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1st time Buyer


robkeen1

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Guest JudgeMental

Blimey!

 

Have you left?

 

Are we too late?

 

Not knowing anything at all regards “wayfarer” Instinctively I would say the Euramobil. Based purely on their reputation…

 

"Low mileage" does not mean a lot really, and it is no guarantee as to condition. a regular used vehicle will be better mechanically then one left standing. Remember the (commercial) base vehicles are designed to do a high mileage over a few years and then scrapped...

 

Obviously the general condition and your impression of the seller should tell you weather it is a good buy. e.g. are they selling from a nice suburban home or a squat!

 

Just take yor time, and try and apply some common sense.

 

And remember “buy in haste repent at leisure”

 

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

 

 

 

 

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You could check their service history, see if the low mileage was evenly spaced out, or was it the usual state of blinding enthusiasm for the first year and then nothing since [happens a lot]. There could also be an annual habitation check - which will give some indication of whether or not they've been looked after / in reasonable condition.

Try and spent a lot of time just sitting in it, making beds, mentally storing your stuff, - and confirm that it is capable of carrying the number of people and all their assorted baggage that you will expect to be using it. Test drive as long as possible in as many different areas and try parking it.

 

good luck, if you get it right it is a great way to spend your time (lol)

 

B-)

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Guest starspirit

It does not matter so much what make, it is more a case of getting a living layout plus a driving environment that will work for you so try as many different vans as you can before deciding.

Try making the bed and laying on it, is it practical and comfortable with no lumps and ridges, is the lounge area comfortable to both dine in and lounge in, is there enough kitchen workspace and facilities for your style of camping, is the loo / shower big enough, is there enough general storage for all the clutter we all carry.

You will probably still get it wrong and may well be changing vans again in under a year so make sure you don't pay too much or you will get a very nasty shock at trade in time.

Only you can compare two vans directly because only you will have to live with the choice, but do feel free to ask for views on specific features.

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robkeen1 - 2007-02-10 10:42 AM Hi I'm just looking at couple of motorhomes today, a Euramobil 585 on a 2001 & a wayfarer equip on a 2000. both with low mileage. which is best

Simple answer.  Autohomes Wayfarer 2000 vs Eura Mobil 585 2001.  On reputation for build quality, and age, almost certainly, the Eura Mobil.

However, you'll need to compare specs and general condition, and look at what kind of warranty is on offer.  Compare engines, are both the same size?  Shower tray damage?  Mildew under seat cushions mattresses?  Do all the blinds work properly?

Look also at equipment levels, fridge model, heaters, cookers/hobs, toilets etc etc.  If you can, drive both (no, not at the same time!!).  Have both got (very) recent damp test records, don't buy unless they have!  Are new habitation and starter batteries on offer - the vans may have stood on the forecourts until both are flat.  At that age, neither is likely to respond well!

The tyres are at/near the ends of their lives.  Probably not too badly worn, but at around 6/7 years they are all, including the spares, about due for replacement due to age.  What is offered?

What do you consider low mileage?  These vehicles all need driving.  Much under 40K, and I'd want to talk to previous owners to see if they have stood around for some time before being sold/traded.  Illness of the owner quite often becomes a reason for sale, and a 'van can spend lengthy periods immobile while the unfortunate comes to terms with his/her changed circumstances.

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Hi

Many Thanks for all your comments. both van were very clean & tidy, emaculate even! the services checked out with less than 20k on each, & serviced yearly.

I brought the eura mobil in the end for £16K for many reason such as the storeage was good due to the double floor, 2.8 td, great for towing a small car & a good price, I throught?

correct! the mileage was low due to the 1st owner becoming ill, the 2nd owner clock approx. 1500 miles in the 1st year & less the 2nd. the engine

I'm really quite pleased with the outcome.

just need to get extras, like sercurity on the rear door, towing hitch & a towing bogie for the car!!

Any ideas

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Guest JudgeMental

Well done!

 

Regards security, have you dead locks on the cab? As this is an area of weakness with most vehicles. Especially the Fiat/Peugeot. All it takes is a screwdriver to break in through the front doors. The caravan doors are a problem as they are not always of very strong construction.

 

When shopping around for locks/locksmiths, Google “commercial vehicle security” and get quotes from trade suppliers. You will soon learn that when the word “Motorhome” is placed in front of any product the price can magically double!

 

As for towing, check your plated weight and make sure you have the capacity to tow present vehicle.

 

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