Camper recommendation?

colm_mcm

http://www.donedeal.ie/campers-for-sale/fiat-ducati-camper/6834289

Bit clueless over values etc.
any idea on what a fair price for this is, or if there are any pitfalls etc with this particular model?

Its hardly someone here selling it?

moodrater

Well according to google cache they were selling a 2008 2.2 boxer camper in galway in november for €30000, a 2008 2.3 boxer in newbridge in february for €24000, and now this 'ducato' for €24500, I'd like to know where all the vans are coming from.

colm_mcm

Thanks, They're selling an 06 6 berth as well.

No idea about the seller, hopefully someone has some pointers.

ianobrien

Just a couple of items.....
1. Compass Motorhomes are usually built on the Peugeot Boxer base, rather than the Ducato. I know its just a badge on the grill....
2. The overhang is very long, and with the bike rack you could easily overload the rear axle. You could have a rather floaty rear when driving on poor roads
3. The Compass Avantgarde 120 has small water tanks (45L according to Google) meaning that multiple days wild camping is out. Generally English vans are designed for being on sites, while continental vans are set up better for wild camping (Just decide what you want)
4. Its a two berth only, with one bed. Its NOT a family van, but designed for two people.
5. Buy with your nose!. The killer is rotting timbers in the rear so look for signs (or smells) of dampness. Check behind window curtains, etc and bring a dampmeter if you can find them.
6. Check if all the manuals and equipment paperwork is there. Generally they should all be in the manufacturer's bag still.

Price is a fraction low. I've seen the same model at GB£24k from large dealers in the UK.

colm_mcm

Great points, thanks!

colm_mcm

Turns out it is a peugeot...
http://www.donedeal.ie/campers-for-sale/camper-van/6991494

Moomat

That overhang is huge as the other poster pointed out. You could take out a small village with the tail swing! On a serious note with a bit of weight and the back dropped down a bit you may have issues getting up and down steep slopes, ferry ramps for example.

ianobrien

Moomat wrote: »

That overhang is huge as the other poster pointed out. You could take out a small village with the tail swing! On a serious note with a bit of weight and the back dropped down a bit you may have issues getting up and down steep slopes, ferry ramps for example.

Or have traction issues a damp leaf! The Ducato/Boxer isn't noted for its traction with a loaded rear end. Camping tyres help with the traction but they are hard to get, expensive and dont work miracles..

I'd sacrifice step height to RWD any day.

colm_mcm

Ok. So the criteria has changed slightly.

Must be a Ducato (I know the boxer and relay are the same, but bizzarely this is a requirement for further down the road)
Needs a double bed at floor level
Swivel seats if possible
4 berth or 2 considered
Must be newer than 06
Max budget €26k
Aircon not important
Needs to be RHD
Needs door on the left.
Needs a compliance plate (for possible future export to Australia)
Getting the vibe that uk built stuff isn't as good?


Any ideas would be welcome. Open to UK stuff if its any cheaper/better.

spaceHopper

You sit higher up so have a much better view of the road I'd still look at LHD

ianobrien

The way that we have always bought was to decide on the layout that suited first of all (fixed Island bed, fixed corner bed, dining arrangements, bathroom size/location etc) then looked at equipment (oven, fridge/freezer size, water tank size, insulation thickness, cab equipment, storage locations etc). Once we had a shortlist it was to go find them and look at them.

As regard for English vans versus continental vans it's more what you want. If you spent most of the time on a campsite there is nothing wrong with the english vans. They have their own style. The continental vans are more set up for wild camping but are more "spartan" than UK vans

As for possible export to Australia, haven't a clue I'm afraid what a compliance plate is!

colm_mcm

spaceHopper wrote: »

You sit higher up so have a much better view of the road I'd still look at LHD

Not an option I'm afraid. LHD stuff can't be permanently registered where this is eventually destined for.

Spartan and solid is good. Luxury not needed

Moomat

Be very careful handing that amount of money to somebody from a small ad's website. I've read before that quite a few stolen uk high end uk campers make their way to Ireland.
Could you buy in the uk and keep on uk plates till you export? I know alot of NI campers are insured through the South so shouldn't be a problem if you could get an address.
Don't know what prices are like Ireland v UK but the VRT would be pretty high.

Aidan_M_M

Why does it Have to be a Fiat ? I'm a Fiat fan , but the Relay/Boxer/Duke are all the same? you can get a Boxer/Relay Duke with the 2.2 Ford engine , or the 2.3/3.0 Fiat engines .

For a MH like that , I wouldn't consider a RWD . Unless you spend mega money , there's no Transit , sprinter or VW that drives as sweet as a Ducato or Renault Master .

Nekarsulm

RHD machines will always have the door on the left, and verse versa.

colm_mcm

Aidan_M_M wrote: »

Why does it Have to be a Fiat ? I'm a Fiat fan , but the Relay/Boxer/Duke are all the same? you can get a Boxer/Relay Duke with the 2.2 Ford engine , or the 2.3/3.0 Fiat engines .

For a MH like that , I wouldn't consider a RWD . Unless you spend mega money , there's no Transit , sprinter or VW that drives as sweet as a Ducato or Renault Master .

Apparently pug and citroen have no dealer network in oz, and the authorities (who are supposed to be unreal fussy) are more used to registering fiats.

Aidan_M_M

Aidan_M_M wrote: »

I wouldn't consider a RWD . Unless you spend mega money , there's no Transit , sprinter or VW that drives as sweet as a Ducato or Renault Master .

Yeah they're comfy vans alright. Not so great at climbing off the tarmac or pulling outtov sand and mud. Maybe it's just me that appreciates that.

In my limited experience I find RWD more reliable and easier to service. If you try make the same wheels do everything then you get faster mechanical wear.
Front's for steering, rear for driving...and sometimes steering. Just my €0.02.

Aidan_M_M

Nekarsulm wrote: »

RHD machines will always have the door on the left, and verse versa.

No they most certainly Always don't!! Only UK built ones , not European built RHDs.

Aidan_M_M

Sir Liamalot wrote: »

Yeah they're comfy vans alright. Not so great at climbing off the tarmac or pulling outtov sand and mud. Maybe it's just me that appreciates that.

In my limited experience I find RWD more reliable and easier to service. If you try make the same wheels do everything then you get faster mechanical wear.
Front's for steering, rear for driving...and sometimes steering. Just my €0.02.

Maybe on "proper" Mercs of your preference Liam , ie ones built by engineers not accountants... The newer stuff is soft . I get more problems , and usually more expensive ones , from Transits and Sprinters , than from Fiat types.

Nekarsulm

Aidan_M_M wrote: »

Maybe on "proper" Mercs of your preference Liam , ie ones built by engineers not accountants... The newer stuff is soft . I get more problems , and usually more expensive ones , from Transits and Sprinters , than from Fiat types.

I know the OP is looking for a machine from 06 onwards, but there is much to recommend a good old fashioned,mechanical pump turbo diesel, without the electronic gubbins . I farm, and the amount of problems caused by the latest generation diesel engine managment systems in new tractors is unreal.

And if you are planning to head of to Oz and into less travelled areas, do you need something that has to be plugged into diagnostics?

Nekarsulm

Aidan_M_M wrote: »

No they most certainly Always don't!! Only UK built ones , not European built RHDs.

Apologies, just hadn't come across one.

Yeah I get a lot of company Sprinters now and again; they're great motors when they work but they're built of recycled rust and there's always something the matter.
I always get a shock getting out of one and into mine at the heaviness of the clutch and the lack of pep. Never seen a 15yo sprinter still going though.
When I say reliable I mean gets you home, I do spend at least a month every year under mine.

Here's a good argument (25% down page) for RWD if anyone's interested...probably not the target market in the least though.

colm_mcm

Nekarsulm wrote: »

I know the OP is looking for a machine from 06 onwards, but there is much to recommend a good old fashioned,mechanical pump turbo diesel, without the electronic gubbins . I farm, and the amount of problems caused by the latest generation diesel engine managment systems is unreal.

And if you are planning to head of to Oz and into less travelled areas, do you need something that has to be plugged into diagnostics?

Has to be post 06 to get registered there.

moodrater

Would you think of getting something over there lots of lovely hilux campers over there. You'd have a much easier time getting parts and servicing and they'll come pre australianised with roo bars, snorkel etc.

December 2013 car sales:
Toyota 19,610
Ford 6,872
Fiat 758

colm_mcm

Proper camper needed. All the proper campers over there are European and a LOT more expensive than here.

Nekarsulm

Off topic, but curious. Obviously a camper will not fit into a container, so it would have to go onto a top or open deck, how much would it cost to ship to Australia?

E30i

Nekarsulm wrote: »

Off topic, but curious. Obviously a camper will not fit into a container, so it would have to go onto a top or open deck, how much would it cost to ship to Australia?

Road trip overland?

Nekarsulm

E30i wrote: »

Road trip overland?

You'd have it worn out by the time you got to Shanghai, or India or wherever the ship sails from...:)

moodrater

There was a guy around cork waterford buying up old lexus petrols and shipping them out, worthless here and going silly money in aus I thought it was easy money but it looks like theres a bit more than just shipping involved:

Vehicle import application
Shipping cost
Marine shipping insurance
Australian Duty & Entry Fees
Port & Statutory Charges
Transport to Depot
Depot Charges
Australian Quarantine Inspection Services
Customs and AQUIS formalities
Valuation of Vehicle

Then blue for slip:
Transport by tilt tray (Warf to mechanic)
Admin Costs at Mechanic & Secure storage
Blue slip for imported vehicle

Personal Import Plate
Visual inspection unit (VIU) at RTA
Registration Fee
Motor Vehicle Tax
Stamp Duty
Compulsory Third party insurance

http://www.pistonheads.com/Gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=526846&mid=0&nmt=Importing+a+car+to+Australia+-+All+the+facts...+Hopefully!