Hello,

Over the last couple of years I have been considering the purchase of
a motorhome (remembering the holidays when I was a kid in my parents
VW)

I life on the Isle of Man and so there is no where local to buy
campers, so I am looking round ebay.

I want something thats comfortable and self - contained that will cope
with weekends away along with further and longer trips to the
continent.

If you look on ebay there are 100's of choices. My budget really is a
MAXIMUM of about 18k (my in laws are putting some money towards it as
they will want to use it also).

is something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=190226687614&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=009

Going to fit the bill?

Does the L shape living room give the better layout? It looks like it
should.

How comfy are the above cab beds - can they be used all the time to
save coverting the seating area?

Any advise welcome.

--

Gavin.

"Gavsta"  wrote in message 
news:819ddfa3-adb3-4e44-85f1-329fe05e6962@79g2000hsk.googlegroups.com...
> Hello,
>
> Over the last couple of years I have been considering the purchase of
> a motorhome (remembering the holidays when I was a kid in my parents
> VW)
>
> I life on the Isle of Man and so there is no where local to buy
> campers, so I am looking round ebay.
>
> I want something thats comfortable and self - contained that will cope
> with weekends away along with further and longer trips to the
> continent.
>
> If you look on ebay there are 100's of choices. My budget really is a
> MAXIMUM of about 18k (my in laws are putting some money towards it as
> they will want to use it also).
>
> is something like this:
> http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=190226687614&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=009
>
> Going to fit the bill?
>
> Does the L shape living room give the better layout? It looks like it
> should.
>
> How comfy are the above cab beds - can they be used all the time to
> save coverting the seating area?
>
> Any advise welcome

Far and away the best place to get something good for that sort of money is 
Germany and the place to look is www.mobile.de

Rgds

Andy R

"Gavsta"  wrote in message 
news:819ddfa3-adb3-4e44-85f1-329fe05e6962@79g2000hsk.googlegroups.com...
> Hello,
>
> Over the last couple of years I have been considering the purchase of
> a motorhome (remembering the holidays when I was a kid in my parents
> VW)
>
> I life on the Isle of Man and so there is no where local to buy
> campers, so I am looking round ebay.
>
> I want something thats comfortable and self - contained that will cope
> with weekends away along with further and longer trips to the
> continent.
>
> If you look on ebay there are 100's of choices. My budget really is a
> MAXIMUM of about 18k (my in laws are putting some money towards it as
> they will want to use it also).
>
> is something like this:
> http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=190226687614&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=009
>
> Going to fit the bill?
>
> Does the L shape living room give the better layout? It looks like it
> should.
>
> How comfy are the above cab beds - can they be used all the time to
> save coverting the seating area?
> Any advise welcome.
> --
>
> Gavin.

Regarding an eBay purchase - I bought my campervan on eBay 2 years ago. I 
took a risk buying there and as it happens I did alright but that was partly 
down to good luck I think. The seller did tell me what the reserve price was 
though when I contacted him to ask, and my son (who lived closer to the 
seller than I) and his 'expert' friend were able to inspect the vehicle 
before I bid. I made a bid of 10p over the reserve price in the closing 
minutes and wasn't challenged. (Quite a thrill really!)

I doubt I would use eBay now though. Recent changes to their procedures 
would prevent me from carrying out basic checks on the history of other 
bidders which would help me decide whether or not there was something dodgy 
going on to force the price up. So beware and good luck.

Brian

On Sat, 7 Jun 2008 07:17:59 -0700 (PDT), Gavsta
 wrote:

>Hello,
>
>Over the last couple of years I have been considering the purchase of
>a motorhome (remembering the holidays when I was a kid in my parents
>VW)
>
>I life on the Isle of Man and so there is no where local to buy
>campers, so I am looking round ebay.
>
>I want something thats comfortable and self - contained that will cope
>with weekends away along with further and longer trips to the
>continent.
>
>If you look on ebay there are 100's of choices. My budget really is a
>MAXIMUM of about 18k (my in laws are putting some money towards it as
>they will want to use it also).
>
>is something like this:
>http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=190226687614&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=009
>
>Going to fit the bill?
>
>Does the L shape living room give the better layout? It looks like it
>should.
>
>How comfy are the above cab beds - can they be used all the time to
>save coverting the seating area?
>
>Any advise welcome.

Ebay is absolutely fine as long as you ignore the bullshit about being
protected etc Often the protection from Ebay/Paypal is worthless. That
said you must treat each and every purchase either on Ebay or
elsewhere as a normal private sale.

Don't buy from anywhere but the guys home address. Pay by credit card
if possible. You want their home number not just a mobile number.

Even if you buy from Ebay do the usual checks and give the van a
thorough going over. If a UK van get it HPI'd BEFORE you go. You must
also take it for a long test drive of at least 10 miles fast and slow
speeds. Then check it again when you get back.

Apart from that you can do no more. If you smell a rat than walk away.

The same applies from a dealer or private sale. Though if it's private
make sure the guy your buying it from IS in the logbook at the address
you are visiting.

At 18k I would also consider taking along an AA man or something as I
think the price includes some guarantees as does HPI etc.

Just remember even a small one is a big old lump to be trying to park
when out and about and unless you are going to use it regularly you
don't need one.

On Sun, 08 Jun 2008 10:50:28 +0100, Darren 
wrote:

>On Sat, 7 Jun 2008 07:17:59 -0700 (PDT), Gavsta
> wrote:
>
>>Hello,
>>
>>Over the last couple of years I have been considering the purchase of
>>a motorhome (remembering the holidays when I was a kid in my parents
>>VW)
>>
>>I life on the Isle of Man and so there is no where local to buy
>>campers, so I am looking round ebay.
>>
>>I want something thats comfortable and self - contained that will cope
>>with weekends away along with further and longer trips to the
>>continent.
>>
>>If you look on ebay there are 100's of choices. My budget really is a
>>MAXIMUM of about 18k (my in laws are putting some money towards it as
>>they will want to use it also).
>>
>>is something like this:
>>http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=190226687614&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=009
>>
>>Going to fit the bill?
>>
>>Does the L shape living room give the better layout? It looks like it
>>should.

The Autosleeper style U shape at the rear is excellent.

>>How comfy are the above cab beds - can they be used all the time to
>>save coverting the seating area?

The above cab area is priceless certainly on the Rimor style
coachbuilts and there is plenty of room for two adults and a permanent
bed which as you say means we can leave the dining area alone. A big
plus but not all campers have enough space up there.

>>Any advise welcome.

Buy a Ford based conversion and at least you'll have the backup and
price scale of a British Build. Ducato/Peugeot are a nightmare when
they go wrong and the UK support is abysmal as well as pricey.

>Ebay is absolutely fine as long as you ignore the bullshit about being
>protected etc Often the protection from Ebay/Paypal is worthless. That
>said you must treat each and every purchase either on Ebay or
>elsewhere as a normal private sale.
>
>Don't buy from anywhere but the guys home address. Pay by credit card
>if possible. You want their home number not just a mobile number.
>
>Even if you buy from Ebay do the usual checks and give the van a
>thorough going over. If a UK van get it HPI'd BEFORE you go. You must
>also take it for a long test drive of at least 10 miles fast and slow
>speeds. Then check it again when you get back.
>
>Apart from that you can do no more. If you smell a rat than walk away.
>
>The same applies from a dealer or private sale. Though if it's private
>make sure the guy your buying it from IS in the logbook at the address
>you are visiting.
>
>At 18k I would also consider taking along an AA man or something as I
>think the price includes some guarantees as does HPI etc.
>
>Just remember even a small one is a big old lump to be trying to park
>when out and about and unless you are going to use it regularly you
>don't need one.
>

On 7 Jun, 14:56, "Andy R"  wrote:
> "Gavsta"  wrote in message
>
> news:819ddfa3-adb3-4e44-85f1-329fe05e6962@79g2000hsk.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
> > Hello,
>
> > Over the last couple of years I have been considering the purchase of
> > a motorhome (remembering the holidays when I was a kid in my parents
> > VW)
>
> > I life on the Isle of Man and so there is no where local to buy
> > campers, so I am looking round ebay.
>
> > I want something thats comfortable and self - contained that will cope
> > with weekends away along with further and longer trips to the
> > continent.
>
> > If you look on ebay there are 100's of choices. My budget really is a
> > MAXIMUM of about 18k (my in laws are putting some money towards it as
> > they will want to use it also).
>
> > is something like this:
> >http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=19022668761...
>
> > Going to fit the bill?
>
> > Does the L shape living room give the better layout? It looks like it
> > should.
>
> > How comfy are the above cab beds - can they be used all the time to
> > save coverting the seating area?
>
> > Any advise welcome
>
> Far and away the best place to get something good for that sort of money is
> Germany and the place to look iswww.mobile.de

I've seen the site and their prices are far better than those on ebay
- even with the recent higher euro prices - but I don't speak German.
Any idea how many of the sellers on http://www.mobile.de speak
English?

"Gavsta"  wrote in message 
news:819ddfa3-adb3-4e44-85f1-329fe05e6962@79g2000hsk.googlegroups.com...
> Hello,
>
> Over the last couple of years I have been considering the purchase of
> a motorhome (remembering the holidays when I was a kid in my parents
> VW)
>
> I life on the Isle of Man and so there is no where local to buy
> campers, so I am looking round ebay.
>

You really need to go to several dealers and look at every brand and type 
available. New and second hand. There are lots of different layouts and 
different standards of build quality across all the brands.  Its a big 
purchase so you need to find out what you do and dont want, or what you can 
live with and what will drive you potty. You also have to work out where you 
will store/park it. Some houses have covenants that prohibit caravans or 
motorhomes being kept on the drive.

If you could hire one for a week or so for the first trip you would find out 
whether the whole experience was for you and yours before you hand over your 
savings. On 1 site we were next to a younger couple with a brand new 
overhead cab type ( cant remember the brand).  She spent all her time inside 
sulking and he sat outside chatting to us. She absolutely hated the whole 
thing yet apparently she had been the enthusiastic one before purchase.  Its 
a lot of money to lose if its not for you.

Ebay is OK provided you see the vehicle do all the usual checks prior to 
purchase. But you wont have the protection that a good dealership would give 
but then you would probably pay  more. I'm erring towards thinking that for 
a first time purchase a good dealer may be a better option.



:o)

On Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:19:16 +0100, "Hilary"
 wrote:

>
>"Gavsta"  wrote in message 
>news:819ddfa3-adb3-4e44-85f1-329fe05e6962@79g2000hsk.googlegroups.com...
>> Hello,
>>
>> Over the last couple of years I have been considering the purchase of
>> a motorhome (remembering the holidays when I was a kid in my parents
>> VW)
>>
>> I life on the Isle of Man and so there is no where local to buy
>> campers, so I am looking round ebay.
>>
>
>
>
>If you could hire one for a week or so for the first trip you would find out 
>whether the whole experience was for you and yours before you hand over your 
>savings. On 1 site we were next to a younger couple with a brand new 
>overhead cab type ( cant remember the brand).  She spent all her time inside 
>sulking and he sat outside chatting to us. She absolutely hated the whole 
>thing yet apparently she had been the enthusiastic one before purchase.  Its 
>a lot of money to lose if its not for you.
>

The last 2 years we hired a van in Germany to try out different
layouts & to see how we would get on. The 1st year we were undecided
as you need to get used to a different approach to touring after
dragging a caravan around for 20 years.

Although hiring cost a few bob hopefully it will have saved an
expensive mistake, decided A class was not for us, the large
windscreen gave a great view driving & when sited but didn't find any
other advantage, decided a low profile was best for us.

Last year after altering our touring patten we decided it was the way
to go.
We weren't planning on getting a Motorhome for another 2 years but
made the big mistake of stopping off at Caravan Salon on the way back
from holiday last year. Very expensive mistake, off to Belgium next
week to pick up the new Hymer.

Lenny

Eurolites - the number one headlamp beam converter.
California Scents - Air Fresheners in a tin from the USA.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/motor-essentials

Hi Lenny we have had the same van u r looking at Swift 590RL

A great van for 2 but I would'nt recommend for 4!!
Lounge is great 4 lounging!!
Top bed massive.
  we liked it so much we have just replaced for the same van but bessacarr 
E425

I would'nt risk buying abroad 2 many problems u need 2 no where 2 go & what 
to buy!!
If u go for a well nown make any problems spares are easier to get!!
Buy a van 2  - 4 yrs old & u won't loose much on it when u sell.
Any other questions please ask
Ian



"Lenny"  wrote in message 
news:pi1554loffva5to798gd8ot7lr4scsuk08@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:19:16 +0100, "Hilary"
>  wrote:
>
>>
>>"Gavsta"  wrote in message
>>news:819ddfa3-adb3-4e44-85f1-329fe05e6962@79g2000hsk.googlegroups.com...
>>> Hello,
>>>
>>> Over the last couple of years I have been considering the purchase of
>>> a motorhome (remembering the holidays when I was a kid in my parents
>>> VW)
>>>
>>> I life on the Isle of Man and so there is no where local to buy
>>> campers, so I am looking round ebay.
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>If you could hire one for a week or so for the first trip you would find 
>>out
>>whether the whole experience was for you and yours before you hand over 
>>your
>>savings. On 1 site we were next to a younger couple with a brand new
>>overhead cab type ( cant remember the brand).  She spent all her time 
>>inside
>>sulking and he sat outside chatting to us. She absolutely hated the whole
>>thing yet apparently she had been the enthusiastic one before purchase. 
>>Its
>>a lot of money to lose if its not for you.
>>
>
> The last 2 years we hired a van in Germany to try out different
> layouts & to see how we would get on. The 1st year we were undecided
> as you need to get used to a different approach to touring after
> dragging a caravan around for 20 years.
>
> Although hiring cost a few bob hopefully it will have saved an
> expensive mistake, decided A class was not for us, the large
> windscreen gave a great view driving & when sited but didn't find any
> other advantage, decided a low profile was best for us.
>
> Last year after altering our touring patten we decided it was the way
> to go.
> We weren't planning on getting a Motorhome for another 2 years but
> made the big mistake of stopping off at Caravan Salon on the way back
> from holiday last year. Very expensive mistake, off to Belgium next
> week to pick up the new Hymer.
>
> Lenny
>
> Eurolites - the number one headlamp beam converter.
> California Scents - Air Fresheners in a tin from the USA.
>
> http://stores.ebay.co.uk/motor-essentials