If you were buying a Freelie then you would prefer the HSE spec rather than GS ; the same spec choice apperars on caravan manufacturers so take a good look at the higher spec caravans as they will have more features which makes for comfortable holidays.
Buying private from a long term owner is better than buying from a dealer; you will meet the owner to get a better feel of how it's been used and if they are finishing vanning then you might get a lot of acessories thrown in the deal.
.
Many many years ago I worked part time for a large retail caravan outfit; the amount of damp caravans that they bodged up for retail was significant, buyers had no idea......fungi and mushrooms growing from door and window frames.....
.
Bailey pre 'Alutec' are a good strong waterproof well built choice.
.
I wouldn't worry about a service record but would reccomend a service once bought by a smaller independent ...
.
Open the door and use your nose first; if you get any odd smell walk away, particularly perfume!
.
Kind regards from Fred,
. 2010GS Auto ex Celeb, Santorini Black, 2011 facelift , spoiler, spats, mudflaps, LED footwell lamps, Witter detach,
Other cars:-
1958 & 1959 Austin J40 Pedal Cars under restoration (I make many J40 parts)
If you have an Austin J40 or Pathfinder Pedal Car looking for a new home pls PM me.
2009 Meriva

HappyNomad wrote:

Don't buy from CG Caravan Enterprises though whatever you do. Proper dodgy dealership there.

a fowl business


possibly soon to open:-
CG's vanners paradise river views, course fishing available, hard standings electric hook up. vandal proof facilities, what ever else is needed??
gastro pub a simple riverside walk away 15 minute outward walk. although it always takes an hour or more to wander home At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

.
Bailey pre 'Alutec' are a good strong waterproof well built choice.
.
I wouldn't worry about a service record but would reccomend a service once bought by a smaller independent ...
.
Open the door and use your nose first; if you get any odd smell walk away, particularly perfume!
.
Kind regards from Fred,
.[/quote]


I did notice that they vastly reduced the warranty when Alutec came out.

Would reiterate the need for damp testing either do it yourself of an independent engineer. Damp meters are easy to use and not overly expensive about £25 for the one I purchased, best 25 quid I've spent in a long time wife found a van she loved at a dealers at £10500 I tested it and found front panels were full of damp dealers excuse was Oh must have missed that when we bought it in. Eventually bought new.

Good luck in your hunt.

I'd also recommend caravan finder, particularly as it has the option to "search by layout".

I found this invaluable when looking for our van. like you, we knew what layout we wanted, but weren't familiar with the models available.

yes caravanfinder seems a very good site. best so far for locating a van by the desired layout.
off to buy a damp tester now - seems a wise investment..... 

chicken george wrote:

CG's vanners paradise river views, course fishing available, hard standings electric hook up. vandal proof facilities, what ever else is needed??
gastro pub a simple riverside walk away 15 minute outward walk. although it always takes an hour or more to wander home


nb. The above is CG knowledge so may be far removed from the truth

seriously it might happen At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

That's scary... A bit like Hannibal Lecter opening a guest house

.

fishing included,.... step into my parlour.


If it goes ahead it should be ready for the first victim next spring At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

vanning, fishing and free BBQ chicken - bargain.
 

upon successful trading , the van site would be soon ripped up and replaced with cabins, for a more refined quality of guest  At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

chicken george wrote:

seriously it might happen

discount for well behaved forum members At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

am watching this one.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/391158174015?_tr...EBIDX%3AIT