New caravan on order - is delivery imminent?

IanTG
IanTG Forum Participant Posts: 419
100 Comments
edited March 2020 in Caravans #1

hi,

we’ve got a new van (Adria) on order, p/xing our Swift, with original estimated delivery date of around 4th April (ordered at NEC last Oct).

Have spoken to dealer who is trying to ascertain if delivery timing is still ok (van of course coming from Slovenia) in these Coronavirus times. I’m not unduly worried, but it has crossed my mind, what’s the point of having a new van in current restrictions re essential travel only and social distancing? It may be we cannot really use it - as intended - for several months. (Spain in May looks most unlikely)

Curious what others in similar situations are doing, as around now must be a peak time for new van delivery. Have you cancelled? Is the delivery on time? If cancelled, what’s happened to your deposit?

As an aside, I have to say I’m a little surprised Club sites are still open, given current restrictions, particularly around travel. I do understand that one can self-isolate in a caravan (not much fun in my book).

Ian

 

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited March 2020 #2

    I agree with your thoughts on club sites.

    There will be an awful lot of vans hardly moving this year so you won't be alone. We just have to bite the bullet in that respect.

    With regards to your deposit if you cancel, it will depend on your contract with the supplying dealer. I suspect it would be forfeit.

  • marchie1053
    marchie1053 Forum Participant Posts: 584
    edited March 2020 #3

    'Swifty' our 'vulnerable age group' caravan [2004 model] is with our Service Agent, and has been since our return from Spain some 3 weeks ago, for some damage and repairs to be carried out. 'I'll call you when it is ready' was the parting shot from the Business Owner, and this was obviously before the current crisis really took hold.

    I have heard nothing, but will leave matters in abeyance, because:

    1. There may well be difficulties in tracking down spares for Swifty

    2. There may be illness at the Repair Business

    3. If I get Swifty back, I've nowhere to take it, Elaine and I are each in the 'At Risk' Group, and a caravan trip in Eastern Scotland in March can hardly be described as 'Essential Travel', and, finally, why put ourselves and others at risk by undertaking such a caper?

    That said, a wee sojourn to relieve the tedium would be a welcome diversion ...

    Definition of optimism: 'Fred Olsen ['FOCL'] Cruise Ship berthed in the Firth of Forth today, waiting for the start of the 2020 Cruise Programme in late April' ... Given that the FCO advice to the over 70s [i.e. most of FOCL Passengers!], is not to take any cruises until the Coronavirus crisis is over, I think that the ship will be stationery for a wee while smile

    Steve

  • Tigi
    Tigi Forum Participant Posts: 1,038
    500 Comments
    edited March 2020 #4

    I have accepted delivery of a Swift, a deal is a deal, you will lose the deposit at the very least, and possibly the dealers expenses depending on your contract.  One other van was collected at the same time with another  ready to go.

  • Sumitra
    Sumitra Forum Participant Posts: 154
    edited March 2020 #5

    We were promised our new van in March.I never really believed that actually but thought April/May more likely.We have our old van still so if we really want to go somewhere (unlikely at the moment) it will not be a problem.We are putting our old van in part exchange though so this must be a bit of a problem for dealerships as I am sure that it is about this time of the year people start looking to buy for the summer.Most people will be keeping their money in their pockets at the moment I would think.

  • IanTG
    IanTG Forum Participant Posts: 419
    100 Comments
    edited March 2020 #6

    Well, we decided to cancel. Dealer is seemingly helpful around our deposit. Apparently, the Adria factory is now closed for a month (but IMO this will extend) so there is an interruption to production and supply, although dealer did have one new van of our spec in stock.

    we just didn’t want to invest more in an asset which would be in storage for what will likely be all summer at least.

  • Jazzybaby
    Jazzybaby Forum Participant Posts: 109
    edited March 2020 #7

    We ordered our new van in October and took delivery on Friday 13th March. Spent two nights on handover. Its sat on the drive now obviously but it still makes me feel good just looking/sitting in it. Total cost £12,750 per night!!!

    As they say you cant take it with you. If we don't survive, kids inherit it.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2020 #8

    You could have had a penthouse at the Ritz for that money. wink

  • marchie1053
    marchie1053 Forum Participant Posts: 584
    edited March 2020 #9

    I'm going to leave the Building Society Passbook where the kids can find it, so that they can see how much of their inheritance we spent on caravans, cruises, foreign travel etc, whilst wasting the rest ...

    As Jim Bowen used to say to losing contestants on Bullseye, 'Now, let's have a look at what you could have won ...' sealed

    Steve

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