I'm struggling a bit with this decision and would value some input.
I'll try to make it simple.
We are looking to buy a Fiat Ducato Campervan. Either the 6 m or 6.4 m length.
The layout (and price) we like is from Avan. We also looked at Avida and Jayco.
But there is an 18 month + waiting list.
The options I'm considering are these:
#1. Place an order and wait. If we go on any trips in the next 18 months we'll have to rent. At an all up cost of maybe $10-15k. (3-4 1 week trips)
#2. Buy something else second hand. It won't be the model (and permanent bed layout) we like as they are hard to find second hand, but maybe a Merc Sprinter model.
#3. Buy a second hand Sprinter now, and place an order on the Fiat. Use the 2nd hand campervan for 18 months+ and sell it when the new van is ready.
What would you do?
Or can you suggest another option?
Waiting 18months + for the new van, also kind of limits our future use of it. I'm not getting any younger or healthier.......
Gaylehere said
01:07 PM May 23, 2022
I'll throw another idea in there. As you say you are looking at 3 or 4 one week holidays during the waiting time for the new motorhome you want, would you consider holidays in your car and staying in cabins or motels or apartments for those few weeks. It could work out a lot cheaper than renting a motorhome each time. Just a thought. Cheers.
RoboLB said
01:47 PM May 23, 2022
Gaylehere wrote:
I'll throw another idea in there. As you say you are looking at 3 or 4 one week holidays during the waiting time for the new motorhome you want, would you consider holidays in your car and staying in cabins or motels or apartments for those few weeks. It could work out a lot cheaper than renting a motorhome each time. Just a thought. Cheers.
Yes, certainly a good option Gaylehere and worth considering.
Though it's the attraction of the 'open road' and staying in the big outdoors that really appeals to us.
We did a road trip last year staying in Motels, and whilst it was fun, the following Campervan trip was much more enjoyable. We stayed in quite remote places / camps.
"She who must be obeyed" also got rather used to travelling with her own bathroom LOL
Important when you have a bladder the size of a wall nut !
Bobdown said
02:08 PM May 23, 2022
I'd be buying second hand Rob, a few years old with all the bugs sorted out.
Waiting 18 months, paying top dollar, plus on-road costs then the usual minor things need fixing, where you could be out there sleeping under the stars in a month's time with some cash in your pocket.
In a couple of years time, the novelty might wear off or the dreaded health problems might occur and you will have a new van partly used.
Go for it.
Cheers Bob
Mike Harding said
02:30 PM May 23, 2022
I'd say it's purely down to cash; it you have the money available buy secondhand, take comp. insurance, and resell after 18 months. You may even make a profit! :) But you won't lose much.
As you say/imply life is too short these days to mess around.
hufnpuf said
03:16 PM May 23, 2022
I'd buy secondhand and learn to love it. Unless there's something seriously deficient, if it's along the lines of what you really like (size, facilities) you'll get used to it. If you still want the model you've picked out, even though they don't come up often, one may still come up and you can get it later and sell what you get now (assuming you can afford to do that).
I decided to buy a caravan when covid came along. The touristy places lost their income from overseas and interstate travellers when the border closed and I figured I could go somewhere and they could at least have my money. I found my little van on gumtree. I loved it. One day, I just wondered what was out there with a bathroom, that was the only thing my little van didn't have, and found my new van just by happenstance. I probably paid too much (covid again) but I wanted something now so I grabbed it. Even though it has more things than my little van, there are things that are not as good, like storage space in the poptop, I could put things up along the top cupboards when the lid was up. It really doesn't matter, I'll sort it out and adjust.
In 18 months, the prices might have come back down. They are high because covid has driven demand. If demand drops and supply goes up, you may be paying today's prices instead of tomorrow's.....
Another thing is that you'll use the motorhome to go places. Mine is my "bedroom", I go off out during the day looking at scenery. It's not as if you'll be in there staring at the layout all the time. As long as it's functional, it'll work for you. I'd grab something and hit the road.
RoboLB said
05:20 PM May 23, 2022
Bobdown wrote:
I'd be buying second hand Rob, a few years old with all the bugs sorted out.
Waiting 18 months, paying top dollar, plus on-road costs then the usual minor things need fixing, where you could be out there sleeping under the stars in a month's time with some cash in your pocket.
In a couple of years time, the novelty might wear off or the dreaded health problems might occur and you will have a new van partly used.
Go for it.
Cheers Bob
Good points Bob....... Food for thought.
RoboLB said
05:22 PM May 23, 2022
Mike Harding wrote:
I'd say it's purely down to cash; it you have the money available buy secondhand, take comp. insurance, and resell after 18 months. You may even make a profit! :) But you won't lose much.
As you say/imply life is too short these days to mess around.
Thanks for your input Mike.
woolman said
05:25 PM May 23, 2022
What ever you do don't rush any way. Personally i would buy second hand , even if you paid some dollars and modified and upgraded, depending on age. It is highly unlikely you will ever wear out the main mechanics in in motor home around 100,000klm.
Neil
RoboLB said
05:29 PM May 23, 2022
hufnpuf wrote:
I'd buy secondhand and learn to love it. Unless there's something seriously deficient, if it's along the lines of what you really like (size, facilities) you'll get used to it. If you still want the model you've picked out, even though they don't come up often, one may still come up and you can get it later and sell what you get now (assuming you can afford to do that).
I decided to buy a caravan when covid came along. The touristy places lost their income from overseas and interstate travellers when the border closed and I figured I could go somewhere and they could at least have my money. I found my little van on gumtree. I loved it. One day, I just wondered what was out there with a bathroom, that was the only thing my little van didn't have, and found my new van just by happenstance. I probably paid too much (covid again) but I wanted something now so I grabbed it. Even though it has more things than my little van, there are things that are not as good, like storage space in the poptop, I could put things up along the top cupboards when the lid was up. It really doesn't matter, I'll sort it out and adjust.
In 18 months, the prices might have come back down. They are high because covid has driven demand. If demand drops and supply goes up, you may be paying today's prices instead of tomorrow's.....
Another thing is that you'll use the motorhome to go places. Mine is my "bedroom", I go off out during the day looking at scenery. It's not as if you'll be in there staring at the layout all the time. As long as it's functional, it'll work for you. I'd grab something and hit the road.
I think this is likely where I'm headed.
Thanks for the input.
RoboLB said
05:31 PM May 23, 2022
woolman wrote:
What ever you do don't rush any way. Personally i would buy second hand , even if you paid some dollars and modified and upgraded, depending on age. It is highly unlikely you will ever wear out the main mechanics in in motor home around 100,000klm.
Neil
Fair point Neil.
Though most I am seeing are ex rentals, with 200k plus on the clock.
And these are $90k ish. Can get a new one for $125k !
RoboLB said
06:08 PM May 23, 2022
Is there such a thing as a Buyer's agent for Campervans?
I was planning on getting an NRMA inspection, but it would be great to have someone actively seeking out a van for us.
hufnpuf said
06:17 PM May 23, 2022
You could let a dealer or dealers know what you are after. They won't be acting for you, but if they get something in, they'll want to sell it so they will let you know.
Aus-Kiwi said
06:35 PM May 23, 2022
Just because its new doesnt mean it wont have problems ! Imo
Second hand . With good service, belts , nose replacement ! The little things that make big things fail !! Lifes too short !!
dabbler said
06:56 PM May 23, 2022
Good luck buying a used converted Sprinter right now. They are around but in high demand and you will need to act quickly if you find one that suits.
RoboLB said
07:15 PM May 23, 2022
hufnpuf wrote:
You could let a dealer or dealers know what you are after. They won't be acting for you, but if they get something in, they'll want to sell it so they will let you know.
Good point !
RoboLB said
07:36 PM May 23, 2022
I think the reality, is likely, that we just have to put the idea of a Campervan on hold for a year or two.
Maybe just keep an eye open here and here.
Who knows, availability and pricing might be different in 12 months time.
Gaylehere said
09:40 PM May 23, 2022
I know you don't have a motorhome yet but what about joining the CMCA. Get their magazine (The Wanderer) either on line or in print. They have a bit at the back with motorhomes and caravans for sale. There's not a lot, but in the May addition there was two Ducato's for sale in NSW. One had 69,000km on the clock and the other was an Avan with 24,225kms on the clock. The first one, a Sunliner was priced at $134,990 and the Avan at $120,000. I know nothing of these two motorhomes or their owners but just checked the magazine and read the ads. If nothing else, membership isn't all that expensive and the magazine might give you some ideas of places to visit on your trips.
Cheers.
PS: There was also a "Wanted" advert.
-- Edited by Gaylehere on Monday 23rd of May 2022 09:51:19 PM
Bicyclecamper said
10:38 PM May 23, 2022
try www.caravancampingsales.com.au motorhomes there, as well, and and a lot of them, 515 new and used and available now for sale.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Monday 23rd of May 2022 11:34:17 PM
RoboLB said
07:54 AM May 24, 2022
Gaylehere wrote:
I know you don't have a motorhome yet but what about joining the CMCA. Get their magazine (The Wanderer) either on line or in print. They have a bit at the back with motorhomes and caravans for sale. There's not a lot, but in the May addition there was two Ducato's for sale in NSW. One had 69,000km on the clock and the other was an Avan with 24,225kms on the clock. The first one, a Sunliner was priced at $134,990 and the Avan at $120,000. I know nothing of these two motorhomes or their owners but just checked the magazine and read the ads. If nothing else, membership isn't all that expensive and the magazine might give you some ideas of places to visit on your trips.
Cheers.
PS: There was also a "Wanted" advert.
-- Edited by Gaylehere on Monday 23rd of May 2022 09:51:19 PM
Not a bad idea, I'll take a look. Thanks
RoboLB said
08:02 AM May 24, 2022
Bicyclecamper wrote:
try www.caravancampingsales.com.au motorhomes there, as well, and and a lot of them, 515 new and used and available now for sale.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Monday 23rd of May 2022 11:34:17 PM
I look at that site 3-4 times a day!
Sadly there are not many available of the type we are looking for.
2 berth, toilet shower etc.
A few old ones not far off the price of new ones.......
I might talk to a few dealers and ask them to keep an eye out for us.
RoboLB said
08:11 AM May 24, 2022
Gaylehere wrote:
I know you don't have a motorhome yet but what about joining the CMCA. Get their magazine (The Wanderer) either on line or in print. They have a bit at the back with motorhomes and caravans for sale. There's not a lot, but in the May addition there was two Ducato's for sale in NSW. One had 69,000km on the clock and the other was an Avan with 24,225kms on the clock. The first one, a Sunliner was priced at $134,990 and the Avan at $120,000. I know nothing of these two motorhomes or their owners but just checked the magazine and read the ads. If nothing else, membership isn't all that expensive and the magazine might give you some ideas of places to visit on your trips.
Cheers.
PS: There was also a "Wanted" advert.
-- Edited by Gaylehere on Monday 23rd of May 2022 09:51:19 PM
Just had a look. The Avan is 4 years old, (low kms though) and $120k as you say.
A new Avan is $128k
Amazing how 2nd hand prices are...
hufnpuf said
09:34 AM May 24, 2022
RoboLB wrote:
Amazing how 2nd hand prices are...
I was wasting time one day and dropped in to the toyota place to look about and see what the new hybrid Kluger costs. The sales guy said there was a wait of "something" (I can't remember, not a short period, 6 mths/a year? something, you couldn't just plonk down your money and drive off in one). He also told me that if you could find one secondhand, they were going for more than the new ones (because there was no wait to have it). High demand, low supply does crazy things to prices.
My advice is to browse everything. Something other than what you would like might pop out at you as a short(er) term option. A nice little older caravan or a smaller campervan or something you could get going with while you wait for your motorhome. One advantage with caravans is that they don't have stamp duty (here in WA at least) whereas you'll be paying a motza on top of the price of a motorhome because they are not exempt.
KJB said
10:31 AM May 24, 2022
RoboLB wrote:
Gaylehere wrote:
I know you don't have a motorhome yet but what about joining the CMCA. Get their magazine (The Wanderer) either on line or in print. They have a bit at the back with motorhomes and caravans for sale. There's not a lot, but in the May addition there was two Ducato's for sale in NSW. One had 69,000km on the clock and the other was an Avan with 24,225kms on the clock. The first one, a Sunliner was priced at $134,990 and the Avan at $120,000. I know nothing of these two motorhomes or their owners but just checked the magazine and read the ads. If nothing else, membership isn't all that expensive and the magazine might give you some ideas of places to visit on your trips.
Cheers.
PS: There was also a "Wanted" advert.
-- Edited by Gaylehere on Monday 23rd of May 2022 09:51:19 PM
Just had a look. The Avan is 4 years old, (low kms though) and $120k as you say.
A new Avan is $128k
Amazing how 2nd hand prices are...
New Price is meaningless if they cannot supply a new one now. Only option is a "Used" one. No sense in wasting time ......you can still change later when things "settle down" if you need to. . Life is too short to put things off.........KB
RoboLB said
01:19 PM May 24, 2022
KJB wrote:
RoboLB wrote:
Gaylehere wrote:
I know you don't have a motorhome yet but what about joining the CMCA. Get their magazine (The Wanderer) either on line or in print. They have a bit at the back with motorhomes and caravans for sale. There's not a lot, but in the May addition there was two Ducato's for sale in NSW. One had 69,000km on the clock and the other was an Avan with 24,225kms on the clock. The first one, a Sunliner was priced at $134,990 and the Avan at $120,000. I know nothing of these two motorhomes or their owners but just checked the magazine and read the ads. If nothing else, membership isn't all that expensive and the magazine might give you some ideas of places to visit on your trips.
Cheers.
PS: There was also a "Wanted" advert.
-- Edited by Gaylehere on Monday 23rd of May 2022 09:51:19 PM
Just had a look. The Avan is 4 years old, (low kms though) and $120k as you say.
A new Avan is $128k
Amazing how 2nd hand prices are...
New Price is meaningless if they cannot supply a new one now. Only option is a "Used" one. No sense in wasting time ......you can still change later when things "settle down" if you need to. . Life is too short to put things off.........KB
Very true!
RoboLB said
01:21 PM May 24, 2022
hufnpuf wrote:
RoboLB wrote:
Amazing how 2nd hand prices are...
I was wasting time one day and dropped in to the toyota place to look about and see what the new hybrid Kluger costs. The sales guy said there was a wait of "something" (I can't remember, not a short period, 6 mths/a year? something, you couldn't just plonk down your money and drive off in one). He also told me that if you could find one secondhand, they were going for more than the new ones (because there was no wait to have it). High demand, low supply does crazy things to prices.
My advice is to browse everything. Something other than what you would like might pop out at you as a short(er) term option. A nice little older caravan or a smaller campervan or something you could get going with while you wait for your motorhome. One advantage with caravans is that they don't have stamp duty (here in WA at least) whereas you'll be paying a motza on top of the price of a motorhome because they are not exempt.
Always an option of course. Though we are not 'static' road warriors.
We typically spend most of the day on the road sightseeing and just pull in late afternoon to 'camp'
Campervans just seem more convenient for that.
If we were staying put for a few nights in the same place, I totally get the benefits of a caravan.
86GTS said
07:17 PM May 24, 2022
I wouldn't be waiting around & wouldn't be so precious about layouts.
The Mercedes powered motorhomes leave the rest for dead.
KJB said
07:20 PM May 24, 2022
86GTS wrote:
I wouldn't be waiting around & wouldn't be so precious about layouts. The Mercedes powered motorhomes leave the rest for dead.
Good advice in "triple..."!
montie said
07:26 AM May 25, 2022
No time like the present Rob.
Ordering a new campervan now and waiting 18 months or even longer is not very practical. Too many things can happen in 18 months or two years.
Apart from the possible dreaded health issue you don't really know how much the campervan will cost as manufacturers are no longer holding prices on ordered units.
A Merc Sprinter full auto Kea Nomad or similar would be a better alternative imo. You can buy them brand new or pre owned and the wait time is only weeks.
Good luck with your search.
RoboLB said
08:54 AM May 25, 2022
montie wrote:
No time like the present Rob.
Ordering a new campervan now and waiting 18 months or even longer is not very practical. Too many things can happen in 18 months or two years.
Apart from the possible dreaded health issue you don't really know how much the campervan will cost as manufacturers are no longer holding prices on ordered units.
A Merc Sprinter full auto Kea Nomad or similar would be a better alternative imo. You can buy them brand new or pre owned and the wait time is only weeks.
Good luck with your search.
Yes, it's starting to look like that's the answer Montie.
Hi Everyone,
I'm struggling a bit with this decision and would value some input.
I'll try to make it simple.
We are looking to buy a Fiat Ducato Campervan. Either the 6 m or 6.4 m length.
The layout (and price) we like is from Avan. We also looked at Avida and Jayco.
But there is an 18 month + waiting list.
The options I'm considering are these:
#1. Place an order and wait. If we go on any trips in the next 18 months we'll have to rent. At an all up cost of maybe $10-15k. (3-4 1 week trips)
#2. Buy something else second hand. It won't be the model (and permanent bed layout) we like as they are hard to find second hand, but maybe a Merc Sprinter model.
#3. Buy a second hand Sprinter now, and place an order on the Fiat. Use the 2nd hand campervan for 18 months+ and sell it when the new van is ready.
What would you do?
Or can you suggest another option?
Waiting 18months + for the new van, also kind of limits our future use of it. I'm not getting any younger or healthier.......
Yes, certainly a good option Gaylehere and worth considering.
Though it's the attraction of the 'open road' and staying in the big outdoors that really appeals to us.
We did a road trip last year staying in Motels, and whilst it was fun, the following Campervan trip was much more enjoyable. We stayed in quite remote places / camps.
"She who must be obeyed" also got rather used to travelling with her own bathroom LOL
Important when you have a bladder the size of a wall nut !
I'd be buying second hand Rob, a few years old with all the bugs sorted out.
Waiting 18 months, paying top dollar, plus on-road costs then the usual minor things need fixing, where you could be out there sleeping under the stars in a month's time with some cash in your pocket.
In a couple of years time, the novelty might wear off or the dreaded health problems might occur and you will have a new van partly used.
Go for it.
Cheers Bob
I'd say it's purely down to cash; it you have the money available buy secondhand, take comp. insurance, and resell after 18 months. You may even make a profit! :) But you won't lose much.
As you say/imply life is too short these days to mess around.
I'd buy secondhand and learn to love it. Unless there's something seriously deficient, if it's along the lines of what you really like (size, facilities) you'll get used to it. If you still want the model you've picked out, even though they don't come up often, one may still come up and you can get it later and sell what you get now (assuming you can afford to do that).
I decided to buy a caravan when covid came along. The touristy places lost their income from overseas and interstate travellers when the border closed and I figured I could go somewhere and they could at least have my money. I found my little van on gumtree. I loved it. One day, I just wondered what was out there with a bathroom, that was the only thing my little van didn't have, and found my new van just by happenstance. I probably paid too much (covid again) but I wanted something now so I grabbed it. Even though it has more things than my little van, there are things that are not as good, like storage space in the poptop, I could put things up along the top cupboards when the lid was up. It really doesn't matter, I'll sort it out and adjust.
In 18 months, the prices might have come back down. They are high because covid has driven demand. If demand drops and supply goes up, you may be paying today's prices instead of tomorrow's.....
Another thing is that you'll use the motorhome to go places. Mine is my "bedroom", I go off out during the day looking at scenery. It's not as if you'll be in there staring at the layout all the time. As long as it's functional, it'll work for you. I'd grab something and hit the road.
Good points Bob....... Food for thought.
Thanks for your input Mike.
What ever you do don't rush any way. Personally i would buy second hand , even if you paid some dollars and modified and upgraded, depending on age. It is highly unlikely you will ever wear out the main mechanics in in motor home around 100,000klm.
Neil
I think this is likely where I'm headed.
Thanks for the input.
Fair point Neil.
Though most I am seeing are ex rentals, with 200k plus on the clock.
And these are $90k ish. Can get a new one for $125k !
I was planning on getting an NRMA inspection, but it would be great to have someone actively seeking out a van for us.
You could let a dealer or dealers know what you are after. They won't be acting for you, but if they get something in, they'll want to sell it so they will let you know.
Second hand . With good service, belts , nose replacement ! The little things that make big things fail !! Lifes too short !!
Good point !
Maybe just keep an eye open here and here.
Who knows, availability and pricing might be different in 12 months time.
I know you don't have a motorhome yet but what about joining the CMCA. Get their magazine (The Wanderer) either on line or in print. They have a bit at the back with motorhomes and caravans for sale. There's not a lot, but in the May addition there was two Ducato's for sale in NSW. One had 69,000km on the clock and the other was an Avan with 24,225kms on the clock. The first one, a Sunliner was priced at $134,990 and the Avan at $120,000. I know nothing of these two motorhomes or their owners but just checked the magazine and read the ads. If nothing else, membership isn't all that expensive and the magazine might give you some ideas of places to visit on your trips.
Cheers.
PS: There was also a "Wanted" advert.
-- Edited by Gaylehere on Monday 23rd of May 2022 09:51:19 PM
try www.caravancampingsales.com.au motorhomes there, as well, and and a lot of them, 515 new and used and available now for sale.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Monday 23rd of May 2022 11:34:17 PM
Not a bad idea, I'll take a look. Thanks
I look at that site 3-4 times a day!
Sadly there are not many available of the type we are looking for.
2 berth, toilet shower etc.
A few old ones not far off the price of new ones.......
I might talk to a few dealers and ask them to keep an eye out for us.
Just had a look. The Avan is 4 years old, (low kms though) and $120k as you say.
A new Avan is $128k
Amazing how 2nd hand prices are...
I was wasting time one day and dropped in to the toyota place to look about and see what the new hybrid Kluger costs. The sales guy said there was a wait of "something" (I can't remember, not a short period, 6 mths/a year? something, you couldn't just plonk down your money and drive off in one). He also told me that if you could find one secondhand, they were going for more than the new ones (because there was no wait to have it). High demand, low supply does crazy things to prices.
My advice is to browse everything. Something other than what you would like might pop out at you as a short(er) term option. A nice little older caravan or a smaller campervan or something you could get going with while you wait for your motorhome. One advantage with caravans is that they don't have stamp duty (here in WA at least) whereas you'll be paying a motza on top of the price of a motorhome because they are not exempt.
New Price is meaningless if they cannot supply a new one now. Only option is a "Used" one. No sense in wasting time ......you can still change later when things "settle down" if you need to. . Life is too short to put things off.........KB
Very true!
Always an option of course. Though we are not 'static' road warriors.
We typically spend most of the day on the road sightseeing and just pull in late afternoon to 'camp'
Campervans just seem more convenient for that.
If we were staying put for a few nights in the same place, I totally get the benefits of a caravan.
The Mercedes powered motorhomes leave the rest for dead.
Good advice in "triple..."!
No time like the present Rob.
Ordering a new campervan now and waiting 18 months or even longer is not very practical. Too many things can happen in 18 months or two years.
Apart from the possible dreaded health issue you don't really know how much the campervan will cost as manufacturers are no longer holding prices on ordered units.
A Merc Sprinter full auto Kea Nomad or similar would be a better alternative imo. You can buy them brand new or pre owned and the wait time is only weeks.
Good luck with your search.
Yes, it's starting to look like that's the answer Montie.