I am looking at buying another van. I like the Jayco conquests and have found a reasonable priced one. It;s a 2008 Fiat with 121000 kilometres. It's an automatic diesel but am not sure about the automatic as have never driven one. The owner told me it can be used on gears as well?
It has been well looked after but am a bit hesitant as it will take nearly all the money I have left.
Just really asking re the automatic and the mileage.
Helen
Moonraker said
05:37 PM Jul 1, 2017
If there is an RAC or NRMA car purchase inspection you can get professionally done (RAC do it WA or did). My opinion is do that, it should provide you with a report of the vehicle condition front to back mechanically. That way you have the facts as best you can get then not opinions especially if you are using most of you hard earned.
Mike Harding said
08:37 PM Jul 1, 2017
DD: there is something wrong with you.
121k is nothing for a diesel (not much for a petrol either). Ensure it has been regularly serviced - oil changes at not more than 10k are very important for diesels.
Auto/manual? You will not have an issue. People frequently have issues changing from auto to manual but almost never the other way around. You will find it easier to drive.
Bill B said
08:38 PM Jul 1, 2017
Desert Dweller wrote:
If you buy it don't take it to Wilcannia, it'll get trashed by the locals if you stay in the empty caravan park! .
Here we go again, some people just don't know when to let up.
BigRig said
09:05 PM Jul 1, 2017
Nothing wrong with Wilcannia . I sleep under the pine trees often.
121k is just broken in for a vehicle like that , auto is your own preference , select-amatic seems an ok choice.
Make sure there is nothing owed on it.
Yuglamron said
09:22 PM Jul 1, 2017
My only knowledge of the Fiat, and you would have to check out the actual years for the Sacking of the original importer of the Fiat. The back up service was very poor and Fiat took over and set up their own network sacking the original importer.
I don't know when that was, but I believe the early imports had front suspension that used to bottom out on pot holes. Aftermarket King Suspension upgrades solved the problem. I am sure some of the Forum members would know from what years the Fiat imported vehicles had upgraded suspension fitted that fixed the problem.
As others have said that mileage for a diesel is very low and hardly run in.
Ducatos were first imported into Australia in 2001. The takeover by Chrysler/Fiat from Ateco was 2012. Went from some 15 service centres to over fifty.
This is a link that refers to the Suspension upgrade.
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Saturday 1st of July 2017 09:32:37 PM
Eaglemax said
12:52 AM Jul 2, 2017
Desert dweller....as there is no reason for your comments one can only assume you are spending your free time replying to posts trying to trigger contraversy. Whatever your reason is- I ask nicely that you reconsider your attitude.
adreamer said
01:04 AM Jul 2, 2017
Thank you for your replies.
I will look at having the front suspension upgrade done as well.
Will go ahead when my VW sells. I really love my VW but need the shower and toilet and a bit more room.
Helen
jebs said
08:14 AM Jul 2, 2017
Another thing to consider is the weight that can be towed by a Fiat in case at a later date you may want to tow with it
Davemate said
09:20 AM Jul 2, 2017
I did not see any mention of Wilcannia in the original question. Should that response by Bill B been removed by the moderators? David.
-- Edited by Davemate on Sunday 2nd of July 2017 09:21:23 AM
TheHeaths said
12:30 PM Jul 2, 2017
David,
the original response, that Bill was actually commenting against, was done by Keith aka Desert Dweller. I comment no further than that.
Back on thread. Helen the advice to get a motoring association check over is probably the best advice, but if you do buy it, enjoy the trips.
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Sunday 2nd of July 2017 12:32:37 PM
jules47 said
01:12 PM Jul 2, 2017
We have a Fiat Ducato Jayco - 23ft - we have the auto/manual gearbox, and it is terrific, especially as we are towing, it seems to work better on manual when towing. We had the upgrade of springs done, in 2013 in Tasmania, us and another owner, possibly the first to get it done, we did it independently of Fiat, but maybe they heard how good ours were. Makes a huge difference. The Fiat is so easy to drive, comfortable, and roomy in the front - we have arm rests, and a great sound system. The Jayco we have is a four berth - hump at the top (great for storage) and a double bed down the back, shower and toilet all in one, which gives us room for a wardrobe and two seats opposite each other at the dinette. Have had no major problems with it, and we have done over 150,000k, purchased in March 2011.
We can tow up to 1500kg (our car and trailer weigh just on 1200kg combined). Nissan Micra and tilt trailer (purpose made) started with a gypsy trailer, now have the tilt trailer.
Perfect for one person - great for two who get on!
-- Edited by jules47 on Sunday 2nd of July 2017 01:13:17 PM
-- Edited by jules47 on Sunday 2nd of July 2017 01:27:26 PM
-- Edited by jules47 on Sunday 2nd of July 2017 01:28:31 PM
As jules47 has mentioned the Fiats transmission is ATM (Automatic Manual Transmission) with no clutch pedal but computer driven hydraulics that automatically operates the clutch & also has manual override. If you google : Fiat Ducato Motor Home Instructional Video (youtube video by Australian Caravan Co) it will give you some useful info - Some of the features may not be available on the earlier model you are looking at but the transmission etc would be the same.
I would suggest it worthwhile to have a reputable Fiat/Iveco Dealer completely check the vehicle over before purchase as things like the transmission are highly specialized.
Our 2003 Mercedes Sprinter has a similar transmission which I like but not many mechanics/auto transmission specialists have any experience or equipment to diagnose any problems & parts/labour for these Fiat & Sprinter type of transmissions are expensive if needed.
Regards
David
PeterD said
07:42 PM Jul 2, 2017
Desert Dweller wrote:
If you buy it don't take it to Wilcannia, it'll get trashed by the locals if you stay in the empty caravan park! Stay at Warrawong on the Darling just out of town & you'll be safe. Your new purchase sounds quite good, enjoy.
What brought on this vile? Where did the OP mention Wilcannia?
It is a good few years since Wilcannia was a doubtful town. As for which park to stop in, Warrawong has only 2 pages of comments where as the council park has many pages of comments in WikiCamps. Within all the comments there was only one comment on an incident in the park and that was narrowed down to an out of towner.
I have stayed at Warrawong a couple of times, mainly as the council park was being reconstructed after floods. Next time I am staying in town I will use the council park.
Your comments are outdated and racist, you are way out of touch regarding the communities along the Darling. I suggest you shaould stop in Wilcannis, Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett for as couple of nights each and see what they are now like. Alternately you possibly should sell your caravan and resign from forums.
macka17 said
08:17 PM Jul 2, 2017
Didn't bother reading much of the other posts girl.
Just the bit about you spending "most" of your money to buy it.
NEVER spend that much on one item. Unless you know you'll have some more coming in.
If you travelling. ALWAYS.. Have some back up for afterwards. To cover the items that will go wrong and need replacing shortly.
(That's when they happen. When you ain't got.)
WHy are they selling it??.
Get a good check up on it. and ask for the maint book. Plus any jobs done. first.
I never buy any veh without FULL manuals and service records. And supply the same.
There'll always be another one if this don't suit.
One thing to remember.
If you buy private.
it's yourd the second you drive out the gate.
Good or bad.
Dealer sale.
you normally get around 12month cover from dealer.
-- Edited by macka17 on Sunday 2nd of July 2017 08:20:22 PM
Aus-Kiwi said
08:29 PM Jul 2, 2017
You sure MH come under the same warranty as cars ? Check the colour of ATF ?
Fluid . Should be a nice pink - red . If it smells burnt or any colour other than red ? It's not good . Check how it's shifts with load up hills etc . Should shift quick without hesitation .
I am looking at buying another van. I like the Jayco conquests and have found a reasonable priced one. It;s a 2008 Fiat with 121000 kilometres. It's an automatic diesel but am not sure about the automatic as have never driven one. The owner told me it can be used on gears as well?
It has been well looked after but am a bit hesitant as it will take nearly all the money I have left.
Just really asking re the automatic and the mileage.
Helen
DD: there is something wrong with you.
121k is nothing for a diesel (not much for a petrol either). Ensure it has been regularly serviced - oil changes at not more than 10k are very important for diesels.
Auto/manual? You will not have an issue. People frequently have issues changing from auto to manual but almost never the other way around. You will find it easier to drive.
Here we go again, some people just don't know when to let up.
Nothing wrong with Wilcannia . I sleep under the pine trees often.
121k is just broken in for a vehicle like that , auto is your own preference , select-amatic seems an ok choice.
Make sure there is nothing owed on it.
My only knowledge of the Fiat, and you would have to check out the actual years for the Sacking of the original importer of the Fiat. The back up service was very poor and Fiat took over and set up their own network sacking the original importer.
I don't know when that was, but I believe the early imports had front suspension that used to bottom out on pot holes. Aftermarket King Suspension upgrades solved the problem. I am sure some of the Forum members would know from what years the Fiat imported vehicles had upgraded suspension fitted that fixed the problem.
As others have said that mileage for a diesel is very low and hardly run in.
Ducatos were first imported into Australia in 2001. The takeover by Chrysler/Fiat from Ateco was 2012. Went from some 15 service centres to over fifty.
This is a link that refers to the Suspension upgrade.
http://www.imotorhome.com.au/app-announcements/fiat-ducato-front-suspension-upgrade
Hope this helps your research.
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Saturday 1st of July 2017 09:32:37 PM
Thank you for your replies.
I will look at having the front suspension upgrade done as well.
Will go ahead when my VW sells. I really love my VW but need the shower and toilet and a bit more room.
Helen
I did not see any mention of Wilcannia in the original question. Should that response by Bill B been removed by the moderators?
David.
-- Edited by Davemate on Sunday 2nd of July 2017 09:21:23 AM
David,
the original response, that Bill was actually commenting against, was done by Keith aka Desert Dweller. I comment no further than that.
Back on thread. Helen the advice to get a motoring association check over is probably the best advice, but if you do buy it, enjoy the trips.
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Sunday 2nd of July 2017 12:32:37 PM
We have a Fiat Ducato Jayco - 23ft - we have the auto/manual gearbox, and it is terrific, especially as we are towing, it seems to work better on manual when towing. We had the upgrade of springs done, in 2013 in Tasmania, us and another owner, possibly the first to get it done, we did it independently of Fiat, but maybe they heard how good ours were. Makes a huge difference. The Fiat is so easy to drive, comfortable, and roomy in the front - we have arm rests, and a great sound system. The Jayco we have is a four berth - hump at the top (great for storage) and a double bed down the back, shower and toilet all in one, which gives us room for a wardrobe and two seats opposite each other at the dinette. Have had no major problems with it, and we have done over 150,000k, purchased in March 2011.
We can tow up to 1500kg (our car and trailer weigh just on 1200kg combined). Nissan Micra and tilt trailer (purpose made) started with a gypsy trailer, now have the tilt trailer.
Perfect for one person - great for two who get on!
-- Edited by jules47 on Sunday 2nd of July 2017 01:13:17 PM
-- Edited by jules47 on Sunday 2nd of July 2017 01:27:26 PM
-- Edited by jules47 on Sunday 2nd of July 2017 01:28:31 PM
DD definately time for a Red card???????
David.
Hi Helen,
As jules47 has mentioned the Fiats transmission is ATM (Automatic Manual Transmission) with no clutch pedal but computer driven hydraulics that automatically operates the clutch & also has manual override. If you google : Fiat Ducato Motor Home Instructional Video (youtube video by Australian Caravan Co) it will give you some useful info - Some of the features may not be available on the earlier model you are looking at but the transmission etc would be the same.
I would suggest it worthwhile to have a reputable Fiat/Iveco Dealer completely check the vehicle over before purchase as things like the transmission are highly specialized.
Our 2003 Mercedes Sprinter has a similar transmission which I like but not many mechanics/auto transmission specialists have any experience or equipment to diagnose any problems & parts/labour for these Fiat & Sprinter type of transmissions are expensive if needed.
Regards
David
What brought on this vile? Where did the OP mention Wilcannia?
It is a good few years since Wilcannia was a doubtful town. As for which park to stop in, Warrawong has only 2 pages of comments where as the council park has many pages of comments in WikiCamps. Within all the comments there was only one comment on an incident in the park and that was narrowed down to an out of towner.
I have stayed at Warrawong a couple of times, mainly as the council park was being reconstructed after floods. Next time I am staying in town I will use the council park.
Your comments are outdated and racist, you are way out of touch regarding the communities along the Darling. I suggest you shaould stop in Wilcannis, Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett for as couple of nights each and see what they are now like. Alternately you possibly should sell your caravan and resign from forums.
Didn't bother reading much of the other posts girl.
Just the bit about you spending "most" of your money to buy it.
NEVER spend that much on one item.
Unless you know you'll have some more coming in.
If you travelling. ALWAYS.. Have some back up for afterwards.
To cover the items that will go wrong and need replacing shortly.
(That's when they happen. When you ain't got.)
WHy are they selling it??.
Get a good check up on it. and ask for the maint book. Plus any jobs done.
first.
I never buy any veh without FULL manuals and service records.
And supply the same.
There'll always be another one if this don't suit.
One thing to remember.
If you buy private.
it's yourd the second you drive out the gate.
Good or bad.
Dealer sale.
you normally get around 12month cover from dealer.
-- Edited by macka17 on Sunday 2nd of July 2017 08:20:22 PM