Good to be back on the forum and looking forward to getting another Eriba soon. Just wondering about the risk of buying privately? The dealers offer checks and guarantees but I expect the extra cost is significant. We've had a few Eribas over the years including 1993 Puck which still looked in great condition when we sold it. Is there one thing you need to watch for?

Hi Bill, this check list may help

Buyers guide check list

Currently dealers are looking for gross margins of £4,000 to £5,000 on recent vans but the bottom has dropped out of the caravan sales market and willing buyers are very scarce. The reason dealers are asking such high prices is because they're trying to get the same income to cover costs from fewer sales. Unfortunately for them that plan can't work because higher prices means even fewer sales. The trouble is that lower prices to increase volume doesn't work either because there just aren't enough punters around.
Buying from a dealer gets you cover under the Consumer Rights Act and you can reject the van inside 3 months and get your money back. After that you have to give the dealer one chance to repair a fault and if not satisfied you can reject the van but
the refund will be adjusted for use.
On a private sale you're on your own with the seller having no liability.
Best advice is get an independent caravan tech to look over the van to avoid a lemon.

Perfect, thanks

Hi Bill, private is okey, go with a clear view of what you're looking for within your budget. We've had our 1992 puck 23 years now wouldn't look back. I see you are in the 70s club too, good hunting

Hi Bill

I think Andy is right about Eriba dealers having lots of stock in that they are struggling to sell like they used to. We went past a main dealer recently and were stunned how many Eribas of all sizes were on the site. It might be a time for some profitable haggling....................

Good luck

MikeT

We bought ours as a private sale.