2013 AutoSleeper

Hi

I'm looking at a 2013 Autosleeper Symbol. Seems to be competitively priced (c£37k for 42k miles). Anything I should be wary off, and as this is my first camper van what should I expect when buying from the dealer?

I've only looked at it online - it seems to be in great condition (equally clear MOT history) - as it is a long way from my home should I be mad to put down a deposit without seeing it in the flesh?

Thanks for your help

Who's the dealer?

Wouldnt even remotely consider literally anything unseen
Upper end of price too imho, so even more reason to see it, AND have it AA or Rac checked, AND Hpi checked

Well, it depends on the terms of the deposit and whether you can completely trust the seller. I’d say only do that if it's a well known dealer and the deposit is fully refundable if you decide not to buy, ie no more than a statement of good intent on your part.

This is the problem with internet purchases.   I would never hand over any money as a deposit prior to seeing the vehicle.  Fix an inspection date. Phone before leaving home. If the vehicle suits you, then leave a deposit to secure the purchase.
Never part with money until you have examined the vehicle,
Keith

Is it this one?

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If you say who the dealer is, there may be people on here who have had experience of dealing with them, good and bad. 

I can’t envisage buying anything and putting down a deposit without seeing it. It seems to be priced right as per autotrader, but whether that reflects correct ‘value’ in today’s market is anybody’s guess. 

Have you anybody who owns a similar van who can go see it with you. Bear in mind that the salesman will say and do anything to make the sale. So you can’t just ask a question and trust the answer, you need to physically check everything. 

Good luck.

That one in Sally's link appears to be Eden Motorhomes of Scorrier, Cornwall. The business is owned by an ex-Marquis manager. I think you'd be safe enough, trust wise, paying a deposit without sight of the van but be aware he tends to take stock that mainline dealers don't want. That's not necessarily a bad thing and might be simply because another dealer is overstocked, although that might be unlikely in present times.

Thanks all for your replies. 

Yes it is the one with Eden Motors - they say that they only sold to the previous owner earlier in the year but ill health has meant that they have sold it back.

I spoke with them earlier and if it is still available at the end of the week they have agreed to take a holding deposit (c£250) providing I view within a few days after that. unfortunately I can't get down there until mid next week. 

We'll see what happens - if it's sold before the end of the week then it wasn't meant to be!

I just can't decide whether I'm better off buying something newer (like this 2013) or c 2006 but for a lot less! Thoughts?

If you are not going to be using the van much over winter then maybe wait till next spring. This would normally be the worst thing to do but I’ve got a feeling that there may be a glut of vans for sale next year and prices that reflect this.

I’ve already met a few owners who wanted to ‘live the dream’ in the UK and paid inflated prices during the pandemic only to find it wasn’t what they expected!

Of course, I could be completely wrong but that’s my gut feeling.

Eden Motorhomes may well have sold it to the previous owner quite recently but how did they come by it before that? I’m not saying there’s anything dodgy but give the van and paperwork a good check over.

Only you can decide if an 8 year old van or a 15 year old one will be best for you. The early X250 Sevel vans from about 2006 had some awful problems which were later alleviated.

PS. Dbvwt makes a very good point.

Registration appears to be PY63 LVX, Silver Peugeot Boxer,  M1 type, last change of owner 6/3/2021, MOT 1/9/2021, previous fail MOT on front marker lights in August 2020 (fixed pass on 28/8/2020). Last taxed in 1/3/2021.

Seems to fit the history story told by Eden.