Good as new?

‘New-old-stock’ caravans can present significant bargains. Rob McCabe compares a couple with a luxurious older model

Question: When is a used caravan not a used caravan?

Answer: When it’s a new-old-stock caravan. Quite simply, that means a vehicle that’s a few years old but which still awaits its first owner – a model that is effectively brand-new for the price of a used one. I encountered two such examples at Marquis Surrey/Sussex and then ran the rule over a 10-year-old Swift Conqueror that’s defying the laws of ageing...

2023  La Mancelle Fantaisy 360CL   £19,995

The French-built La Mancelle models were briefly imported to the UK by Marquis for the 2023 model year. Although very well made and nicely presented, they never really caught on here, perhaps due to their overtly continental-style layouts.

I tested a 360CL for the October 2023 issue of the Club magazine and hadn’t seen one since. So, it was interesting to renew my acquaintance and remind myself that it is indeed a credit to its builders – panel fit and quality of materials are both first-class.

Standard equipment includes a very nice (albeit small) compressor fridge and a smart, domestic-style extractor hood over the hob. Dedicated TV socketry serves the fixed double bed at the back and there’s a healthy sprinkling of mains sockets elsewhere, too.

The kitchen is attractive, but the basic level of equipment – two gas burners and a combined oven/grill – won’t suit everyone. Ditto the stubby seating area at the front, although the seats themselves are comfy, and a couple of strategically placed footstools would increase loungeability quite dramatically. The washroom is attractive, and practical with it – decent storage, a big mirror and two drain holes for the shower. Not often you see that…

You’ll certainly attract attention when you roll up on site, thanks to its rarity and the distinctive exterior styling, some of which resembles wooden panelling at first glance. You’ll either like the porthole side windows at the front or not – I think they’re great!

Verdict

You can tell it’s ‘new’ the second you step inside – it looks it, feels it and it even smells it. If you’re happy to accept the compromises mentioned, for under 20 grand you’ll benefit from a stylish, easy-to-tow, well-built tourer with a modest weight and the always sought-after fixed double bed.

Technical

• Berths: 3
• MRO: 978kg
• MTPLM: 1,200kg
• Internal length (est): 13ft (4m)
• Overall length: 18ft 2in (5.53m)
• Motorised mover: No
• Warranty: Three years

2024 Xplore 554 SE   £19,995

Our second new-old-stock offering is this pre-facelift Xplore, priced identically to the La Mancelle on the previous page. The main attraction with this four-berth offering is the transverse island double bed, which tops so many layout wishlists. It’s a fine set-up too – the en-suite bedroom is bright and spacious, and the mattress is of very good quality.

As with the French caravan, there’s a tangible ‘newness’: the loose-fit carpeting is still tightly bound in its factory wrapping inside the wardrobe, and the instruction leaflets for the oven, fridge and loo are still in their plastic bags.

The light upholstery, the big one-piece front window and the sunroof combine to make the interior feel bright and airy; and the complete absence of any handles on the overhead lockers contributes to a pleasingly fresh, contemporary look.

Equipment is a bit pared-back: three gas burners and a combined oven/grill is all you get in the kitchen and, unlike the new-generation Xplores, there’s no Al-Ko ATC.

You do, however, get two television viewing locations; one in the lounge and another in the bedroom. On this example, there’s one job that will need to be seen to before it leaves the forecourt: the shiny black fridge door cover has come unstuck at the top.

Verdict

The equivalent 2026 Xplore model, the XC Quad, is a chunky £6,000 more expensive than this one – that leaves a heck of a lot of holiday money in your account!.

Technical

• Berths: 4
• MRO: 1,199kg
• MTPLM: 1,375kg
• Internal length: 18ft 10in (5.75m)
• Overall length: 24ft 3in (7.38m)
• Motorised mover: No
• Warranty: Three years

2016 Swift Conqueror 530   £15,995

This substantial second-hand caravan presents a strong case for itself. For one thing, it’s £4,000 cheaper than its rivals on these pages. What’s more, it has a better spec than either the La Mancelle or Xplore, and it has the considerable benefit of a motorised mover.

Like the others, the handsome Swift comes with an excellent three-year warranty, offering great peace of mind. Mind you, a forensic inspection of this clearly well-cared-for family four-berther failed to find even a speck of dust inside, never mind anything that might call for a warranty to be invoked.

You get pretty much the full house equipment-wise: Al-Ko ATC, Alde heating, exterior mains/barbecue sockets, branded stereo, microwave, dual-fuel hob, Omnivent extractor fan, pleated window blinds, two TV viewing set-ups… Phew.

As well as keeping the caravan in tip-top condition (appliances and shower are all pristine), the previous owner was fastidious with maintenance, too – the lengthy row of Approved Workshop stickers on the A-frame confirms that it’s been serviced by the book every year.

The side-dinette/end-washroom layout is highly family-friendly. The lengthy parallel-sofa lounge will seat four in comfort, and one of the longest swathes of kitchen worktop I think I’ve ever seen will make mincemeat of mealtimes.

Verdict

Okay, so this one has been used – but you’d hardly know. Conqueror quality, a mover, a great history, a three-year warranty and a fiver change from 16 grand...

Technical

• Berths: 4
• MRO: 1,434kg
• MTPLM: 1,585kg
• Internal length: 17ft 11in (5.45m)
• Overall length: 23ft (7.01m)
• Motorised mover: Yes
• Warranty: Three years

Featured caravans were on sale at the time of Rob’s visit at Marquis Surrey/Sussex (June 2026), Station Approach, Gomshall GU5 9NX. For current stock, please see marquisleisure.co.uk or call 01483 203335.