Megan Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 I have been looking at a 2004 model of the Swift Kon-Tiki 645. (45,000 on the clock) 2.8cc (is this good?) However like most newbies I am pretty scared of putting down a great deal of money on the unknown. Any thoughts (and yes I've been on the Swift website which did nothing to quell my fears). My husband thinks it is all insane but I really like the layout, the fittings seem to be good quality and there is plenty of room for our 3 bichons. It is longer and wider than I would like but to get the internal area I can't see a way around this. The alternative is to hire but there is nowhere near us that hires and even those that do so seem to have a minimum period of 7 days (too long if we just want to use at at weekend) Would appreciate your thoughts thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggyd Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 We had the 610 which is of course much smaller than the one you are looking at, I loved that van, but I wouldn't buy anything without having a thorough damp check done!! ours was fine a 2003 but I do know that some had a few problems with de laminating floor , you are right the fittings are of good sturdy quality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megan Posted October 4, 2015 Author Share Posted October 4, 2015 Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayjsj Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 Agree,Megan, before parting with any money (even as a deposit) I would get it checked for damp,using a good quality Damp meter. Damp is the major problem with 2nd hand motorhomes, everything else is 'fixable' (usually) for not too much money, but damp means BIG money. The Engine 2.8 litre TDI Diesel is one of the best, provided it has been serviced regularly. Good luck Ray 45,000 miles is about right for a 2004 Van, motorhomes do a lot less mileage than cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 The Fiat 2.8 has a history of 5th gear problems, so it would be advisable to check that on a test drive. Not an expensive job that can be replaced without the gearbox being removed. But would be an annoyance if it failed shortly after purchase. Check if dealer/ seller has full service history showing if the 5th gear has been replaced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Megan - 2015-10-02 8:52 PM I have been looking at a 2004 model of the Swift Kon-Tiki 645. (45,000 on the clock) 2.8cc (is this good?) However like most newbies I am pretty scared of putting down a great deal of money on the unknown. Any thoughts (and yes I've been on the Swift website which did nothing to quell my fears). My husband thinks it is all insane but I really like the layout, the fittings seem to be good quality and there is plenty of room for our 3 bichons. It is longer and wider than I would like but to get the internal area I can't see a way around this. The alternative is to hire but there is nowhere near us that hires and even those that do so seem to have a minimum period of 7 days (too long if we just want to use at at weekend) Would appreciate your thoughts thank you Dare I ask this, but why does your husband think what you have in mind is insane? If he is convinced that he will not enjoy motorcaravanning, or that there are good reasons for you as a family not to own any motorhome, I believe you’ll need to try to persuade him otherwise before bothering to look at specific motorhome models. If he thinks that contemplating paying a not-insignificant amount of money for a complex 11-year-old leisure-vehicle is not the most sensible of ideas, I’d have a good deal odf sympathy with that view. You’ve been on the Swift website, you've seen comments above about potential damp and gearbox problems and you should be in no doubt that a motorhome can be a ‘money pit’ if you get a bad one. It would not really matter what make/model of motorhome you bought (though some certainly have a better reputation than others) there’s always the risk of a big bill in the short term. That’s why you need to be very careful when buying and (I suggest) buy from a local dealership that will offer a realistic guarantee. There is a good deal of on-line advice about motorhome purchase - this is an example http://motorhomes.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-buyers-guide Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megan Posted October 5, 2015 Author Share Posted October 5, 2015 Hi all Thanks for the replies - Husband only thinks the amount of money is insane, not the actual holiday aspect. We are fairly used to caravans and campsites. Where do I get a good damp meter - do I need one or should the dealer have one and anyway says it will have a full 12months mot, mechanical service, Habitation inspection and 6 Months comprehensive warranty and a full valet. Also the option to test drive if I wish. I have had a shed load of trouble with a car recently hence my wariness and in no doubt it could be a money pit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJay Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 The mileage seams realistic. Ours is 2006 and we have nearly 50,000 miles on the clock.We average about 5000 miles a year. we have a swift, and apart from the floor damp (which was replaced by Swift , with no problems out of warranty as well!!) PJay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggyd Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Megan - 2015-10-05 3:34 PM Hi all Thanks for the replies - Husband only thinks the amount of money is insane, not the actual holiday aspect. We are fairly used to caravans and campsites. Where do I get a good damp meter - do I need one or should the dealer have one and anyway says it will have a full 12months mot, mechanical service, Habitation inspection and 6 Months comprehensive warranty and a full valet. Also the option to test drive if I wish. I have had a shed load of trouble with a car recently hence my wariness and in no doubt it could be a money pit. You should be able to get a damp meter on ebay. If you are well under 70 a van over 3.5 ton is O.K as long as you feel confident driving it, but at 70 your license changes so to drive over 3.5 you may need to have another test ?? not sure about this but Im sure some-one else will advise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted October 7, 2015 Share Posted October 7, 2015 Motorhome damp testing is mentioned here http://www.motorhomehabitationservice.com/damp-testing/ and discussed in this earlier forum thread http://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/Which-damp-meter-/19538/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayjsj Posted October 7, 2015 Share Posted October 7, 2015 maggyd - 2015-10-06 8:32 PM Megan - 2015-10-05 3:34 PM Hi all Thanks for the replies - Husband only thinks the amount of money is insane, not the actual holiday aspect. We are fairly used to caravans and campsites. Where do I get a good damp meter - do I need one or should the dealer have one and anyway says it will have a full 12months mot, mechanical service, Habitation inspection and 6 Months comprehensive warranty and a full valet. Also the option to test drive if I wish. I have had a shed load of trouble with a car recently hence my wariness and in no doubt it could be a money pit. You should be able to get a damp meter on ebay. If you are well under 70 a van over 3.5 ton is O.K as long as you feel confident driving it, but at 70 your license changes so to drive over 3.5 you may need to have another test ?? not sure about this but Im sure some-one else will advise. . You just need a medical, not a test to keep your 'over 3500kg license' then a medical every 3 years. Ray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggyd Posted October 7, 2015 Share Posted October 7, 2015 Rayjsj - 2015-10-07 9:29 AM maggyd - 2015-10-06 8:32 PM Megan - 2015-10-05 3:34 PM Hi all Thanks for the replies - Husband only thinks the amount of money is insane, not the actual holiday aspect. We are fairly used to caravans and campsites. Where do I get a good damp meter - do I need one or should the dealer have one and anyway says it will have a full 12months mot, mechanical service, Habitation inspection and 6 Months comprehensive warranty and a full valet. Also the option to test drive if I wish. I have had a shed load of trouble with a car recently hence my wariness and in no doubt it could be a money pit. You should be able to get a damp meter on ebay. If you are well under 70 a van over 3.5 ton is O.K as long as you feel confident driving it, but at 70 your license changes so to drive over 3.5 you may need to have another test ?? not sure about this but Im sure some-one else will advise. . You just need a medical, not a test to keep your 'over 3500kg license' then a medical every 3 years. Ray. I wonder what would fail you on a medical then ? my O,.H has had his cataracts done but has B.P and a slight heart problem!! Anyway its hypothetical as we love our now P.V.C :-D no heart-stopping moments !! on hills narrow roads etc. Its alright having loads of room when on site but when you have to monoever it you can keep it cosy is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted October 7, 2015 Share Posted October 7, 2015 maggyd - 2015-10-07 11:44 AM I wonder what would fail you on a medical then ? ... This may help. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/current-medical-guidelines-dvla-guidance-for-professionals-conditions-a-to-c Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megan Posted October 9, 2015 Author Share Posted October 9, 2015 Hi again, I have had a drive of this vehicle and it seems ok if a bit pedantic. It feels very long but is only half a meter longer than another one I tried which was very nice A Swift Voyager 695 EL 2008 2.287cc, 23000 on the clock Any thoughts please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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