Hello we're new

Hi there,

Just joined this excellent forum, we are looking to purchase our 1st Autosleeper, searching the web at the moment. We're giving up the folding caravan as would like to arrive ready and no more unfolding! Probably looking at 1995 onwards, quite like the legend with 'u' shaped lounge. As we are new to motorhoming apart from a week in a hymer, we would appreciate and advice on models and tips on what to look out for when buying, please.

Thanking you
Jayne & lee

Monocoque bodies are excellent no leaks, although they can from the windows, so check with a damp meter, check window where the side catches are as sometimes there is a crack where previous owners have just pulled window shut, ( when it is open ) without lifting further up first then lowering it , had this on mine when I bought it dealer replaced both side windows with new. check floor for laminating, floor soft, check as you would for a caravan really, if buying from a dealer usually you will get a warranty, I had 12 months for habitation and vehicle, make sure it has hab check check for rust on base vehicle. Others may come up with something else.

Good luck, exciting times ahead.
Regards,
Margaret

Welcome from N.E Wales.   

Thank you for your advice Margaret, can't wait to get travelling.

Hi Welcome to the forum.



Price is the main factor.Work a budget and then see what you can get.
If you have cash a private sale will save you thousands.


Hope this helps

Micky

Hi Micky

We do have cash, went to a dealer last weekend they had about 4 only one looked in good condition, we did think they seemed expensive!

Auto-sleepers are more expensive than others because of the build quality , there are also highly sort after.

Yes mouth watering expensive.
Look and go away .
Search for a private seller of the van you like. There are many out there.
It costs money in fuel looking,but don't be fooled by glossy pictures.
Ask many questions first.I will say that again.Ask all the questions first.
Hope this helps

Micky

Thank you Micky, advice much appreciated

We knew from searching all the pretty pictures that it was a Legend (long wheel base) that we wanted. 

The first one we saw was a poor example... uncared for, dirty, and with screws from the shower compartment showing through in the living area!...It was being offered by a dealer, but he was unable to answer simple questions... and even suggested sticking fablon over some botched woodwork.

Needless to say, we walked away.  But it proved to us that it was the model we would be happy with. 

Our van was purchased (cash) from a private seller, who was able to answer all our questions, could produce all the relative paperwork, and who had obviously loved and cared for the van

Don't be in too much of a hurrry... but when you find the right one and you are sure...you'll know!
Good luck in your search!

Thank you for your advice and encouragement, we've been looking at pictures for a long while, but Monday was the 1st time we went to view, such a shame the dealer hadn't even valeted some of the motor homes, they seemed unloved and uncared for, spare parts in the cabs, bit scarey to be honest, he wouldn't even give us 2 mins of his time to discuss his stock. Needless to say we walked away at a very quick pace!

You are so right we will know when we see her

Hi and welcome to the forum from Bridlington 
Boaby

Thank you for your welcome Boaby

Hello & welcome from S/Yorks.

Thank you for all the advice and welcome messages.  Well we've found her!  She's an Executive model in really good condition 49,000 miles on a Peugeot base 2.5 Td.  Collecting on Satuday, and having just 1 night away before the weather turns bad, so excited 

from Southport

The Legend is considered by many to be the best AutoSleeper ever made and they do hold their price.  They are getting to an age where rust could be a problem however being a Transit, the wings are readily available and not too dear. The Tranny is a decent motor to drive and IMO you won't be disappointed with your choice.  May take you a few months to find what you want