Picking the van

We ended up with our Carioca ci 200 quite by chance and, I suspect like many others, because it just felt, and perhaps more importantly, smelled, right when we stepped inside. We had seen a Starblazer on the web in Somerset that looked like it might fit the bill but, we wanted to see one closer to home rather than drive all that way from Manchester, only to be disappointed. 

Example of the Autotrail Starblazer

We spotted another about an hour away in Wem and had a drive out to have a look.

It was a 2007 and the asking price was close to 29k. We were thoroughly disappointed. It was shabby, at best, and had a lingering odour. Bits were broken here and there and, it had been well 'used' by the previous owners. The drivers seat felt a bit narrow for my liking and nothing looked as spacious as it did in the photos, except for the 'garage' which I was particularly keen on. No, this wasn't for us.

We looked around 4 other vehicles with a very patient gent who was showing us around with no apparent sales pressure at all. We gave up. They all fell short and I couldn't help but feel that none of them offered value for money.

I now know that, that's how it is. Motorhomes are very expensive and, after a certain point from new, they hold a substantial portion of their price, very well indeed.

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We were in the car park and got Harry out so he could get some fresh air, stretch his legs and, urinate 40 times in 40 places, just because.

That's where the more expensive vehicles were parked. We hadn't even stopped to look on our way in. Now Sue was peering in through the window of the locked van. At that moment, our helpful salesman passed with two loaded carrier bags, on his way back to the office. 'Do you want to have a look inside?' he offered

helpfully. 'No no, thanks anyway'. I shot back, 'We're just letting the dog stretch his legs, we've taken enough of your time'.

'It's fine, no trouble, I'll just get the keys'. I shot Sue a 'look', but she just smiled and said, 'What can it hurt?' He arrived back with the keys and we stepped inside, Sue first. 'Ohh, I like this!' I followed behind and could see why. It was pristine and, smelled brand new. We were in trouble now....