New v used. Committed but confused

boldlygoingsomewhere
boldlygoingsomewhere Forum Participant Posts: 26

greetings, I’m new here and at the very beginning of my touring journey, I know which make and model I want but need to make a speedy decision about buying new or used. I have two used options being 2016 and 2018 available now or do I buy a reduced 2019 model or the brand new 2020 model.

committed to buying a Buccaneer Cruiser

thanks in anticipation  

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Comments

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited September 2019 #2

    I always let someone else take the hit on depreciation of a new vehicle/caravan ..... smile

  • MikeyA
    MikeyA Forum Participant Posts: 1,072
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    edited September 2019 #3

    True but at least with a new caravan you know who ( or what) has sat on your cushions and bed.

  • young thomas
    young thomas Forum Participant Posts: 11,356
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    edited September 2019 #4

    the 2019 one at Glossops (Derbyshire, like the OP) has now been sold...did he buy it?

  • ABM
    ABM Forum Participant Posts: 14,578
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    edited September 2019 #5

    Most of us accept the need for Fresh Bed Linen or such like -- costs very little in comparison with the Big Hit as MM says.

  • boldlygoingsomewhere
    boldlygoingsomewhere Forum Participant Posts: 26
    edited September 2019 #6

    I didn’t buy the 2019 one at Glossop, to be honest we’ve given Glossop a wide birth because of the terrible online reviews relating to their after sales service.

    we have a couple of options, one has been damaged by the owner driving into a gate and one 2016 model. Still undecided.

    oh and I’m a she not a he! 

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited September 2019 #7

    I see that there is a 2016 one for £25K. That's 10K cheaper than a new one. How deep are your pockets?

    In theory any snags/damp issues on a s/h one should now be sorted.

  • boldlygoingsomewhere
    boldlygoingsomewhere Forum Participant Posts: 26
    edited September 2019 #8

    I see that there is a 2016 one for £25K. That's 10K cheaper than a new one. How deep are your pockets?

    In theory any snags/damp issues on a s/h one should now be sorted.

     

    my pockets are deep but only because I’m careful about unzipping them, there are a few 16/17 around.

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
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    edited September 2019 #9

    If you buy used, make sure that any manufacturer’s warranty, particularly extended damp warranty, is transferred. You may have to pay a nominal fee to the manufacturer to do this.

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,030 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2019 #10

    Smart move dodging Glossops! 

    We would never buy new, but you need to get everything on a used model checked out, tested, and get a decent warranty even on a used model. Use a credit card for at least some of the purchase, and negotiate hard if using a dealer, a used model ought to include things like waste master, aquaroll, etc.....

  • young thomas
    young thomas Forum Participant Posts: 11,356
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    edited September 2019 #11

    ...a fair old van for a first timer...nearly two tons and 8' X 27'...requiring a fair lump of tow car.

    good luck with the move.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited September 2019 #12
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • boldlygoingsomewhere
    boldlygoingsomewhere Forum Participant Posts: 26
    edited September 2019 #13

    Well that’s food for thought, out of interest which eight foot wide caravan would you recommend?

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2019 #14

    Bet it’s not a UK brand. 😗

  • boldlygoingsomewhere
    boldlygoingsomewhere Forum Participant Posts: 26
    edited September 2019 #15

    Got the right vehicle for towing, while I haven’t towed a van before I’m no stranger to a horse box or boat trailer. I also have super powers - I’ve grown humans and raised them to adulthood, nothing is impossible.

    I come complete with a spinal cord injury, mobility difficulties, ventilation equipment and needs that mean the extra space is a requirement rather than a luxury.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited September 2019 #16
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • Rocky 2 buckets
    Rocky 2 buckets Forum Participant Posts: 7,101
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    edited September 2019 #17

    Confidence is also essential👍🏻😊

  • young thomas
    young thomas Forum Participant Posts: 11,356
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    edited September 2019 #18

    as I said, I wish you well with the van.....smile

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Forum Participant Posts: 3,579
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    edited September 2019 #19

    I have to agree that I would avoid the Buccaneer. Practical Caravan magazine carries an annual customer survey and while we do not yet have the results of the latest one the previous ones have rated Eldiss bottom usually by quite a margin. In the only year that they showed Buccaneer separately Buccanner did worse than the other Eldiss brands.

    Adria usually come top but the results do not include Hobby and Knaus etc as the numbers are not big enough. Of the UK firms Coachman usually come out top but no make of any origin is totally trouble free.

    Personally I would avoid Hobby if you are buying a large caravan as the theft risk is simply too high. When you see traveler's camps, look at the make that dominates and you will see why.

  • Extugger
    Extugger Forum Participant Posts: 1,293
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    edited September 2019 #20

    I would recommend Adria, particularly if it's space you need. Can't harm to have a look and there's a very good dealer in Stoke on Trent - Cara Motorhomes & Caravans 

  • derekcyril
    derekcyril Forum Participant Posts: 408
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    edited September 2019 #21

    Great introduction to towing . . So youre not going down to devon and cornwall ,or round the welsh lanes  ? Seriously , this is a big beast to tow ,and you will be limited . All the best she who is not a he  .Derek

  • boldlygoingsomewhere
    boldlygoingsomewhere Forum Participant Posts: 26
    edited September 2019 #22

    I know we are limited with a van of that size but as a disabled person I’m used to having to make compromises. Much as I love the sea, wheelchairs and sandy beaches are not a good combination and as I broke my neck surfing in Cornwall the gloss has definitely come off that part of the world for me. Having said that I have certainly faced challenges towing a boat trailer and horse box into some very rural locations in the past so I do have a good idea of the challenges we’ll be facing.

    One of the main factors for me is having enough space inside the van for a very tall better half, my mobility needs and space to set up medical equipment, ventilator and suction machines. The cruiser just works in terms of space and layout but I’ve certainly been given food for thought in terms of customer satisfaction ratings.

    We are definitely going to look again before making a decision, it’s been really useful hearing from the "experts"

  • Extugger
    Extugger Forum Participant Posts: 1,293
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    edited September 2019 #23

    Do let us know how you get on

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2019 #24

    Best of luck, BGS. I think you’ve got your head screwed on the right way and you seem to be going into this with your eyes wide open. 

    New or used - it’s six of one and half a dozen of the other. Just do what feels right for you. 👍🏻

  • boldlygoingsomewhere
    boldlygoingsomewhere Forum Participant Posts: 26
    edited September 2019 #25

    😂😂😂 "head screwed on the right way" 

    That made me snort when I read it, my head is actually bolted on or at least my neck is bolted together.

  • boldlygoingsomewhere
    boldlygoingsomewhere Forum Participant Posts: 26
    edited September 2019 #26

    Thanks for the recommendation, I will definitely report back when we have finally made a purchase.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2019 #27

    Sorry! 😳

    At least you laughed🙂

  • boldlygoingsomewhere
    boldlygoingsomewhere Forum Participant Posts: 26
    edited September 2019 #28

    Please don’t apologise it was really funny 😁 

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2019 #29

    👍🏻👍🏻😎

  • boldlygoingsomewhere
    boldlygoingsomewhere Forum Participant Posts: 26
    edited September 2019 #30

    What have you people done to me??

    my better half has had his head turned by German caravans and in particular the Hobby. I know people have said they are prized by travellers and as such pose a security risk but so does the Buccaneer range.

    the whiteboard is out, a chart and leader board have been created....the search continues.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2019 #31

    Has the coin been flipped? It could be the decider 😄