On the bandwagon

[The fat controller]

Hi all

Have been having a look through your threads with much interest as I weigh up the inevitable MB vs VW decision. I'm amazed at the knowedgle here!

We're a family of 4 looking for our first camper - having been keen tent campers forever, things are now getting to the point where a van is going to be much easier with the amount of clobber we seem to cart around! We hired a T5 for the weekend recently and had a great time, but as a person of little technical skill the idea of a factory fit out appeals. I didn't really enjoy the driving experience of the T5, which is making me lean towards the MP... along with seemingly better finish quality and a few creature comforts.

I'm keen to receive any advice on people's experiences of sleeping downstairs without mattress toppers - my wife and don't mind a firm bed and it looks like yet more 'stuff' so I'm certainly thinking of giving it a go without initailly to see how that goes.

Also curious about any 'drive the deal' experiences - I am also a first timer when it comes to new car purchases (yes, I have A LOT to learn!). They are showing a tempting price right now, has anyone any warnings before I get carried away?!

Speccing a 220d sport in black with light wood flooring, black awning, 360 camera, phone integration and sound system upgrade, FWIW.

 

[thespoddy]

Hi all

Have been having a look through your threads with much interest as I weigh up the inevitable MB vs VW decision. I'm amazed at the knowedgle here!

We're a family of 4 looking for our first camper - having been keen tent campers forever, things are now getting to the point where a van is going to be much easier with the amount of clobber we seem to cart around! We hired a T5 for the weekend recently and had a great time, but as a person of little technical skill the idea of a factory fit out appeals. I didn't really enjoy the driving experience of the T5, which is making me lean towards the MP... along with seemingly better finish quality and a few creature comforts.

I'm keen to receive any advice on people's experiences of sleeping downstairs without mattress toppers - my wife and don't mind a firm bed and it looks like yet more 'stuff' so I'm certainly thinking of giving it a go without initailly to see how that goes.

Also curious about any 'drive the deal' experiences - I am also a first timer when it comes to new car purchases (yes, I have A LOT to learn!). They are showing a tempting price right now, has anyone any warnings before I get carried away?!

Speccing a 220d sport in black with light wood flooring, black awning, 360 camera, phone integration and sound system upgrade, FWIW.

Howdy!

I bought my MP in spring this year after having a smaller camper for 5 years (Mazda Bongo). I have spent plenty of time camping and backpacking myself but as you have found, with a family of 4 a camper is a really great idea. I wouldn't bother trying the downstairs bed without a topper - it would be horrible. Just get a topper and it's then really comfy.
I would definitely get the diesel auxiliary heater and put some solar panels on once you have it home: https://www.solarcampersolutions.co.uk/index.php/shop/mercedes-marco-polo-solar-panel-kit

As for the drive, I have heard it explained like this: the VW is a van with a kitchen, the MP is a luxury car with a kitchen. I recently drove from Northants to the Lakes and it was a really comfortable ride even after several hours. Mine's the 250 which I guess gives it a bit more welly but I don't know how the drive might differ.

The only real advantage in my view is that the VW has nice blinds that pull out across the windscreen and front windows, The MP has quite a nice curtain that is a little annoying to put up until you get the hang of it. Some people bleat about this but I think it adds character and makes it feel a bit like my front room.

 

[The fat controller]

Howdy!

I bought my MP in spring this year after having a smaller camper for 5 years (Mazda Bongo). I have spent plenty of time camping and backpacking myself but as you have found, with a family of 4 a camper is a really great idea. I wouldn't bother trying the downstairs bed without a topper - it would be horrible. Just get a topper and it's then really comfy.
I would definitely get the diesel auxiliary heater and put some solar panels on once you have it home: https://www.solarcampersolutions.co.uk/index.php/shop/mercedes-marco-polo-solar-panel-kit

As for the drive, I have heard it explained like this: the VW is a van with a kitchen, the MP is a luxury car with a kitchen. I recently drove from Northants to the Lakes and it was a really comfortable ride even after several hours. Mine's the 250 which I guess gives it a bit more welly but I don't know how the drive might differ.

The only real advantage in my view is that the VW has nice blinds that pull out across the windscreen and front windows, The MP has quite a nice curtain that is a little annoying to put up until you get the hang of it. Some people bleat about this but I think it adds character and makes it feel a bit like my front room.

Thanks for the response. The idea of solar panels really appeals, we will have to see though whether we visit many wild enough places to justify them. My reading of the brochure is that the diesel aux heater is now standard equipment on new orders... Let's hope that turns out to be correct given all I've read about the ordered process.

 

[The fat controller]

Also in an update (things move fast, I'm really not great at waiting) I have taken a callback from drive the deal and placed my order . Fortune favours the brave..... Maybe?! Great offers right now, although they're quoting April or 'maybe' May.

 

[Steve B]

I'm sure you'll enjoy the MP, agree with the topper comment, it takes up a bit of room to carry but worth it. External windscreen cover takes a couple of mins to put on if you don't want to put the curtain up.

 

[thespoddy]

Also in an update (things move fast, I'm really not great at waiting) I have taken a callback from drive the deal and placed my order . Fortune favours the brave..... Maybe?! Great offers right now, although they're quoting April or 'maybe' May.

Congrats and enjoy!

 

[The fat controller]

I'm sure you'll enjoy the MP, agree with the topper comment, it takes up a bit of room to carry but worth it. External windscreen cover takes a couple of mins to put on if you don't want to put the curtain up.

Thanks... will retrace the threads on toppers in due course then by the looks of it!

 

[pumpsmynads]

Roughly speaking DTD has 20% off MP. 10% off VW.
I went for the MP, not just for the extra £7k saving but because it has better std spec (leather, electric door, tailgate & roof, more power (v300), wood effect floor, shower connection, metallic,) nicer interior, and a bit more interior space.

 

[Roy C]

As far as sleeping downstairs without a mattress topper I tried it but it was too firm for me so we got one and it's much more comfortable. We have one that folds into thirds and therefore stows neatly in the boot area and all you lose is a couple of inches of height.

I got my MP through Drive the Deal. No problems although the experience was a bit detached compared to going through a local dealer but ultimately they answered questions on the phone or via email and I got my MP at a significant discount. When I got it the pump wasn't working but I just took it to my local MB dealer who then fixed it under warranty, no issues.

 

[The fat controller]

As far as sleeping downstairs without a mattress topper I tried it but it was too firm for me so we got one and it's much more comfortable. We have one that folds into thirds and therefore stows neatly in the boot area and all you lose is a couple of inches of height.

I got my MP through Drive the Deal. No problems although the experience was a bit detached compared to going through a local dealer but ultimately they answered questions on the phone or via email and I got my MP at a significant discount. When I got it the pump wasn't working but I just took it to my local MB dealer who then fixed it under warranty, no issues.

Thats great to hear about the buying process, as a first timer I'm keen for it to be as smooth as possible.

I will add a mattress topper to the shopping list... Last thing I want is for our first sleep in it to be uncomfortable - I'll never hear the end of it!!

 

[markd]

Also in an update (things move fast, I'm really not great at waiting) I have taken a callback from drive the deal and placed my order . Fortune favours the brave..... Maybe?! Great offers right now, although they're quoting April or 'maybe' May.

Hi there, quick question on the delivery date. Did they advise if the price would be held in the event of a no deal Brexit?
I too am looking at the MP, but my local MB dealer said that they would have to pass on any price increase as the vehicle would not be in the UK until next year.

 

[AndyP12345]

Price increases due to Government actions Tax/Tariffs are excluded as they are on most contracts. However you have the right to cancel the order and get deposit back. We just took the gamble and placed an order

 

[AndyP12345]

Forgot to say you need to get them to fix the rest of the price at what they’ve quoted you so they can’t just slide in a Price increase. I also told my dealer that if BREXIT leads to a price increase due tonTariffs but the Euro:GBP is in their favour I would want that reflected in pricing

 

[The fat controller]

Hi there, quick question on the delivery date. Did they advise if the price would be held in the event of a no deal Brexit?
I too am looking at the MP, but my local MB dealer said that they would have to pass on any price increase as the vehicle would not be in the UK until next year.

Hi Mark.

I'm still waiting on a delivery date. Expecting May based on what I've read.

As far as brexit goes, there are no guarantees. Some manufacturers have said they won't pass costs on, most have said they will, but AFAIK MB have yet to announce a position. Its certainly a risk at this point, but not something which will improve if gown time, so I've decided to bite the bullet.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[The fat controller]

Price increases due to Government actions Tax/Tariffs are excluded as they are on most contracts. However you have the right to cancel the order and get deposit back. We just took the gamble and placed an order

Yes exactly!

 

[chris70]

I’ve got the vango California self inflating mattress for downstairs it’s not as comfortable as the top mattress but is good enough for me and a excellent fit also. Good price at go outdoors

 

[The fat controller]

Thanks for that Chris.

I've been reading on the california forum about a sea to summit self inflating mattress... Several very enthusiastic owners over there but does anyone here have experience of it? Seems it's made to fit the cali so I guess a good size but haven't yet checked out the dimensions of lower bed.