The 2017 model year was an interesting one for Swift. Before then, it offered a range of panel van conversions under the Autocruise name, including the Rhythm, the Forte and – my favourite – the rear-lounge, side-kitchen Accent.
However, for that season Swift came up with a new concept for its panel van range – also under the Autocruise moniker, but with a stripped-back style that took things right back to basics.
The Select line-up of the 122, the 144 (with the same layout as the Accent) and the 184 all came in a bare-bones specification that kept prices low, but still offered buyers the opportunity to add packs to increase the kit level of their ’van as they preferred. So when it comes to buying one of these models on the pre-owned market – or any of the best used campervans – it’s crucial to find one with a kit level that you’re happy with.
Heading to Somerset
After making your mind up between a campervan or motorhome, the floorplan will be an all-important consideration. Why did I pick the Autocruise Select 144? I always loved the Accent layout, with parallel sofas at the rear that can be left as a bed, if you don’t want to make it up each night.
Choose the right pre-owned model and it would allow us to travel with our golden retriever safely strapped into the travel seats the back, and provide an additional berth for him at night.
I searched for months before finding what looked like a promising vehicle, at Somerset Motorhome Centre in Taunton. They’re a reasonable distance from where I live, but close to family, so we’re down that way a lot anyway; plus, I knew they regularly scored highly in our Owner Satisfaction Awards.
I was impressed with the ’van from the second I stepped inside – it was clean and tidy, and had clearly been well looked after.
It was also interesting to see the options boxes that the previous owner had ticked. It had the upgraded 2.3-litre, 130bhp turbodiesel Ducato engine (115bhp was standard at the time), as well as the Driver’s Pack, which provided cab air-con, cruise control, two airbags and captain’s chairs with armrests, among other additions.
Somewhat confusingly, though, it also had most of the Living Pack added (which meant onboard water tanks, a Winter Pack, dual-fuel Truma Combi 4 heating and more), but not
the nearside rear window, which would have originally been part of the list.
There were a few other omissions from the original owner. There was no oven or grill, but that wasn’t a deal-breaker – the best air fryer for a motorhome can provide a good alternative and we have a small one that we can run via a portable solar generator when we’re off-grid, and there was still a two-burner hob.
The Waeco compressor fridge is small, at just 50 litres, but the consequence of that (and the absent grill) meant lots of kitchen storage, which we wanted. Plus, we figured we could always upgrade the fridge at a later date or buy the best cool box for a campervan if it simply proved too small for our needs over time.
Sealing the deal for the Autocruise Select 144
So we were tempted – and to seal the deal, Somerset Motorhome Centre agreed on a few tweaks for us. They would fit an electric step and swap the (cheap) solar panel unit that the previous owner had fitted for a new one. They would replace the exterior graphics with vinyl sent directly from Swift, and change the gas bottle system for Gaslow – something I was delighted about, because it would give us much more freedom on the road.
They also promised to fit a rear-view camera for us – handy, because the view out of the back through the rear doors is not great.
Finally, I ordered a Fiamma bike rack, which we plan to use for taking our cycles on tour, or as additional storage by strapping a waterproof bag to it. I took the ’van out for a test drive, and then signed on the dotted line.
Two weeks passed, with Somerset Motorhome Centre keeping me fully informed along the way of their progress, and I began to dream of adventures near and far in my new (pre-owned) ’van. Then it was time to visit the dealer’s collection facility.
A comprehensive handover is crucial – there’s so much to go over and every model has its own quirks – and I was delighted with the service we received.
We were talked through everything in depth, and given coffee to keep us warm on such a chilly day – the whole experience was very enjoyable.
Here at Practical Motorhome we always suggest staying somewhere close to the dealership for your first night with any new vehicle, just in case something goes wrong. Somerset Motorhome Centre makes that easy, by booking buyers into a nearby site, so they can check they’re happy with everything before heading home. We stayed at Cornish Farm Touring Park, giving us the chance to test everything. And so began our journey with our new van conversion – how would we get on? I’ll report back!
Something else to factor in when you’re choosing a ‘van will be the motorhome size you want – each type has its own pros and cons to factor in.
Technical spec of the Autocruise (Swift) Select 144
- Price: £47,545
- Berths: 4
- Belts: 4
- Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
- Engine: 2.3-litre, 130bhp
- Length: 6.0m
- Width: 2.26m
- Height: 2.72m
- MTPLM: 3500kg
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