Who would you buy from?

As you may be aware, we no longer have a Nuevo sitting outside the flat. If it fails to return we will be looking for something to replace it. We are currently "browsing" for a replacement but without knowing how much insurance we might get we can't go much further.

Obviously we will buy from whever we see the van of our choice but our existing supplier, Marquis of Golden Cross (Eastbourne) will be a VERY long way down the list. Marquis have absorbed Michael Jordan Caravans of Gomshall who are quite close to us but I don't know of their reputation, either as Marquis or Jordans.

Who would you choose, and are there any places you would prefer to avoid?

www.dolphinmotorhomes.co.uk can thoroughly recommend as all four of our vans purchased from them, last three of which were Autosleepers. If Southampton is not too far to travel, well worth a visit if you see one (or more of interest). Most sorry for your stolen van. Sincere regards.

Don't know either of the two dealerships,however I can recommended the Southern motorhome centre at Taplow near Maidenhead.
I have dealt with them three times over several years and found them (Mike/Jack) honest and ideal to deal with.
Boaby

We used Choose Leisure in Canterbury last October. No Complaints. AS dealers and seem to have good stock. If you are going to the NEC, they will be on the AS stand. Ask for Dominic.

Shame you are not nearer Plymouth, you would change your mind about Marquis I think!

I've had two vans from Dolphin. One second hand one new. I did a bit of negotiating and I think overall they seem pretty straightforward and I was treated fairly. I think they are worth a try. The habitation servicing side is ok ish......the jury is out.

I've experienced buying from several of the Motorhome dealers in the UK. IMO one stands out above the rest and that is Cotswold Motorhomes. You won't get the best financial deal, but you will get the best support and aftercare when you need it,

dbroada wrote:As you may be aware, we no longer have a Nuevo sitting outside the flat. If it fails to return we will be looking for something to replace it. We are currently "browsing" for a replacement but without knowing how much insurance we might get we can't go much further.

Obviously we will buy from whever we see the van of our choice but our existing supplier, Marquis of Golden Cross (Eastbourne) will be a VERY long way down the list. Marquis have absorbed Michael Jordan Caravans of Gomshall who are quite close to us but I don't know of their reputation, either as Marquis or Jordans.

Who would you choose, and are there any places you would prefer to avoid?

You could always come and visit us, we don't bite !
http://www.johnscross.co.uk/products/auto-sleeper-nuevo-ek.html


Peter

If that was an auto I'd be there.

We've just bought a 3yr old Kemerton from Nick Whale Motorhomes in Evesham.  Realise that's not exactly local to you but their approach was faultless. The van was presented well and the sale, trade-in and handover processes were conducted with great care and attention to detail.  Their stock is generally towards the newer end of the spectrum and they focus on Autosleeper and Wildax.

I'd buy private if at all possible, even for a van only a few years old. 
Other than when purchasing new, all the vehicles I've ever owned have been purchased by private sale. I hate lining dealers pockets.
Al

bikeralw wrote:I'd buy private if at all possible, even for a van only a few years old. 
Other than when purchasing new, all the vehicles I've ever owned have been purchased by private sale. I hate lining dealers pockets.
Al

+1

My philosophy is to buy from the dealer offering the best discount. I believe all customer care from Motorhome dealers is nothing more than just LPG!
We bought from Marquis, but beyond selling, my local branch don’t return calls, you constantly have to chase them and, surprise, surprise, the only time i am expecting a (snow) flurry of calls from them is when our first habitation check and service is due in September! But next time the boot will be on the other foot, and I won’t be rushing to return their calls!
If it’s the right deal for you, do buy from Marquis, but don’t expect much ‘customer care’ or a quick response return call!

What's all this about "lining dealer's pockets" ? 
Some are dreadful, as in any business , but they are just making a living like most of us have needed to do at some time in our life.
....and they do offer warranty.
Nothing wrong with private purchase of course.

Hoopman wrote:I've experienced buying from several of the Motorhome dealers in the UK. IMO one stands out above the rest and that is Cotswold Motorhomes. You won't get the best financial deal, but you will get the best support and aftercare when you need it,

I agree Hoopman... The support and aftercare is crucial imo, nothing worse than spending a fortune on a van then fighting to get stuff rectified when you have problems. 

Also I think the dealers themselves should standby the vehicle they’re selling, after all they make enough on each transaction rather than make you feel as if they are doing you a favour by supplying an insurance based warranty that’s built into the price of the Motorhome you’ve purchased. 

Also you can’t take it for granted these warranties will always stump up for repairs as more often than not they are reluctant to pay out using any excuse they can as we’ve found out to our expense.

I had good service from Spinney when buying my Anniversary Clubman,  and afterwards.     when looking again to go up in size,  they just didn`t have the van I wanted last time.

meanchris wrote:

bikeralw wrote:I'd buy private if at all possible, even for a van only a few years old. 
Other than when purchasing new, all the vehicles I've ever owned have been purchased by private sale. I hate lining dealers pockets.
Al

+1

+2


Not only do you not line dealers pockets you can chose where you have any work done.

Mrgeoffrey wrote:



+2


Not only do you not line dealers pockets you can chose where you have any work done.

True, but if it's not covered by warranty you still get to choose . Don't get me wrong, I have bought vehicles privately - it was just the "lining dealer's pockets" I take issue with - each to their own.

But you may have a job getting any work done by a dealer you have not bought from, they prioritise their customers first.

Paulmold wrote:But you may have a job getting any work done by a dealer you have not bought from, they prioritise their customers first.

And so they should!
There's not a lot of loyalty left in the world, so we may as well enjoy it - even if it is mostly for the dealer's own benefit! 

Paulmold wrote:But you may have a job getting any work done by a dealer you have not bought from, they prioritise their customers first.

Yes, quite agree, so the private buyer doesn't get to choose where to get work done ?

postman wrote:

Paulmold wrote:But you may have a job getting any work done by a dealer you have not bought from, they prioritise their customers first.

Yes, quite agree, so the private buyer doesn't get to choose where to get work done ?

Nor do most people who buy from another dealer if it's warranty work - which is why it's seldom advisable to buy the most heavily discounted van at a show if the dealer is from Scapa Flow and you live in Cornwall!! 

Yes, quite agree Dave.

Totally agree 100% Dave , but is this not a case for some consumer rights  group to look into? I can buy for example the cheapest Dacia car in Cornwall, drive it to the far side of the country and we all expect our local Dacia dealer to honour warranty work . An Autosleeper costing upwards of £55 k will not be treated to the same by any Autosleeper dealer apart from where you bought it making what you say unfortunately all too true. 
       When we owned an Elddis van , our local Elddis caravan dealer did honour warranty work without question  even although not a motorhome dealer with a single phone call to the manufacturer. Perhaps done as a favour, who knows. Our recent experiences led us to try to get work done at 2 main dealers for A/s vehicles. Neither refused as such  but made it plain you would be at the back of the queue perhaps with over a year to wait! One worker did say that warranty work attracts labour rates at half their normal rate and this was why they do not look for work outside their own customers...

kaspian wrote:One worker did say that warranty work attracts labour rates at half their normal rate and this was why they do not look for work outside their own customers...

I think that's the crux of the matter, but there should be some flexibility.

In a way it's good that dealers (appear to ) look after their own customers in preference to those who bought elsewhere, but what about the poor bu$$er who deliberately bought locally, only to find soon afterwards that he had to move house (unexpectedly) to the other end of the country?

It's up to A/S, but a "main dealer" network could be established for the habitation part, just the same as there is already for the base vehicle. It's hardly a revolutionary idea!!