Which base vehicle?
49 replies
Tinwheeler replied on 08/08/2018 21:14
mickysf replied on 08/08/2018 21:19
Tinwheeler replied on 08/08/2018 21:30
mickysf replied on 08/08/2018 21:45
Tinwheeler replied on 08/08/2018 22:05
Posted on 08/08/2018 22:05
I don't know. What’s the price difference between a MH based on the new Merc and the same hab unit on a Sevel van?
It's not just purchase price though as Merc spares and servicing costs, in my experience, are less than those or Fiat/Peugeot. Yep, surprising. Cheaper to buy = dearer to keep, perhaps.
All I can say is that, given the choice of like for like models, I’d happily pay a fair bit more for the Merc version.
JVB66 replied on 09/08/2018 07:29
Tinwheeler replied on 09/08/2018 08:04
young thomas replied on 09/08/2018 09:04
Posted on 09/08/2018 09:04
VW crafter is getting good reviews, Knaus is taking a giant leap and converting on Iveco this year (usually the preserve of larger, more expensive A Classes)....
the Transit can be had in FWD, RWD or 4WD and is liked by many a reviewer, but is unbelievably ugly....
despite the predictable 'knocker' above, the Sevel is still a blooming good base unit. yes, there was the gearbox issue (which was fixed for anyone under warranty), and I agree the inset dials aren't as readable as the previous version, but I don't have a problem at night (illuminated) as perhaps my seats are at a slightly different height, but can be alttered anyway..ill probably have the 'back light on' fix done at service time.
weve done over 10k miles in 18 months and it's been faultless....
the thing is, if you choose the base unit first, and it isn't Fiat/Peugeot, the choice of van might be restricted....
if you choose a Merc, other than AS (spend some time reading their forum first if considering one) you'll be looking at Hymer (and AS fans couldn't possibly.......) and that's about it untill you move further upmarket...Frankia, perhaps.....lovely MHs....
then there's IVECO, MAN.....and you're into Truck territory...
2 people like this
Tinwheeler replied on 09/08/2018 09:15
Posted on 09/08/2018 09:15
Don’t forget La Strada who do Merc PVCs, and Lunar.
By gearbox issue, do you mean the clutch judder of old? If so, I can assure you it was not fixed under warranty on all variants. Fiat refused to acknowledge there was a problem with the 3 litre models. I know, I was part of that battle.
Knocker? It’s no wonder really after what we went through but remember I’m now giving a PSA a second chance.
young thomas replied on 09/08/2018 09:56
Posted on 09/08/2018 09:56
I didn't know Fiat were part of PSA group.....
which Puegeot/Citröen have you had before, or do you mean the Swift/Bessacarr you had previously?
I was asked by mt Fiat dealer if I wanted the 'judder' fixed, but we didn't have the problem....reverse gear too high...?
yes, this issue was a pain for some, but overall the vehicle is extremely well suited to its job as a camper base.....despite few other brands mentioned, converters certainly aren't deserting the Ducato in droves, overall with the increase in sales, the sales of the Fiat must still be rising...
Lunar convert on a Renault....but would you buy a Lunar or a Renault?
mickysf
Motorhomer