LHD owner advice sought

phillybarbour

phillybarbour

Full Member
Posts
7,580
Likes
2,276
I am thinking of buying a 2 year old LHD (left hand drive) van, I have no issues at all driving it as I am a HGV driver. However I do have two concerns and seek advice from anyone who’s owned one.

1. Are they worth less when you sell them and if so by what amount ie 10% less?
2. Do insurers charge more and if so how much more.

I am looking at a Carthago A Class. Thanks for any advice in advance.
 
At one time led motors were cheap to buy but now led vehicles do more money than rhd due to the high prices of used vehicles in the rest of Europe compared to the uk.
 
Hi Phil.mines is older like you have background no issues
The age mines at its on par cost wise with a rhd version
Never had quotes put up due to it being a lhd .
Give aib a call and test the ground .
Lovely vehicle you are thinking on by the way
Good luck mate
Also makes a huge difference across the pond
 
When I was looking I saw no evidence of them being cheaper and my insurance company (Adrian Flux) didn't seem to charge anymore than quotes I'd had for similar aged RHD vehicles. Because mine is an older Dethleffs it was never officially imported into the UK so I couldn't get a direct comparision even if I wanted. I think if you find a van that's suitable for your needs it doesn't really matter if it's LHD and if it's worth less than the equivalent RHD when you sell it it should be cheaper when you buy it, so it equals it all out.

Regards,
Del
 
Last edited:
I have been driving left hand drive for over 50 years, 16 years in England. Reason is, I only motor home in Europe.There are no penalties from an Insurance view, not that I am aware off. Your MH should hold it's price like a RHD does, no problem there. Have fun.
 
We have had three lhd motorhomes (by choice, because we drive more on the continent than in the UK) and have never had a problem either with insurance or with trading them in. In the case of the last one, I was quoted a trade in price over the phone; I then said it was lhd; and it made no difference. In the case of insurance, I was quoted a price which remained the same when I then told them it was lhd. So it appears to make no difference in either case.
 
i’ve had two of my 3 vans lhd never had a problem with selling or insurance and definetley the best choice for long tours abroad like most others my avg mileage is 8000 a year over 6000 of that in europe
 
i would think that lefties would be cheaper in UK in the first place so no loss when selling would be my guess, I see no reason to buy a lefty in the first place however, they must be a pain in our narrow country roads lanes etc and have seen many posts about mirrors being taken off in country lanes etc. I have been using right hand drive vehicles in Europe for many many years with no problems ever , so what is the advantage of of a lefty I wonder, each to their own of course.
 
As above.On my second.Both bought in germany when the exchange rate was good.Sold the first a dethleffs at a profit after 5 years use.My low profile hymer is still priced at same as when I paid for it 3 years back.
 
vindiboy said:
i would think that lefties would be cheaper in UK in the first place so no loss when selling would be my guess, I see no reason to buy a lefty in the first place however, they must be a pain in our narrow country roads lanes etc and have seen many posts about mirrors being taken off in country lanes etc. I have been using right hand drive vehicles in Europe for many many years with no problems ever , so what is the advantage of of a lefty I wonder, each to their own of course.
Click to expand...

Why?
 
Hi, we've had a LHD Hymer A Clas for the last 10 years with no problems at all, not had insurance increased due to LHD, if most of your driving is in Europe it makes sense to me to go for LHD.

Graham
 
vindiboy said:
i would think that lefties would be cheaper in UK in the first place so no loss when selling would be my guess, I see no reason to buy a lefty in the first place however, they must be a pain in our narrow country roads lanes etc and have seen many posts about mirrors being taken off in country lanes etc. I have been using right hand drive vehicles in Europe for many many years with no problems ever , so what is the advantage of of a lefty I wonder, each to their own of course.
Click to expand...

How does that work? LHD must be a pain over here, yet you have never had a problem using RHD in mainland Europe. What's the difference both have narrow country roads or do you just stick to main roads when in Europe land.
 
The laird said:
Keep us up to date phil if you get it would luv to see pics ,are you getting rid of globecar?
Click to expand...

Gordon, my wife and friends told me a PVC was too small after two large A Class vans. I of course knew better and was sure it was the way to go. 12 months on the PVC is just to small for our likes. I have to take the jibes on the chin and move on losing a bit of cash along the way. The Globecar is an outstanding quality van for a PVC and has been faultless, but it will be going once I find a replacement.
 
Thought that was the route you were going down phil.you were spoilt with the biggie you had ,even when skiing it must make a huge impact with the down sized van,as you say globe is a great van
 
Made an offer on the LHD drive Carthago but it wasn’t accepted, I’m not willing to pay more so onwards looking for the next one, thanks again for the advice.
 
hi phil try looking at bundesvan specialise in german vans will locate one & bring it over do all the paperwork etc lovely couple nice to do business with, bought my hymer through them 9 months later in france waste pipe separated under shower tray rang them to locate agent got it sorted for me just send us the bill all paid no quibbles , would be my first port of call if looking again they always have a few on their website Homepage - Bundesvan - Importers & Resellers of Quality European MotorhomesBundesvan – Importers & Resellers of Quality European Motorhomes | Bundesvan import and resell quality European motorhomes from brands like Hymer, Westfalia, Frankia and Carthago but if you give them your desired spec they will source one for you over there arrange a viewing etc and bring it back for you,
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who viewed this discussion (Total:0)

Back
Top