Hymer pre purchase inspection- good idea or waste of money?

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jackrussel
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Joined: 2012-07-02

As above, looking for same, currently in the west country, but depends also on where I find a prospect. Any experiences of using this type of service, recommendations, suggestions etc? Any limitations? Any general points on hymer a class to be wary of? All info welcome!

Aspenshaw
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Joined: 2010-12-11

Hymer motohomes tend to be of a high standard but pricey even second hand. Some say build quality fell between 2006 and 2010. Mine was new as an 05 plate and has been brilliant.

Servicing can be a problem as until recently it was restricted to the Brownhills Group in the UK. Hymer is putting together a new dealer network after problems with Brownhills.

A class bed may be too narrow for two adults so check. Make sure you can climb in! Make sure it has a good service record at a Hymer dealer for the first 6 years at least and the damp warranty checks have been done for at least the first 6 years.

Driving an aclass Hymer takes some getting used to with the flat scuttle from the dash to the windscreen. Visibility on the old shape was excellent. Easy to overload because of the locker space.

A good one will be a great buy if you can afford it. You'll need to give an indication of the age, price and model you are looking at for specific advice. The 544 is a classic and Starlines on Mercs are much sought after.

jackrussel
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Joined: 2012-07-02

Hi,, ta for info, looking at a b series, round about 00-02, such as a 690,754 etc. checked bed access, and size, both  smaller than home but to be expected and is all ok to be fair. no worries about big dash area, driving renault espaces for nearly 20 years, but while competent to buy cars without stress and getting duped, a MH is a lot of loot. I found a firm (Macic) who will carry out 300 point check is £295.

http://www.macic.co.uk/the-inspection.html

Just wondered if any one had tried them, or similar? So we're still looking. 

Other A class 5 berth upwards with 3 sleeping areas will be looked at if they turn up too. Cheers!

Coleman12
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Joined: 2012-07-19

nice blog thanks for sharing Kiss

Andrew McPhee
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Joined: 2010-09-27

Pre-purchase inspections can be worth it. It depends on what you're buying and how much you value peace of mind.

Something very new or with little miles will (probably) not have serious faults, but you never know - and that's where the peace of mind comes in. If you want to be sure, get a caravan/motorhome engineer to check it out.

You can find a mobile engineer on this site: http://www.mobilecaravanengineers.co.uk – click on 'Find an engineer' to find one near you. You'll need to check their websites or contact them individually to find out of they do pre-purchase inspections.

One other tip - they may not necessarily do a mechanical inspection (though many do), so check that out. Also, many have Approved Mobile Workshop scheme approval, so go for one of these (they're approved by the National Caravan Council, the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club).

As someone else said, not a lot goes wrong with Hymers, but only you can really answer whether getting an inspection is worth it - it's the price you put on peace of mind. If you were asking me if I'd do it, I probably would - simply because spending £350 (or whatever) for an inspection is nothing compared with the £25-£50,000 you might spend on a used Hymer, and because it might stop me making an expensive mistake.

 

 

Kate Taylor
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Joined: 2010-11-22

Read more about Hymer on some of our other Forum posts. There's quite a lively debate going on!

 

Click here to join in.

 

(You need to log in or register with the site to post comments, please. Alternatively, chat to us on our Practical Motorhome Facebook page.)

 

Also please read our news story: Hymer Group makes a bid for UK budget motorhome market

Kate

Retread
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Joined: 2013-01-27

VFM is subjective, how experienced are you? For £300 ish I would expect an inspection on the 'caravan' part with function/safety checks on the appliances and damp checks, In addition a check on the mechanicals for wear tear and abuse. a check on the vehicles 'owners' title should not be forgotten.

I just love my 20 year old B class and would only swap for a new T594Smile

Happily living in Motor home heaven or the Dordogne as some call it.

No days off when you're retired