Your opinion on the Swift Rio

Look on the swift talk website for some comments 

what is it that appeals about the Rio specifically.....?

i ask as you are undecided about the layout, so perhaps layout isnt the specific...

also, two of the four have large opening tailgates, but this os layout dependant.

two are 6m, two are 6.4m.

two have drop down beds, one over the front lounge, one over the rear lounge.

so, plenty of variation....ps, they arent as 'slim' or light as i thought they were.....

The Rio seems to be  compact with decent build quality furnishings. It looks good, low line with van type width.

I have looked at the layout and the rear opening door and am undecided but i believe it will come to me.

The bottom line is I am looking a compact practical van that is capable of long stays away on the continent and i felt the Rio looked like it fitted the bill.

The sterling/ euro is a factor in the purchase of the  European van also.

In your experience could you match another similar van to the Rio's shape build quality, etc. Forgive me but i just dont have this experience. I love the LHD for the continent though either is fine. I have a VW California LHD which is just too small now. 

Another concern is when i go over 6metres ferries get expensive and I want to explore more, which brings my thoughts to the smaller more compact van !!!! (I guess the driving aspect doesnt bother me as i am a trucker)

I appreciate your input, which is a great help to me making the right decision.....

(I have to borrow so i need to get it right as it will be around for a while)

Thanks.

is it just you in the van?

of the two 6m vans, neither have the opening tailgate. the 310 has a rear bathroom, the 325 has a bunk bed over a small garage.

width at 2.26m is not as narrow as might first appear....our van is only 2.27m and the 'compact version of the same van is 2.12m

have you looked at any Panel Van Conversions (PVC) as these will be closer to your VW and will only be 2.05m wide.

plenty at 5.99m long, with all sorts of layouts....front lounge with rear bed or rear washroom, rear lounge, fixed transverse double or even singles, these days...

plenty of choice, 2nd hand and new, left or right hand drive.

good luck.

I have owned a swift MH for the last 10 years and in my opinion they are rubbish, poorly fabricated with cheap materials,

Thanks for all your input. Very helpful in my decision making.

Doug if it were time to replace your van which one would you replace it with?All the manufacturers seem to have build issues according to owners.

The new Elddis Accordo range seem to have come a long way according to most owners.

Boleroboy of all the Rio's i have now concentrated more on the 340 Rio. A little longer than i would have wished but a good layout. I have gone onto the Swift Talk and been getting a lot of feedback. Seems to be a lot of build quality issues with Swift, however the same seems to be with all the other manufacturers too. It seems to be hit and miss with them all.

any specific reason not to consider a 6.36m PVC?

there are loads out there from all brands, incl german and uk.

if the swift build is a worry, have a look at Possl/Globecar or the larest Rapido, Adria etc....these will have fixed beds.

for more open PVCs with make up beds look at Murvi or IH but these are expensive so used will be a better bet.

I would take a test drive before you buy. Part exchanged my swift escape for a Knaus and the salesman said he hated taking people out for test drives in swifts because they creak and groan so much. After driving the knaus I have to agree with him!

Thanks for all your input. Very helpful in my decision making.

Doug if it were time to replace your van which one would you replace it with?All the manufacturers seem to have build issues according to owners.

The new Elddis Accordo range seem to have come a long way according to most owners.

Boleroboy of all the Rio's i have now concentrated more on the 340 Rio. A little longer than i would have wished but a good layout. I have gone onto the Swift Talk and been getting a lot of feedback. Seems to be a lot of build quality issues with Swift, however the same seems to be with all the other manufacturers too. It seems to be hit and miss with them

Thanks for all your input. Very helpful in my decision making.

Doug if it were time to replace your van which one would you replace it with?All the manufacturers seem to have build issues according to owners.

The new Elddis Accordo range seem to have come a long way according to most owners.

Boleroboy of all the Rio's i have now concentrated more on the 340 Rio. A little longer than i would have wished but a good layout. I have gone onto the Swift Talk and been getting a lot of feedback. Seems to be a lot of build quality issues with Swift, however the same seems to be with all the other manufacturers too. It seems to be hit and miss with them all.

 

As I have enginering skills and knowledge. I would buy an old Hymer from before the company changed hands. The conversions where solid and well constructed but by now the base vehical would need attention, but for me thats not a problem. Horses for courses.

^{As a Compromise answer I would say buy a continental conversion but don’t buy a swift}