Hello from sunny Macclesfield!

What have I done!? I've just bought a 1996 Symphony from E S Hartley Co near Kendal in the Lake District. Never had a campervan before and this might be the last if I've bought a "dog". Don't know anything about them but willing to learn. Oh forgot to mention, bought this vehicle unseen on eBay (yes I know, one born every minute), but am assured this dealer has a good reputation - unless you know different. Also I think the price was good so will not mind spending a bit on bringing it up to scratch.

Anyway it's too late to change my mind now; off to pick it up tomorrow. Weather forecast is awful. Am taking sleeping bag and emergency supplies just in case.

I'm fretting like mad and I thought this was going to be the start of a relaxing pastime.

ps hello to all fellow travellers.

Hi Harry, Welcome to the forum. I'm glad it's sunny in Macclesfield 'cos it's perishin' & wet here in Preston

We've got a '95 Symphony and there's quite a few others on here have Symphonys of various ages, so fire away with any questions.
I'm sure we can all remember what it's like getting your first ever van, it can be a steep a learning curve

If you're going to get stuck in snowdrifts etc. then a camper's the best vehicle to get stuck in

Frank

Welcome on board, Harry......

If there is one place where you can good advice and support from people who really know the marque, it is on here. You're in good company. There will always be minor gribbles but after a week or two you will be wondering what all the worry was about. All the very best of luck with your travels

Harry,

Welcome to the forum and good luck for tomorrow

Brian & Chris

Welcome from another Symphony owner (1997 petrol) in North Wales Just had a look at yours on Ebay and that was a good price especially with electric step and awning and it's diesel so well done you! As Frank (Boxerman) said, ask away, can't help with engine though.

First, dont worry get the dealer to do a handover where you will be shown controls and where stuff is. Very handy if manuals are still with the van. Just watching tomorrows NW weather and it looks as if Kendal will be ok Friday.
You will see loads of these vans in your area all these owners cant be wrong

Dont think it was too sunny in Macc today - think that bit was a porky!

Hi Harry,

Welcome to the forum from a 1999 Symphony owner in chilly Kent.

Hope you are 'lucky' with your new purchase If its a 'good-n' you won't be disappointed, they are a lot of motorhome in a compact size, will go virtually anywhere and wont cost an arm and a leg in fuel.

BTW what size engine, petrol or diesel?

Good luck!

Mike D

Hi, know of the dealer you speak of, past it many times en route to Windermere. Well established so will need to maintain his reputation so I would imagine the description would be spot on. Just ask them to show you around the van before you hand over the cash

By the way, they are actually located closer to Windermere than Kendal, the weather was snowy this morning but cleared up this afternoon. You could do worse than checking this web cam before leaving

http://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk/webcam.php

I am located just North of Carnforth and the weather here has just been horrendous rain and wind.

If the weather does turn sour for you, there is a cracking real ale pub literally round the corner (The Watermill, Ings) from E S Hartley serving great food and more than 12 guest ales, some brewed on site. Good excuse for a night out in the new van me thinks. Park in the lane opposite, I am sure nobody would bother you or even ask if you can stay in their carpark overnight

All the best

Ian

Hello & welcome from S/yorks

Hi Harry
Welcome to the forum from windy Bridlington, snow and frosts have thawed from the time being
Boaby

Welcome. If you need any advice I'm based in the centre of Macclesfield. I bought my Autosleeper in a smelly tat condition. Now it's first class. Don't compromise on safety or batteries. There a handy Motorhome and caravan service guy on Peter Street. (Ian 612729). He comes to your home. Otherwise motor homing is just common sense.
Buying our Amethyst was one of the best decisions we made. Make sure it's well drained of water for the winter.
Just send a message if you need any help.
Brian in Sunny Macclesfield.

Hi Col.

Welcome to the forum from Nottinghamshire.

Cheers. Whisky.

Quite overwhelmed by the response to my first "hello" message to the forum. Thank you all. Espec. thanks to Brian of Macclesfield for providing contact details of a man who does motorhomes less than 2 miles from where I live. That kind of info. is like gold to a newbie.

Anyway I got a lift upto Lakes this morning (thanks Phil) and after fantastic scone and coffee at the Artisan Bakers in Stavely (highly recommended) I was dropped off at ES Hartley in the village of Ings. The guy at Hartleys told me the horror story of the man who filled up his van with £120 of diesel except he put it in the water tank - doh! Feeling quite nervous now. What had I let myself in for.
Spotted the Symphony immediately amongst all the other vans and took ownership at approx 13 00 hrs. Basic induction and then drove back to Macc without mishap and gave the missus a guided tour of the vehicle on arriving home. She was quite impressed (phew!) even though it needs a lot of cleaning and general TLC.
Normally I wouldn't recommend buying any vehicle unseen as I have, but so far I'm happy with the result and now looking forward to visiting those parts of the British Isles I've been promising myself to visit for years.

Cheers

Col.

I have seen a section on here regarding the filling the water tank with diesel....worth a read for you me thinks!

See here

https://www.autosleeper-ownersforum.com/t1282-water-tanks-contaminated-with-diesel

Hi there,

Welcome from what has been a bright but chilly day in Skegness!

Best regards,

Hi Harryfarnsbarns

Welcome to the forum

PB

Hi Harryfarnsbarns

Welcome from a very Somerset.
Enjoy your new van. I'm sure if you do get into difficulties you'll get lots of help from the Forum.

Regards
John