Buying a Hymer - an Unbiased Guide

This Guide to Buying a Hymer was compiled by Trevor Banks.



 

Information sheet - Buying a Hymer

Members of the Committee are often asked "where is the best place to buy a Hymer?"

The easy answer is "where you get the deal that you are happiest with".  Hymer Club International is completely independent of any dealer, official or otherwise, but it would be unwise to try to direct any prospective purchaser in any one particular direction.  The text below is provided for information only.  It is not exhaustive and should certainly NOT be regarded as a list of recommendations.

Whether buying new or second-hand there are a number of options available to the purchaser, both in the UK and abroad.  How much you spend depends, to some extent, on how much you are prepared to do yourself and how much risk you are prepared to take.  Whether you have a trade-in is also an important factor.

The easiest, and for most people the safest, option is the official British Hymer dealer, Hymer UK or one of their approved outlets.  They are committed to keeping the Hymer marque at the forefront of the home market and they have a determination to try to keep residual values high - useful when it's time to trade-in.  There have been major changes in their organisation and after sales care and spares supply is now reported to be very much improved and equal to the quality of product supplied. Understandably Hymer UK are not normally happy to rectify faults or assist customers on vehicles not supplied by them. It can also be assumed that the trade-in value to them of a vehicle not originally supplied by them, or their outlets, will be less.

For those willing to go abroad to do a deal the prices at Hymer dealers on mainland Europe are undoubtedly less than in Britain but any warranty claim or back up service may involve expensive travel back to the place of purchase.  This route gives the security of buying from an official dealer but the costs of returning to the dealer for servicing etc. (vital to keep the warranty valid) should be included in your costing exercise.

Independent importers, sometimes known as grey or parallel importers are another source.  They are able to source new and used Hymers from mainland Europe.  It is worth considering that, in the event of purchasing a new Hymer from them and having a warranty claim, they have no direct access to the Hymer factory service department and therefore warranty claims may not be straightforward.  Hymer UK, and perhaps other official dealers, could be reluctant to assist.  Again this is a factor that should be taken into consideration when assessing value for money.  Some of the suppliers of used Hymers claim to have quick access to Hymer spares and this might be a relevant factor for those wishing to purchase second hand.

Below are listed some of the suppliers of new and used Hymers:

 
 

Official Dealers

External links will open in a new window.

 
 

Hymer UK/Brownhills

The official UK main dealers for Hymers. Mainly right hand drive but left hand drive can be obtained to special order - often at lower price.  Prices tend to be high, but trade-in allowances can also be very good. Many used vehicles available.  Customers are able to join Hymer Club UK.  Main dealer warranty back up.

 
  

Hymer UK tel 01772 684619   www.hymeruk.com

 
  

Brownhills tel 01636 704201   www.brownhills.co.uk

 
 

Campirama nv

HCI members wanting to arrange their own new import have been using the main Hymer dealer in Belgium for many, many years. Vehicles are purchased tax free in Belgium. V.A.T. is paid when the vehicle is registered in Britain. Sometimes have small number of used stock. Vehicle prices are substantially less than in Britain but trade-in allowances (LHD only) are also lower. Main dealer warranty back up but allow for travel to Belgium. It is now possible for right hand drive Hymers to be supplied.

 
 

Durrwang-Morlein

This large Hymer dealership in Dortmund, Germany is gaining increasing popularity among HCI members for the quality of service and deals obtained. All documentation to ensure smooth importation is supplied. Special deals are often available.

 
  

Durrwang-Morlein 00 43 231 94 11 65 0 www.hymerexport.com (then click on the Union flag for the English version).

 

Other Official Dealers

Look up official Hymer dealers throughout Europe on   www.hymer.com

 
 

Independent Importers

 
 

There are now many dealers able to supply new and used Hymers sourced from mainland Europe.  We have received good reports about four of them but we are also aware of possible warranty problems.  We have had no feedback about any of the others and therefore can make no comment.

 
 

Bundesvan

Supply of new LHD Hymers or can source second hand to your specification.  Offers accompanied viewing to Germany.  Can deliver to your home.  All documentation and registration is done for you.  Hymer spares supplied.

 
  

Bundesvan tel 01803 606335   www.bundesvan.co.uk

 

Deepcar Motorhomes International

Mainly deal in the supply of second hand Hymers.  Always 12-15 in stock.  All paperwork taken care of.  All vehicles are converted to meet UK standards ie lights and mph speedo.  If they don't have the right vehicle in stock they will try to find it for you.  HCI member.

 
  

Deepcar tel 0114 288 2660   www.dmiuk.com

 
 

Edgehill Motorhomes

Helpful, family run business.  Good stock of second hand Hymers.  A number of HCI members have purchased here and report very good service.

 
  

Edgehill Motorhomes tel 01623 631837   www.edgehillmotorhomes.co.uk

 
 

Peter Hambilton

New & Used Hymer sales.  Has contacts in Germany to source specific requirements.  Quality repairs and modifications carried out by Hymer trained staff.  Occasionally undertakes some warranty work on behalf of European dealers.   Hymer spares supplied.  HCI member.

 
  

Peter Hambilton tel 01772 315078   www.hymerdirect.com

 
 

Other Independent Importers

  
  

Oak Tree Motor Co tel 01623 622300   www.omcmotorhomes.co.uk

 
  

Runaway Motorhomes tel 01684 773482.  Specialise in quality older LHD Hymers imported from Germany. www.RunawayMotorhomes.co.uk

 
  

Many classified ads. for Hymers available in Britain can be found in specialist magazines such as MMM,  Which Motorcaravan?,  Practical Motorcaravan etc.

The HCI monthly newsletter usually contains members' Hymer sales and the HCI website now includes a Hymer Sales page.

A useful web site for those trying to find a Hymer in Germany
is www.reisemobil-international.de/markt.  A list of both trade and private sales is available.
 

 
  

revised Dec 2007


The above information is a starting point for those seeking a Hymer.
If you need further information please contact Hymer Club International secretary.
Please share your own Hymer Buying thoughts by sending an email to Trevor Banks.