New caravan

hallagather
hallagather Forum Participant Posts: 62
edited May 2016 in Caravans #1

Morning could any one help iam going looking at a 7 year old caravan that as never been used everything still in original packaging its been kept in undercover storage question is what concerns should i have about the van if any

thanksUndecided

Comments

  • JohnM20
    JohnM20 Forum Participant Posts: 1,416
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2016 #2

    I think I would want to know why in 7 years it hadn't been used and was it correctly CRIS registered to the person selling it.

  • JillwithaJay
    JillwithaJay Club Member Posts: 2,485 ✭✭
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    edited May 2016 #3

    I agree and am curious as to why it's not been used or even 'unpacked'.

    Can you get accurate and/or truthful information on that question?

    photo 78301b06-7bdd-45fe-8ae2-d4d2cae14135_zpssi5htrez.jpg

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited May 2016 #4

    Its running & stopping gear will need at least a coat of looking at and a couple of new tyres fitting

  • 1Tracey1
    1Tracey1 Forum Participant Posts: 240
    edited May 2016 #5

    I think if I was looking at a 7 year old caravan which hadn't been used I would be asking the advice of a service engineer.  They are made to be moved and used so it cannot be good if it has just been stood for 7 years.  It does seem quite strange.

  • Nuggy
    Nuggy Forum Participant Posts: 512
    edited May 2016 #6

    Is the vendor Bona Fide?

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,076 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2016 #7

    I would beg to differ! We went to look at an older van that had been used as a residence for someone who worked away from home. Hadn't moved a wheel for 8 years. Just the model we wanted, a classic van, already 14 years old. We decided to chance it, and
    paid a small deposit, going back to pick it up a week or so later. We took new tyres with us, these did need fitting. We also took an Alko hitch, replacement bulbs, full tool kit, brake cables. Imagine our delight when every bulb lit up, even the one on the
    number plate. Brakes were fine, hitch was fine. Towed home like a dream. We paid a pittance for this van, spent similar refurbishing it to make it more comfortable and averaged six holidays a year in it for seven years before selling it at a small profit last
    year after getting our MH! 

    So go have a look, agree re tyres, they will need changing. Check everything out, heating lights, water supply, all around seams, under benches, inside cupboards, get underneath and check out chassis and brakes etc.. Could be a bargain!

  • Heethers
    Heethers Forum Participant Posts: 641
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    edited May 2016 #8

    l would have thought a 7 year old van would have been register before the dealer sold it, if it ain't got to be iffey

  • hallagather
    hallagather Forum Participant Posts: 62
    edited May 2016 #9

    Hi thanks for your replys owner has proof of owner ship reason not been used bought the van but before they had it deliverved they had moved house to the area they used to take the van,do you think the seals would be ok

  • rogerwyn
    rogerwyn Forum Participant Posts: 63
    edited May 2016 #10

    My advise is buyer be ware, get CRS to confirm the owners address and the vin number, Windows can be doctored very easy, take a good digital camera with you and find the vin number on the chassi and take several photos then blow up the pictures, it's very
    hard to successfully doctor the number on the chassi and you can pick up any alteration to any number. Good luck.

     

  • JohnDH
    JohnDH Forum Participant Posts: 183
    100 Comments
    edited May 2016 #11

    Is this a 'too good to be true' van? 7 year old, never been used. I need supporting evidence over and above plastic wraps on the furnishings etc. I smell a rat. Could be wrong, BUT......

  • fur ball
    fur ball Forum Participant Posts: 155
    100 Comments
    edited May 2016 #12

    Hi the club offer a caravan inspection to members in the members offer section, bronze silver or gold, gold costs about 200 and you can have a cris and hpi check  for an extra 25 quid on any of the inspections, might be worth consideration.

  • Surfer
    Surfer Club Member Posts: 1,303 ✭
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    edited May 2016 #13

    Not so long ago there was a 2016 Buccaner Cruiser on ebay for sale as spares.  It had never been used, but unfortunately for the owner shortly after delivery they experienced major flooding and the caravan was ruined. 

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,585 ✭
    1000 Comments 250 Likes Photogenic
    edited May 2016 #14

    There are things that could be wrong. If the brakes have not been released in seven years they may be seized, the lights may not work but it is probably only a bit of corrosion. 

    The other equipment all needs checking and if it has been stored under cover then you simply cannot tell if it is watertight but I would think it probably is.

    There are far too many things to check for us to list here and I have to agree you need it checked professionaly, you can use the clubs scheme as mentioned or go on the NCC website and check out mobile engineers in your area.

  • jennyc
    jennyc Forum Participant Posts: 957
    500 Comments
    edited May 2016 #15

    Hi thanks for your replys owner has proof of owner ship reason not been used bought the van but before they had it deliverved they had moved house to the area they used to take the van,do you think the seals would be ok

    Write your comments here...

    I think that you are very sensible to be looking at things like seals - which perish in time rather than with use. Brake and other moving surfaces may rust/corrode over time. Things like the toilet flushing pump and freshwater pump pressure switches can
    stick over time, tap microswitches may build up a resistive corrosion on their contact faces when not used, ditto bulb connectors. None of these may be a problem in this case, and if not, the van may be a bargain. BUT with all things mechanical, storage, unless
    careful preservation techniques are used, may leave legacy problems (albeit fixable). I think that we'd be seriously interested on behalf of a DIYer who's capable of solving simple problems, but if you need dealer support for most faults, then you may need
    to be cautious.

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