the old 504 and is a good motor with reasonable refinement and durability. Mind you at those sort of ages anything can happen! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Oop's did not realise it was an Eldiss....New one bad enough! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 The Elddis ticks my box ;-)............Last owner 20 years..........and a full cooker :D........and only 41k on the clock 8-).......... A campervan for less than a Smart car B-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 JudgeMental - 2012-07-04 9:25 AM And I really dont get Flicka's comments regards not buying privately.....I would think a far better chance of finding a loved van this way . No disrespect to our Continental Cousins intended, Eddie. But as for both parties as private individuals, it would most probably be their first expirence of Import / Export of a vehicle & neither would be familar with the procedures or potential problems. If looking to purchase abroard, IMO it would be prudent to go through a Dealer who has experience in these matters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 Sorry dont see it that way.. a German TUV inspection more stringent then UK MOT and with this budget a private sale offers a better chance of a loved vehicle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aston Posted July 7, 2012 Author Share Posted July 7, 2012 How about Autohomes Travelhome, Were they quality back in thier day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 aston - 2012-07-07 7:24 PM How about Autohomes Travelhome, Were they quality back in thier day. If they have not survived and grown what do you think :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 JudgeMental - 2012-07-07 7:37 PM aston - 2012-07-07 7:24 PM How about Autohomes Travelhome, Were they quality back in thier day. If they have not survived and grown what do you think :-D Yep your right Aston they were the posh end of camper vans at the time........20+k in 1990 was a lot of dosh ;-)..........As with anything it depends on how its been looked after...............Ours has just come back from the body shop after having a face lift and a bit of botox to the cab :D.............I'll start another thread with pic's as I gave them my camera to take pic's as they did the work................if you like watching operations on the telly........you'll like the pic's :D...........If your of a sensitive nature with a 20 year old camper its probably best you don't look 8-) As for the "Travelhome" name its been around for decades Eddie ;-)...............It kinda sum's up everything you want from a camper B-)..........and its still taking us to the same places as your 40k van in just the same comfort but using less fuel.............progress eh? :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aston Posted July 8, 2012 Author Share Posted July 8, 2012 pelmetman - 2012-07-07 7:50 PM JudgeMental - 2012-07-07 7:37 PM aston - 2012-07-07 7:24 PM How about Autohomes Travelhome, Were they quality back in thier day. If they have not survived and grown what do you think :-D Yep your right Aston they were the posh end of camper vans at the time........20+k in 1990 was a lot of dosh ;-)..........As with anything it depends on how its been looked after...............Ours has just come back from the body shop after having a face lift and a bit of botox to the cab :D.............I'll start another thread with pic's as I gave them my camera to take pic's as they did the work................if you like watching operations on the telly........you'll like the pic's :D...........If your of a sensitive nature with a 20 year old camper its probably best you don't look 8-) As for the "Travelhome" name its been around for decades Eddie ;-)...............It kinda sum's up everything you want from a camper B-)..........and its still taking us to the same places as your 40k van in just the same comfort but using less fuel.............progress eh? :-D Worth a look then? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 Not sure if its still available :-S......but its very low mileage and in great condition ;-) http://www.southernmotorhomes.co.uk/details.asp?ref=2904 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 There are also 3 examples on the Classic Camper website http://www.classic-campers.co.uk/id219.html http://www.classic-campers.co.uk/id204.html http://www.classic-campers.co.uk/id170.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aston Posted July 10, 2012 Author Share Posted July 10, 2012 Well it looks like I am going for the Ford Transit 2.5 diesel Autohomes travelhome, it is an 88 but liiks a lot more modern internally and externally, What happened to the "Autohome" Brand? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 aston - 2012-07-10 9:29 PM , What happened to the "Autohome" Brand? Snuffed it 10 years or more ago, the name was bought by another firm, who I can't remember, but there are a couple of firms in Poole (ex autohomes employees) who specialise in these vehicles and carry a lot of old stock ;-).............Is it the one on Ebay? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aston Posted July 15, 2012 Author Share Posted July 15, 2012 I did see the one on ebay but there is a lot of hidden rust which will only get worse, What mpg does yours give? thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 aston - 2012-07-15 9:34 AM I did see the one on ebay but there is a lot of hidden rust which will only get worse, What mpg does yours give? thanks 31 mpg :-D...........Not many new Coach built campers can match that ;-) PS I did wonder about that Travelhome when I saw it, low mileage but quite a few dents :-S.........Plus it was the old layout with the cooker by the door which tends to make the inside quite claustrophobic, I prefer our layout with the cooker at the back which gives you lots of worktop ;-)........ Keep looking though as good old campers do appear from time to time, although you'll see a lot of dogs *-)........ Mind you I was surprised how little mine cost to have new wings and front cross member replaced and resprayed to a better than new finish, under 2k, so in some ways I think its better to find a untouched original one owner van that needs a bit of work, than ones that had a bit of bodging from lots of owners *-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aston Posted July 16, 2012 Author Share Posted July 16, 2012 You got your work done in Poole, Do you live in this area? as I do. I spoke with a Ford mechanic about these vans and he said the engine was a gem but they rust terribly so look carefully, I did and it seemed that someone had painted over the rust underneath, Not a bad trick but a prod with a finger and it soon gives away it's true self. I am patient, TBH I am beginning to think my VW may be with me for a few years yet as I guess i'd miss it when it's gone, Also I like the fact that it can go anywhere a small car can go, unlike a motorhome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 aston - 2012-07-16 8:15 PM You got your work done in Poole, Do you live in this area? as I do. I spoke with a Ford mechanic about these vans and he said the engine was a gem but they rust terribly so look carefully, I did and it seemed that someone had painted over the rust underneath, Not a bad trick but a prod with a finger and it soon gives away it's true self. I am patient, TBH I am beginning to think my VW may be with me for a few years yet as I guess i'd miss it when it's gone, Also I like the fact that it can go anywhere a small car can go, unlike a motorhome. No, but we use't live in Weymouth and Autohomes were built in Poole, and an ex employee of theirs set up on their own as Charles & Son buying up most of the old stock, they recommended P & K panel works who are down by Sunseekers......your'e right about rust and Dagenham Dustbins as they're affectionally known :D...... But caught soon enough rust can be repaired with a big hammer, where as with new vehicles they can end up being scrapped because some small electrical part is no longer available, as happened to my brother with a automatic Renault Van, it was cheaper to scrap than pay for it to be repaired *-)..............progress eh? :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aston Posted July 16, 2012 Author Share Posted July 16, 2012 I'm a weymouth person as well, One thing. Are the autohome travelhomes well insulated? Have you used it much during the winter months? Thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 aston - 2012-07-16 9:22 PM I'm a weymouth person as well, One thing. Are the autohome travelhomes well insulated? Have you used it much during the winter months? Thanks again Year before last we were in Brittany for Christmas staying with the SIL before going onto Spain, we stayed in the van in -14 and it was cold 8-)..............but as we later discovered it was more to do with our campinggaz cylinder freezing so our gas fire struggled, even so our onboard water tank never froze, although I forgot to open the waste water tank tap so that was frozen until we got to Bordeaux *-)......... But in general it's fine in a normal winter ;-)...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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