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Just been to see my parents 82 and 76 and they announced tomorrow they are picking up a Swift Escape 612, 3 years old only 5k miles
Are these any good ? It looks like they are based on a some sort of Fiat van.
I asked if they had tried one out for a weekend and the answer was no, they are too old to get hire insurance 🤷♂️ I think it’s a really bad idea, but are they getting a duff vehicle or are they ok?
I'm sure it will be fine, modern motorhomes are pretty well appointed, and it sounds like it's pretty much new.
They've probably spent £60k on it mind you.
ETA: it looks like a pretty compact model so they are less likely to prang it. Only concern would be no fixed bed so a PITA for elderly folks to take up and down.
Looks like the one the MiL had. Very similar, if not. Same size and layout. It was pretty decent. Even though it's pretty compact as campers go they found it too big to drive and got rid after a year or two. Got a caravan and SUV now which seems worse to me but they much prefer it.
Based on a Fiat Ducato 2.3 I think
It’s one of these
My parents have just got one similar and they are late 70 and late 80. They have been caravaners all their life and are getting on fine.
My mum is driving it.
They love it.
I’d be delighted if my parents got one - something to keep them active both mentally and physically.
My parents in law have a similar size van and are similar age. They drive it all over over UK and France!!! As poly said it keeps them active!
The only caveat being they've driven vans all their lives so its not like they've had to learn something new in their late 70's but rather just kept 'in practice'.
Good van. Borrow it.
The Fiats have a better reputation than the latest Fords that appear to need exactly the right oil or the wet cambelt disintegrates. @FunkyDunc , and I mean it in the nicest possible way, let them get on with it! My brother in law questioned my parents getting a new caravan when in their late seventies- they carried on travelling and used it until they were 92. Hope this helps.
<p>Thanks for all the input.</p><p><br />I probably do just need to let them got on with it, and to be fair to them they said they would try it and if it doesn’t work out they can sell it for no loss.</p><p> </p><p>but their driving ability is suspect in their small Skoda Fabia let alone a big vehicle! They used to love caravanning so I see why they want to do this.</p><p> </p><p>I need to go and measure their driveway tomorrow though, as I’m not convinced the van will event fit up it !</p>
Interested in updates on how they get on as I hope my partner and I will still be motorhoming when we reach those ages in about 30 years time!
Update - My parents went to look at the van on Sunday. I think it was a realisation for them. Apparently the drivers seat was difficult to get in to (no handles) and something about access to the kitchen space.
I think finally they realised they do not have the mobility needed for such a vehicle.
Awww. that's sad but yes it's quite a climb up into the cab!
Sad they couldn’t get on with it.
Mind you £60k on nice hotels and B&B’s would be a few years worth of great holidays!
A shame for them, but seems the right decision.