I have found two good vans on net, both interstate - I live in SA.
No. 1 2008 Jayco Conquest, manual, only 40,000 klms, manual, pristine condition, diesel heater, nice bull bar and large fitted Storage Box on back. Registered 3 months. $60,000. Tasmania, so air fare and spirit Tasmania to get home, plus $2000 stamp duty SA. Deceased estate.
No. 2 2008 Jayco Conquest, automatic, 106,000 klms, assured in pristine condition, no diesel heater, no bull bar, registered 3 months, $50,000. Western Australia, so air fare plus long drive home over Nullabor, plus $1600 stamps duty SA.
I would get a price on the Spirit of Tas, costs to get to the Mainland; which may help you make up yor mind.
The Auto has a few more K`s, but if your going to do some serious travels I would go for the auto.
You can always add a diesel heater if needed, (It possibly has a Air con/heater unit) and I dont believe you "Need" a Bull Bar, (often cause more damage than those without) plus storage boxes on the rear are some times filled with heavy objects that can affect your stability on road. If you have a need for one, they are not that expensive and can always be added later.
The big plus for the WA one is you will get to experience the wonderful Nullabor on your way home.
Either way, I would goin the RAC, and get them to do an inspection on both vehicles for piece of mind.
Now; here is a big advantage of purchasing the WA auto. I am a Fitter by trade and live in Mandurah WA, next door neighbour if a Motor Mechanic and is a licensed DOT Inspection Agent.
If you need, I could View/test drive/DOT Inspect/and deliver to SA. I have done this often in WA. Last purchase(on clients behalf) and delivery was from Perth to Broome.
Hope all of this helps, and if I can be of assistance please get in touch.
When the power of Love becomes greater than the love of power the World will see peace ! 24ft Trailblazer 5th wheeler n 05 Patrol ute and Black Series Dominator camper trailer ( for the rough stuff)
What truck is under the Jayco? Petrol or Diesel? Are they FWD or Rear wheel drive? Same wheels or dual wheels on rear? If all else equal the Tasmanian one would appear to be better buy.
__________________
Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
Hetho wrote:The Auto has a few more K`s, but if your going to do some serious travels I would go for the auto.
Why do you say that?
Automatics certainly have an advantage if one is regularly doing city driving but for distance driving where one seldom changes gear I can see no advantage and, indeed, some disadvantages due to increased fuel consumption and a more complicated gearbox.
__________________
"I beseech you in the bowels of Christ think it possible you may be mistaken"
Oliver Cromwell, 3rd August 1650 - in a letter to the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland
These vehicles are both Diesel on a Fiat not sure about front wheel or rear wheel. by the way this is a 20 footer, does not have the cab over bed. (They are around the 23ft).
Hendo will send you a pm. by the way this van is in Margaret River. Very kind of you to offer.
The spirit of Tasmania has a special on towards end of August - $288 One way to Melbourne.
This is a hard decision, but will take any advice.
The model you are looking is the FD20...20ft lenght. All Fiats are FWD.
Ask the question but I think the FD20 had the 3.0 litre back then.
Fiat auto's can be troublesome so have it carefully checked. On the other hand the auto will have much better resale value.
That model still sells new for around $100k
I'd tend to look at some other MFG's too.
Aust ones much better quality build.
Rear wheel drive is always better than front in that size of vehicle.
That's car transmissin\driving gear. not truck.
Coupla times I've had to tow some car\boats UP the ramp
cause the front wh drive veh, wheels just spinning.
The same will go for grassy surfaces in soome parking areas.
Just sit and spin.
Plus the gearing and shafts used for such.
Are a lot lighter built than full axles.
Just a coupla thorts.
I remember reading that those Euro Veh's don't have the most reliable Electronics either.
Specially the VW versions. and their Constant, Auto's are a big no no..
adreamer wrote: and large fitted Storage Box on back.
You say it is a FWD. A lot of those FWD motorhomes are built on a chassis that is easily changed in length to suit. They keep the wheelbase as short as possible. That means that the rear overhang is already the maximum permitted length when the unit leaves the factory. That means that if you add storage or a bike rack on the rear your motorhome is over length. You could be in trouble if a picky copper pulls you over. If you get that one then check if the box needs to be removed.
__________________
PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
So many differing views here - do any of you have the Fiat Ducato with Jayco "house"? We do, 2010 model - yes - front wheel drive - yes - manual/auto -
yes - very easy to drive - yes - very comfortable - yes - a good mechanic is needed (we have a trusted one) - but have had work done when necessary at other places, always get our own mechanic to check it when we get to him. (No major problems - done close to 160,000k)/
Having said all this - do you know most of the motorhomes in Europe are on Fiat base - the front wheel drive is not a problem, if you are aware of where you park - making sure you have good access to the exit or road.
Good luck with whatever you choose Helen (adreamer) - live your dream!
__________________
jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
Hello adreamer This may or may not be applicable to the below vehicle
No. 1 2008 Jayco Conquest, manual, only 40,000 klms, manual, pristine condition, diesel heater, nice bull bar and large fitted Storage Box on back. Registered 3 months. $60,000. Tasmania, so air fare and spirit Tasmania to get home, plus $2000 stamp duty SA. Deceased estate.
I met a couple who were travelling in a similar vehicle They had opted to have a diesel heater instead of an air conditioner (Jayco option?) So there is at least one vehicle of this type without a factory fitted air conditioner I have no idea of the cost of an air conditioner, if you require one
Hello adreamer This may or may not be applicable to the below vehicle
No. 1 2008 Jayco Conquest, manual, only 40,000 klms, manual, pristine condition, diesel heater, nice bull bar and large fitted Storage Box on back. Registered 3 months. $60,000. Tasmania, so air fare and spirit Tasmania to get home, plus $2000 stamp duty SA. Deceased estate.
I met a couple who were travelling in a similar vehicle They had opted to have a diesel heater instead of an air conditioner (Jayco option?) So there is at least one vehicle of this type without a factory fitted air conditioner I have no idea of the cost of an air conditioner, if you require one
Hi Tony Bev, Have gone with the one In Tasmania and it has both air con and the diesel Heater.
Pick it on 4th August. Never been to Tas so will spend 2 weeks having a look around.
Two important things you need to check before handing over your hard earned.
1) Do a PPSR check to ensure there is no money owing on the vehicle and it is not stolen or on the written off register.
Google PPSR and you can do it online. You will need the Vin number.
2) Ensure the seller is the legal owner. You can do this by checking the rego papers and asking for the sellers ID to compare. Only pay a nominal deposit when you do the deal and the balance when you pick it up.
