Coachman offers well-sought-after ranges of tourers: from the Acadia to the Lusso, these models – built in Hull and now in their 40th year – have remained a popular choice for caravanners seeking solid, well-designed caravans.
Coachman’s philosophy has been to produce quality and luxury caravans at the right price, as well as building mainly to order by dealers – this prevents stock piling up on forecourts.
All in all, the Coachman line-up has always appealed to caravanners who are looking for a dependable tourer that has generally sound resale values, and that dealers want on their pre-owned forecourts, such as the 2017 Coachman Laser 675 or the used 2018 Coachman Pastiche 460/2. Here, I’m taking a look at another example, the 2021 Coachman Laser 650.
Model history
The Laser is a range that has really come to the fore over time. Back in 1999 it was launched as a one-model range: basically a VIP on a twin-axle, but with an additional specification.
Over the years the Laser did lose its way a little, with Coachman producing just a couple of caravan layouts at times. However, the past eight years have seen the Laser become one of the company’s strongest-performing line-ups, popular with caravanners wanting a well-equipped tourer that sits just above the VIP range of tourers.
The 2021 range saw the introduction of new Coachman badging, and the 650 received a new layout – from the transverse rear bed of the previous year’s model, it changed to become an island bed (and see our pick of the best island bed caravans if you want to see our favourite options on the market).
The 650 therefore became a twin luxury tourer for two that could also sleep up to four, by converting the front lounge into a double bed using slats.
The line-up in the 2021 Laser range consisted of four layouts. The previous year’s 8ft-wide Xcel range had only been added in 2020, but for 2021 they became a separate range (see what I made of a used 2022 Coachman Laser Xcel 875.
Specification was high with Alde heating, an oven, an exterior cold shower point, a BBQ point and more – the list of kit available in this well-equipped tourer line-up just goes on.
Price checker
Looking around dealer forecourts for the 650, we came up with prices from £25,950 to £26,995. We recommend you keep an eye out for any added extras, too.
If you are looking at a private sale you may be lucky and find one for around the £24,995 mark – but make sure to do the necessary checks and also ask for service history.
- 575/4: £30,995-£31,995
- 665/4: £23,995-£24,995
- 675/4: £24,995-£25,995
What to check for
- Lens damage on rear road light
- Dents in sides
- Loss of support in mattress on fixed beds
- Peeling on internal wall board tape joints
- Electrical problems on both mains and 12-volt system
- Water problems and water pump issues
- Any signs of water ingress
- A correctly working fridge
- Any water heater issues
Verdict
The 650 is a tourer that will provide a high-quality, comfortable caravan for two people. You will need a larger vehicle to tow it, but there are plenty out there that can.
The Laser 2021 range had some niggles and (unusually) some finishing issues, perhaps down to the after-effects of Covid. The wallboard finishing tape can be an issue, so get that checked and sorted. Look out, too, for electrical faults, for example with the charger and 12V system.
The 650 we looked at had only just come into stock, and already several folk were eyeing it up. Impressive in looks both inside and out, and with acres of storage, the 650 would make a great luxury buy – our version even came with a motor mover!
Alternative models
If you don’t want a twin-axle tourer, but prefer a lighter caravan with an excellent specification, look out for the 2021 Bailey Unicorn Cabrera Black Edition. We found one for £21,995. This is a good model for those wanting an island-bed layout with a spacious floorplan, yet with a single axle.
Or, consider a 2024 Swift Elegance Grande 850. It’s a superb-looking modern tourer both inside and out, and has a high spec. Prices are likely to come in at around £33,950 to £37,500.
Tech specs
- Price: £26,495
- Berths: 4
- MiRO: 1689kg
- Payload: 146kg
- MTPLM: 1835kg
- Internal length: 6.27m
- Width: 2.31m
Seen at
Kendal Caravans (Blackpool), 60 Chorley Road FY3 7XQ
- Tel: 01253 301 505
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