Carado Motorhomes

Martatin
Martatin Club Member Posts: 307
edited July 2019 in Motorhomes #1

We currently have a Chausson Flash 510. We bought it new and are in our fourth season having covered 20 K miles. Been disappointed with build quality and water ingress problems. Thinking we might change and looking at Carado T132. Has anyone had experience of a Carado. All comments gratefully received. 

Comments

  • Lutz
    Lutz Forum Participant Posts: 1,569
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    edited July 2019 #2

    I don’t have any experience of Carado myself. I can only say that together with Sunlight it’s the budget entry level brand of the Hymer Group.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Club Member Posts: 10,224
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    edited July 2019 #3

    My mate in Spain traded his Elnagh for one last year. Haven't spoken to him for some time so not sure how it's working out.

  • Martatin
    Martatin Club Member Posts: 307
    edited July 2019 #4

    Hymer seem to cover a lot of brands. Does anyone know if their build quality is maintained across the Companies.

  • Unknown
    edited July 2019 #5
    This content has been removed.
  • QFour
    QFour Forum Participant Posts: 442
    edited July 2019 #6

    We have a Laika 712 which is from Italy but part of the Hymer Group. Very well put together.

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant, Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 17,345
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    edited July 2019 #7

    We have seen a few Laika’s out and about, always look very nice.

  • Unknown
    edited July 2019 #8
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  • Aspenshaw
    Aspenshaw Forum Participant Posts: 611
    500 Comments
    edited July 2019 #9

    https://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/Carado-T339-Sunlight-T69S/51448/

    Martatin could also try other forums such as Motorhome Fun if he hasn't already. Travelworld, now known as the Erwin Hymer Centre, usually have some on show and it should be possible to compare build quality against other Hymer/Dethleffs offerings. Check to ensure they have models you want to view before travelling.

    A second hand higher specced Hymer or Dethleffs may be a viable option.

    I don't know where Martatin lives in Cheshire but from the Wirral the EHC is a two hour drive when we go cross country to avoid the M6. 

  • Martatin
    Martatin Club Member Posts: 307
    edited July 2019 #10

    Thanks for responses still doing research been to EHC impressive show rooms but not sure they were offering me the best deal. Good place to view the whole Hymer range. Ps cyberyacht spoken to your mate in Spain for a view ?

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Club Member Posts: 10,224
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    edited July 2019 #11

    I haven't as things have been a bit hectic lately. I'll fire off an Email and see what transpires.

  • BlueVanMan
    BlueVanMan Club Member Posts: 382
    100 Comments
    edited July 2019 #12

    Etrusco is a Hymer brand built at the same production facility in Tuscany (Italy) as Laika. They build RHD A Class and Coachbuits and their brochure claims

    "Italian design and exacting German engineering - at a truly competitive price.".

    Having seen them locally I suspect they are  "budget" Laikas 

  • Unknown
    edited July 2019 #13
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  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Club Member Posts: 10,224
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    edited July 2019 #14

    In answer to the earlier follow up:-

    "In October our Carado is 2 years old. We love it, they are not as solidly built as older motorhomes, like most now. But I made a couple of mods on 2 items to make them stronger, nothing serious. At the comparative price I think they are good value. We have the 2.3 cc 130 multijet Fiat Ducati engine. We find it has ample power & quite economical. Excellent after sales 2 year warranty by Fiat includes roadside breakdown in Europe. "

  • Martatin
    Martatin Club Member Posts: 307
    edited July 2019 #15

    Thanks for update cyberyacht really useful.

  • Jetstar
    Jetstar Forum Participant Posts: 1
    edited April 2022 #16

    With regard to Carado, all I can say is that my Carado i339 is completely perfect at 3-years old, and has been trouble-free since day-1. In fact, on delivery I spoke with the chief engineer at the dealership; he told me off the record that Carado vehicles in general present the fewest issues and have the quietest drive - along with Cathago (unlike certain brands which can spend 3-days in the workshop before being snag-free enough for handover). Expect solid build that just impresses more and more the better you get to know your vehicle. I was even pleasantly surprised that the cost of a new windscreen if required isn't too bad at all, even though it's an A-Class. A Carado won't have quite the snazzy panache of say an Itineo, but if you're looking for build quality .. look no further.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Club Member Posts: 10,224
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    edited April 2022 #17

    Notwithstanding my report of two years ago, my mate in Spain has since had no end of problems subsequently and last year got rid of the Carado and bought an older Hymer Swing with which he is most content.

  • Martatin
    Martatin Club Member Posts: 307
    edited May 2022 #18

    I collected my Carado T132 in March 2020 just before lockdown. Haven’t ventured abroad yet, hopefully next month. 2 years on we have done 6,000 miles and 150 nights. Like Jetstar so far so good pleased with build quality etc. Cyberyacht sorry to hear your mate in Spain unhappy with his after his positive comments 2 years ago. What sort of problems did he have with his Carado ?

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Club Member Posts: 10,224
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    edited May 2022 #19

    Don;t now the ins and outs and didn't want to open old wounds so to speak.