Best of three

Rob McCabe heads to the dealer forecourt to check out a trio of great-value second-hand tourers

2014 Swift Challenger Sport 442 – £9,495

‘One careful owner.’ It’s the phrase that every potential buyer of a second-hand vehicle likes to see when scouring the classifieds – and it certainly applies to this lovely Swift. It’s totally unmarked, inside and out, and the interior decor still looks fresh and up-to-date after 11 years.

The 442 is a two-berth, end-washroom model, with parallel sofas that make up into a huge double bed. For virtually fuss-free bed making, they’ll happily serve as two singles (one is about 6ft 2in, the other 5ft 11in).

The upholstery is in great condition, still feeling fat and supportive – and with four good corners to lean into, you’ve got yourself a belter of a lounge that’s perfect for a bout of feet-up reclining or having friends in for drinks.

Despite the Challenger Sport’s status as the entry-level Swift in 2014, you’ve also got a standard equipment roster that’s full of good things – Al-Ko ATC, exterior barbecue and mains sockets, fitted microwave, dual-fuel hob and a good-quality stereo with branded speakers.

Right at the back is a handsome, spacious and practical washroom boasting a sparkling shower cubicle that betrays little – if any – sign of use.

Unusually for a used caravan these days, this example doesn’t come with a mover – although the selling dealer tells me that most buyers ask for one to be factored into the equation when striking a deal. Sometimes, a customer will ask for the mover to be transferred from the caravan they’re part-exchanging to the one they’re buying.

The next owner of this one will, however, benefit from the pull-out sun canopy that’s been left in place by that one careful – and clearly fastidious – owner.

Verdict

Still looking handsome and in near-immaculate nick, this one looks like a good buy at under 10 grand and with a decent, six-month warranty. 

Technical info

• MRO: 1,118kg
• MTPLM: 1,239kg
• Internal length: 14ft 5in (4.4m)
• Overall length: 19ft 11in (6.06m)
• Motorised mover? No
• Warranty: Six months’ parts and labour

2018 Caravelair Antares 485 – £10,495

For £1,000 more than the Swift, this Caravelair – the French brand is part of the Trigano group – is four years younger than the British offering and treats you to a fixed double bed. Again, you’ll have to negotiate a mover, but the one-and-only previous owner has left in place a wall-mounted TV, and a peek under the double reveals that an awning is also part of the package.

Here’s another caravan that has led a cosseted life. The unblemished bodywork positively gleams, as do the smart alloy wheels – and things are no less impressive when you step indoors, with good-as-new surfaces and furnishings.

Although the lounge is on the short side, the sofas are nice and comfy, aided by scatter cushions that have an admirable heft to them. Free-running slats whoosh out to give you the base for a double bed that will provide fine accommodation for any overnighting guests.

The mattress on the fixed double bed has retained all its integrity, while the full-width rear washroom is smart and spacious, if unspectacular.

The kitchen isn’t as lavishly kitted-out as in your typical UK-built tourer. The oven and grill share the same real estate, and the hob is a three-ring affair – although one of these is a handy electric hotplate.

Storage capacity is immense, headed up by the space under the double bed and a vast wardrobe.

Verdict

Outstanding condition, great build quality and a layout that continues to be the most in-demand of them all. If you don’t mind the compact front lounge, it’s a belter.

Technical info

• MRO: 1,317kg
• MTPLM: 1,500kg
• Internal length: 18ft 4in (5.6m)
• Overall length: 24ft (7.31m)
• Motorised mover? No
• Warranty: Six months’ parts and labour

2007 Bailey Ranger 460/2 – £4,795

The Bailey Ranger built its reputation on providing outstanding value for money, so it’s fitting that this fine caravan is doing the same: it’s comfortably less than £5k and comes with a six-month warranty.

Another benefit of buying a caravan from a dealer is that it’ll be checked when it goes through the workshop before leaving the premises. On this example, one of the window blinds has come off its runner on one side, and some veneer has started to peel away from one of the front drawers – both will be sorted out.

These minor quibbles apart, this 18-year-old two-berth is in superb condition. There’s not a mark on any of the surfaces, and the kitchen appliances are all nice and clean. Same goes for the shower cubicle in the big rear washroom, which is a fine facility that scores highly for practicality – the huge wardrobe lives back here, giving it a dressing room vibe, and there are two usefully sized mirrors.

The distinctive upholstery in the lounge will either cause you to make a sharp exit for the next caravan in line on the forecourt or bring you out in a nostalgic grin. I’m in the latter camp – it actually grew on me the longer I spent inside.

It could use a refill, mind – the outer material is in remarkably good condition, but the seating feels a bit squidgy. Free-running slats pull out to make up a big double, or you can leave them tucked away and have two 6ft 1in singles instead.

The warm-toned wood imparts a pleasant ambience that, combined with the big sunroof, makes this caravan such a pleasant place to be.

Verdict

There are years of service left in this beauty – and if you can maintain its current condition, it should hold its value. It also comes with a mover!

Technical info

• MRO: 972kg
• MTPLM: 1,184kg
• Internal length: 15ft 2in (4.63m)
• Overall length: 20ft 6in (6.24m)
• Motorised mover? Yes
• Warranty: Six months’ parts and labour