still searching for an Auto-Sleeper Duetto

Hi,

Still searching for probably 1994/1995 duetto and have come across a 1996 (P) 2496cc turbo diesel automatic duetto. Would a turbo diesel be as good as or better than non turbo and would an automatic be advantageous or disadvantageous. Any advice gratefully received as I am a novice at this.

Thanks,
Sue

Whats your budget Sue?

Quick search of Google has bought these Duetto's up in the results....

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Thanks very much for all that info., the Kent Motors has already sold, I missed that by a whisker. The maximum I want to pay is 9k which is probably a bit optimistic and why I think I need to buy privately and why it is taking me longer to find the right one. I must be patient !

Very kind of you to forward all that information.

Many thanks,

Sue

suecamellia wrote:Hi,

Still searching for probably 1994/1995 duetto and have come across a 1996 (P) 2496cc turbo diesel automatic duetto. Would a turbo diesel be as good as or better than non turbo and would an automatic be advantageous or disadvantageous. Any advice gratefully received as I am a novice at this.

Thanks,
Sue

Turbo diesel will be far better than non-turbo, and whilst I prefer an auto I have no experience of that one, and it really is a matter of personal preference.

Tony

Thanks Tony,

Regards,

Sue

Hi Sue,
Just a point to note, remember the London Emission Zone. You won't be able to enter or cross London in your Diesel Duetto, TD or not.
Thanks to dear Boris, it would cost you £100 per day! (The reason why we bought a petrol Symphony)

Mike and Chris D

PS. Have another chat with Ian at Kent Motorhome Centre, they have stock changing all the time, -long way from Cornwall though!

Hi Mike and Chris,

That's a very good point. I must say I found them very nice at Kent Motorhome centre, as you say a long way from Cornwall but good practice for driving home!

Many thanks,

Sue

suecamellia wrote:Hi Mike and Chris,

That's a very good point. I must say I found them very nice at Kent Motorhome centre, as you say a long way from Cornwall but good practice for driving home!

Many thanks,

Sue

Hi Sue
Take a look in the newbie thread, campievaner from Manchester is trading up to a Stafford from a Duetto.
Boaby

Thanks Boaby I will.

Regards,

Sue

Hi Sue,
If you buy privately it doesnt matter where it comes from as there is no garantee, but if you buy from a dealer usually you are paying extra for some sort of warranty, and it is a good idea to buy if possible from a dealer within a reasonable distance for this reason if poss.


Brian

Yes, thanks Brian, you are right, especially if you don't know anything about mechanics! It could be a costly mistake.

Thanks for your advice.

Regards,

Sue

Sue

In answer to your question on Turbo or non-Turbo (direct injection) having owned both I can tell you you will get slightly higher mpg from the direct injection than the Turbo. Don't think of the Turbo 2.5 diesel in terms of power performance of a turbo engined car either because it's hardly 'shattering'!

Manual or Automatic box is a matter of personal choice but most Transit Duetto's are manual so that's what you are more likely to end up with.

As for buying Private or Dealer. Prices will be lower if it's a Private seller and you have the advantage of buying from the owner who will at least have some history....a Dealer rarely has that and isn't bothered about it either. Don't be put off from buying Private just because you are 'not mechanically minded'. Take someone along with you who is familiar with the Transit (a local Ford mechanic would oblige if you don't know anyone personally). Better still if that person is knowledgeable with the Duetto.

Points/areas to look at on all Transits are wheel arches....bubbling of paint or visible signs of rusting. Same also on the bottom edges of both rear doors. Another noted Transit rust spot is on the doors just between the window and quarter light. Whilst 'cosmetic', if allowed to go too far this rusting can mean replacement. Fortunately Ford parts/panels are relatively cheap and a good body shop would be more than capable of bringing it back to 'like new' if wheel arches are in need of replacing.

The front cross member, chassis outriggers and coil springs are notable points on older models but that's where it's well worth taking along someone who knows Transits will come in.

At £9k tops you are at the bottom end of the Duetto market but it's not impossible. Though the Duetto is an extremely popular and sought after campervan and you will see many wild prices! It's just a matter of sorting the silly prices from the sensible and being prepared to travel to view. I live near Stoke-on-Trent and when I was searching I looked at one in Brighton, made a fair offer but the owner was sticking out for the asking price....his biggest mistake because I walked away, had time to think about it and decided it wasn't for me. Then found another in Liverpool (not nearly as good as described). Next went down to view one in Folkestone (no good!). Came back home only to find what was to be the right one......down in Reading!

Thanks so much for all your advice. I am hoping to buy privately; as you say at least there will be a bit of history and I am quite prepared to travel to view. I just have to be patient, I am sure there is the right one out there for me somewhere! Watch out for the big cheer when I get it.

Kind regards,

Sue

Do be very careful especially if you look at Ebay. One on there this week for 9k on a 2004. Obviously a scam but advert looked
genuine. Old adage applies 'if it looks too good to be true it probably is'.

Thanks, I'm learning very quickly about these scams !
Regards,
Sue

Spinney have two Duetto's in stock think they were both 1996 and at first sight looked in good nick (Today) they may be on their web site, not looked

Thanks Roger, I have just purchased my first Duetto and hope to pick her up this week but thanks for your help

Regards,

Sue

suecamellia wrote: I have just purchased my first Duetto and hope to pick her up this week

Sue

That is good news Sue. Let us know how you get on and please post some pics.

squip

Bet you cant wait now Sue to pick it up. I always think the period you are in now is the most frustrating as you want to start doing things

Nice on Sue. Did you get private or dealer in the end?

Hi,

Private, I haven't actually seen it yet (paid for it), I sent a friend and she thought it looked very nice and clean (inside) so fingers crossed.

Actually having spoken to the owner on the telephone he seems a very nice genuine chap and so I am trusting my gut instinct (it's a female thing I think) !!

Many thanks for your support.

Regards,

Sue

Hi Sue ,
Glad you foundyour Duetto at last and I hope your gut instnct is right, now you need to obtain all the plates cutlles and all the other things that make a van livable in.


Brian

Quote <Spinney have two Duetto's in stock think they were both 1996 and at
first sight looked in good nick (Today) they may be on their web site,
not looked>

Tommy-Darcy is one of these, and really tidy with service history!

Congratulations Sue on finding your Duetto, may you enjoy many happy touring miles