Check with dealers before you visit!
Here’s a handy tip! I recently raced off to a dealership to look at several promising used tourers that took my fancy, after checking their website. On arriving, I searched for my vans, but couldn’t find them. Looking around the forecourt, I saw virtually no stock.
Feeling a bit miffed, I went to enquire about the vans I hoped to see. “Oh, they went a few weeks ago,” the salesperson said. But they’re on the website… “Ah, not had time to update it,” was the reply.
My tip is, ring the dealer when you see a van of interest on their website, because they are being snapped up these days; don’t w aste your journe y like I did!
ANDY
practical.caravan@futurenet.com
ANDY JENKINSON is a caravan expert and historian – he loves pre-owned and classic tourers!
IN THE USED VANS SECTION…
Used van buyer
60 Buccaneer Corsair (2012) This heavyweight four-berth is a touch of luxury, provided your tow car can accommodate it
Showroom stars
62 Continental caravans If you do most of your touring abroad, it is well worth considering a Continental-built model
Stock is shifting fast – it’s always worth calling the dealer before visiting!
ANDY’S PICKS OF THE MONTH
1 Natural affinity
The Affinity is a cracking range and the van we saw, a 472 from 2013, was for sale at £11,450 – a lovely, well-kept tourer with excellent kit and a great end washroom. A couple had been studying this one very closely just before I took a look, so it might have been sold that same day! Ideal for those wanting to upgrade.
› www.spinney.co.uk
2 Wandering ways
This is a great bargain – the two-berthCoachman Wanderer was a dealer special, based on the Amara. Priced at £4500, it comes with extra spec and quality soft furnishings. Ideal for first-time buyers, and with an excellent end washroom, this 2005 model will appeal to those who like retro styling.
› www.westfieldcaravans.co.uk
3 Best-seller
The Unicorn was a major success for Bailey and these days, there should be plenty to look at in the pre-owned sector. The end washroom in this 2011 Seville is excellent, with a spacious shower, while the lounge is also very generous. Great spec and at less than £10,000, this example is a great buy, in very good condition.
› www.prestoncm.co.uk
4 Compass points
The 2015 Compass Rallye 530, a threeberth with an end washroom, offers excellent spec, including Alde heating. This example is in superb condition and an ideal buy for a couple who occasionally tour with a grandchild. Smart looking and at £15,495, a great upgrade for those wanting a newer van.
› www.westfieldcaravans.co.uk