Tomo Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 Nearly bought one of these the other day but chickened out. It was 2007 lovely van, well cared for but I read on a forum that there was major problems with the floor not just this particular model but right across the whole range also the Ace and bessacar. Does anybody want to give me any advice or info on this matter. One Life Live It. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bolero boy Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 I'm sure the doomsayers will be along "Swiftly" but I thought the floor problems were in the Sundance (and equivalent) ranges. Not heard of any of these issues in the Bolero. We had an EL model for a year but then wanted a fixed bed model and have had this one for 3 years. We had a problem with the Truma boiler and the Thetford fridge/freezer, both replaced with no quibble under warranty. Our dealer at West Country motorhomes is brille and close but we haven't needed him for much other than the mentioned issues and services etc. I've been looking at other vans for a while but can't find a better mix of inside space and and storage in a 7m van. Would i have another, yes, but this one is still doing a great job. As for any 2nd hand purchase, get it checked as thoroughly as possible and get a good warranty. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly58 Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 We had an Ace Airstream 2008 680fb no problems with the floor but we did have a problem with the veneers peeling on some of the panels which had to be super glued . Whenever I was looking at simular models in the same range I always looked to see if they had the same problem and some of them had which the owner was not aware of. One thing to do if buying one is to fit a 12v cooling fan from an old desktop computer into the top fridge vent to help remove the built up of hot air and this also helps with reduced gas consumption. A good point of reference is the Swift forum page on Swift owners website. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomo Posted June 26, 2013 Author Share Posted June 26, 2013 Thanx for your quick response. Still thinking about it. Going to see a Hymer today. Still fancy the 650 as the lay out is excellent for us. One Life Live It Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crinklystarfish Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 Motorhomes generally are not built particularly well or carefully. Some are less well made than others. Do a good deal of research with reference to actual owner experiences (on forums). Do not believe what manufacturers or dealers claim, do not believe what you read in magazines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lennyhb Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 Tomo - 2013-06-26 8:20 AM Thanx for your quick response. Still thinking about it. Going to see a Hymer today. Still fancy the 650 as the lay out is excellent for us. One Life Live It No comparison, Hymers are built properly and don't fall apart. Bodies on Hymer's are built using their PUAL system no timber in the structure, injected PU foam etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnsue Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 We have a Swift Bolero 680 FB. We bought new in Autumn 2008 from our local distributor Marquis, Tewkesbury. To date we have completed 20000 miles, would have done more but for some ill health during the last 3 yrs. On the Fiat side of things, we upgraded to the 3 ltr & comformatic gear box , have not had any problem with up hill reverse gear judder. Have found the cab a delight to drive comfort wise. On the habitation side of things, our only major problem has been the habitation door, just poor design. We have had it replaced under warranty, no problem however still not a great door, although I believe that the new models have a completely different style. The fixed bed & the layout of the lounge ie not fixed table, suits us for our style of motor homing. Only other slight criticism would be the cupboard under the sink, looks good but not the easiest thing to access. Definitely no problem with the floor & given that we have been away since Dec 27th, wintering in Spain, currently in France (ferry booked Sun 30th June for return to UK ) apart from 2 x 2 weeks return for Hospital appointments ( flights, left Motor Home in storage). This has been our longest trip ie 6 months & have been quite happy with our Swift Bolero. :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnP Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 I have a Bolero 680FB. Am not aware of or heard of any problem with the floor. The layout is ideal for my lifestyle. Especially like the fixed bed. Two things are a bit of a pain - under sink cupboard is dark and I have fitted an internal light - reversing camera screen/mirror shows to many reflections when in camera mode. If you decide to buy check it out thoroughly. As has been suggested look on Swifts own forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 Google your friend at times like this.....Just Google "swift motorhome damp problems" and be prepared for a long read! *-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lennyhb Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 That's real scary reading the search turns up 93,000 results read a couple of them anyone reading them would never ever buy a Swift. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 lennyhb - 2013-06-26 11:24 AM That's real scary reading the search turns up 93,000 results read a couple of them anyone reading them would never ever buy a Swift. learnt a new term just looking at a few pages "caravan cancer" what a lovely image and the pictures worse! some good stuff over on MHF. One chap took his 6 month old van in for damp repair to the factory thinking his situation bad ....until ahe saw a 12 month old motorhome having both walls replaced because of damp! *-) As Dirty Harry said: " Are you feeling lucky punk...Well are you" 8-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliB Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 We have had a Sundance from new in 2008. No problems with damp. Swift are by far the largest manufacturer of motorhomes in the UK so lots of them about. Yes, Hymer are a quality build but much more expensive if bought in this country. You have to compare like for like. I would have no hesitation in buying another Swift but sticking with what we've got at present as it suits us fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy mccord Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 We had an 2008 Ace Airstream 630EW, no probs with the floor, but the roof and the sidewall were another story, also had door replaced, still wasnt brilliant, build quality not brilliant IMO & no I wouldnt buy another swift van for the foreseeable future. Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 JudgeMental - 2013-06-26 9:50 AM Google your friend at times like this.....Just Google "swift motorhome damp problems" and be prepared for a long read! *-) lennyhb - 2013-06-26 11:24 AM That's real scary reading the search turns up 93,000 results read a couple of them anyone reading them would never ever buy a Swift. ......ah, but there's lies, damn lies and statistics. Then there's Google. Don't use the raw numbers for any kind of rational debate - just try substituting "hymer" or "adria" for "swift" in the above search argument, and see how many hits you get! ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 Robinhood - 2013-06-26 12:25 PM JudgeMental - 2013-06-26 9:50 AM Google your friend at times like this.....Just Google "swift motorhome damp problems" and be prepared for a long read! *-) lennyhb - 2013-06-26 11:24 AM That's real scary reading the search turns up 93,000 results read a couple of them anyone reading them would never ever buy a Swift. ......ah, but there's lies, damn lies and statistics. Then there's Google. Don't use the raw numbers for any kind of rational debate - just try substituting "hymer" or "adria" for "swift" in the above search argument, and see how many hits you get! ;-) Says a man who drives a German van *-) Its evidence man not statistics.... Pages and pages of personal tales of woe, not just figures on a spreadsheet. and yes they can all leak but some more then others! :-S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lennyhb Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 Just tried that Robin, you get a lot of results for Hymer but most of the posts refer to having damp checks done where as the Swift posts nearly all refer to problems. Also I know 2 people who have had Swifts both had damp problems in the first year that to me is 100% failure rate. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 lennyhb - 2013-06-26 12:55 PM Also I know 2 people who have had Swifts both had damp problems in the first year that to me is 100% failure rate. :D .....yup, lies, damn lies, and statistics (without the aid of Google). :-D ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 JudgeMental - 2013-06-26 12:52 PM Robinhood - 2013-06-26 12:25 PM JudgeMental - 2013-06-26 9:50 AM Google your friend at times like this.....Just Google "swift motorhome damp problems" and be prepared for a long read! *-) lennyhb - 2013-06-26 11:24 AM That's real scary reading the search turns up 93,000 results read a couple of them anyone reading them would never ever buy a Swift. ......ah, but there's lies, damn lies and statistics. Then there's Google. Don't use the raw numbers for any kind of rational debate - just try substituting "hymer" or "adria" for "swift" in the above search argument, and see how many hits you get! ;-) Says a man who drives a German van *-) Its evidence man not statistics.... Pages and pages of personal tales of woe, not just figures on a spreadsheet. and yes they can all leak but some more then others! :-S In the context of the original statement, "That's real scary reading the search turns up 93,000 results read a couple of them anyone reading them would never ever buy a Swift and the number of hits from similar searches for other makes, there's no scientific evidence on the relative position for Swift 'vans that would pass any sort of peer review. (I'm not saying there isn't any such evidence, there might well be, just not here). And, yes, I drive a German 'van, but the fact that it is German had little to do with its selection and everything to do (as in my immediately previous two 'vans; French and Spanish respectively) with pattern of use, size, layout, payload, price, base vehicle and dealer location (and in this case, reputation). Coincidentally, the only other vehicle(s) which survived to the shortlist stage were Hymers, which, on inspection (at least for the particular vehicles I comprehensively ran the rule over) failed rather badly (and surprisingly) in the build quality stakes (as I posted here at the time). Whilst I've been very pleased with my Hobby, it hasn't been without a few niggles (fixed under warranty) and one surprising, major and potentially dangerous design flaw (with the fridge installation, and about which I have also posted on here) which I've "bodged" for the time being ,and expect to be able to make a better job of in the near future after arrival of some parts.. In this particular context, I'm surprised you make the implied support of German 'vans, since, as you know from your experience with your previous (German) 'van, they can also have problems with water ingress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 I know you're a man of many words (when only a few will do) as you love the sound of your own voice, a bit like your scandinavian sage with bu$$er all content.... The post about swift group campers? and all CB can have issues but some worse then others thats for sure.... But you have the temerity to dismiss these owners reports of problems as mere statistics and lies, what an ignorant cretin you are!lol FYI as you well know, but you prefer cheap shots... my van at 4.5 years old (covered by a 6 year warranty) yes, damp was detected on day of PX. deal went through due to warranty being intact, at no loss to myself. Unlike the many reports from swift group owners (if you had bothered to read instead of being dismissive!) Who found themselves with very expensive and serious damp issues, and no support or warranty when some only 3 years old. it all there to read on other forums etc... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 JudgeMental - 2013-06-26 2:07 PM I know you're a man of many words (when only a few will do) as yo love the sound of your own voice, a bit like your scandinavian sage with bu$$er all content.... The post about swift group campers? and all CB can have issues but some worse then others thats for sure.... But you have the temerity to dismiss these owners reports of problems as mere statistics and lies, what an ignorant cretin you are!lol FYI as you well know, but you prefer cheap shots... my van at 4.5 years old (covered by a 6 year warranty) yes, damp was detected on day of PX. deal went through due to warranty being intact, at no loss to myself. Unlike the many reports from swift group owners (if you had bothered to read) Who found themselves with very expensive and serious damp issues, and no support or warranty when some only 3 years old. it all there to read on other forums etc... .....ah, but my words make well constructed and sensible, cohesive arguments! (lol) .....though, as you are invariably going to read into posts what you wish to see, rather than what they actually say, and then rapidly descend into insult, I don't really know why I bother! :-S (Maybe it's simply to inject a little balance and common-sense) ;-) Damp is damp, British or German, whether discovered earlier or later, covered by warranty or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 but you have said REPEATEDLY "lies and statistics" when we have linked to multiple discussions regards issues with the MAKE of van the OP inquiring about. That other vans have issues not in dispute, but I still think the odds are better elsewhere ..but that pretty irrelevant given the topic *-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 lennyhb - 2013-06-26 11:24 AM That's real scary reading the search turns up 93,000 results read a couple of them anyone reading them would never ever buy a Swift. Well obviously there is either much duplication of posts on various forums or some "make-believe" going on. I suspect Swift's haven't built 93000 Motorhomes IN TOTAL, during their time manufacturing. 93000 problem Vans would equate to around 4650 vans per annum over a 20 year period & internet posts in the early years would have been minimal, then deduct the PVC's & I would hazard a guess that to reach 93000 vans would mean nearer 10,000 per annum where faulty. Not sure of the official Annual Motorhome Sales figures, but I think that 10,000 is close to the current Total UK Annual Motorhome Sales of ALL manufacturers & including PVC's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Getting a bit carried away Flicka...maybe taking Lennys comments a bit to literally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crinklystarfish Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Whatever the actual stats, real-world owner experience is hard to ignore given the lists of catastrophic Swift Group build quality issues that are frequently reported. Considered alongside this must be the fact that their products are one of the most commonly owned in the UK and the real key would be working out what proportion of the ones in service are duds compared to a similar 'proportion exercise' with other manufacturers' wares. That said, intuitively at least, there do seem to be more jaw-dropping tales of abysmal multiple failure associated with Swift Group products than anyone parting with tens of thousands of pounds' worth of hard earned cash would ever want to see. The OP was specifically asking about a 2007 'van. I suppose if it's checked by someone who knows what they are looking at and it's good now, it might well last as long as any other brand of that vintage. The best that can be hoped for with any brand of 'van of this age and price range is that the build quality is adequate. That's about as good as they get I'm afraid - notwithstanding the swoopy veneered furniture and LED backlit cocktail cabinets. They aren't much use when the floor rots out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bolero boy Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Layout for two perfect, no intrusive dinette or fixed table. huge storage under sofas, two pursuer batteries underslung in seperate compartment so take no space. five skylights including overcab so very airy. kitchen storage would be better if drawers rather than carousel but otherwise kitchen very usable. bathroom large enough for. proper shower. bed fin as long as not more than 6 ft or in the wider category... underbed storage fine for table, chairs etc, plus other necessities. gas locker tight but we now have one refillable 11kg Gaslow system which now gives room in the gas locker for ramps, hose, toilet chemicals, adaptors etc. we also have a solar panel on the roof which means we are independent of EHU. water tanks underslung so potential issue for British winters, although we have only had a problem once in deepest oxford.....cure, winter in Spain! Yes, its not a Hymer but its a well put together as a lot of midrange continental vans and great value. as for any used purchase, do the necassary checks. good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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