General Pre-purchase advice

[Anki]

Hi everyone

I've just returned from viewing a 1996 Ducati 14, 2.5L diesel motorhome with 47,000 miles on the clock. It's priced at £7,000. I really liked it but, to be honest, I know very little about vehicles in general. So, before I get carried away and buy it I thought I'd ask here for advice.

Can anyone advise if these are generally a good purchase? I appreciate every vehicle is different and it's always a punt, but do they have a good reputation? Are there any common faults to be aware of?

I understand damp can be an issue in older vehicles but how can you check prior to buying? It didn't smell damp or musty which I'm assuming is good, but should I be looking behind things etc?

Does the price seem reasonable? I've seen varying prices for similar but overall so it seems a fair price. The body work has a few tiny bits of rust here and thete as well as few scuffs and dents, but for a 30 year old vehicle at this price it seems pretty darn good. Similarly the interior, whilst dates, seems excellent.

Any help at all would be appreciated.

Thank you everyone

 

[Googlebot]

You can buy cheap damp meters with prongs off eBay and Amazon, they work and will pick up any damp.

Regardless, at that age, something will be wrong but sometimes you take your chances.

 

[cid]

Hi Anki and welcome, I own a 1996 Ducato and all I can say is Beware. Firstly, rust is the enemy. You need to see underneath and check all the parts made by Fiat. I had to replace most of the front end. Most garages won't attempt a welding job of that magnitude. I was fortunate that mine would but I let them keep the van and do the work in their own time. It took six weeks but only cost £850. Secondly, check the gearbox for signs of crunchy gears, 2nd in particular. Replacement gearbox parts are difficult, if not impossible, to obtain. Finally, if you are not mechanically savvy or handy with the tools, I would give it a wide berth or take someone with you who is to view the van. Mine has no damp but damp can be treated or lived with provided it is not too serious. You would have noticed it if it was so bad. Best of Luck, Ian. p.s. Don't be put off by my comments, just proceed with caution. You may be lucky and have found a good one.

 

[Ocwobio]

Those older interiors are usually much more robust than modern ones. Just make sure no manufacturer/model specific fittings are broken or missing, and all appliances work in all intended modes. Usually, there are generic fittings available cheaply to assist with replacements of other items. Get a gas safety inspection done if you can.

 

[Communicator]

Hi Anki and welcome, I own a 1996 Ducato and all I can say is Beware. Firstly, rust is the enemy. You need to see underneath and check all the parts made by Fiat. I had to replace most of the front end. Most garages won't attempt a welding job of that magnitude. I was fortunate that mine would but I let them keep the van and do the work in their own time. It took six weeks but only cost £850. Secondly, check the gearbox for signs of crunchy gears, 2nd in particular. Replacement gearbox parts are difficult, if not impossible, to obtain. Finally, if you are not mechanically savvy or handy with the tools, I would give it a wide berth or take someone with you who is to view the van. Mine has no damp but damp can be treated or lived with provided it is not too serious. You would have noticed it if it was so bad. Best of Luck, Ian. p.s. Don't be put off by my comments, just proceed with caution. You may be lucky and have found a good one.

If I may add to the above contribution, one of the weak points for rust is the front cross member under the radiator. These can be replaced but more work/expense.

 

[cid]

Hi Communicato, I heartily agree. I had to do mine shortly after purchase. Nowt job. No need to jack up the van. 6 large bolts (3 each side) into captive nuts. Great care and lots of penetrating oil. Stick a supporting jack under the cross member and gently ease the bolts loose. The cross member supports the radiator etc so support these items when lowering the cross member. I got mine from Coastal Motorhomes £65 inc. delivery. However, that was nearly 18 years ago but still going strong. Ian.

 

[Anki]

Thanks for all the responses. I've found a local specialist who offers a presale inspection so hopefully he can help.

In the meantime we've had another look and a test drive. Fan belt was a bit squeaky for a minute or so but otherwise seemed to drive fine.

Took some pics of the underneath and bumps/rust on the bodywork too.