Coachman has been with us for nearly 40 years – in early 1987, we saw the launch of the company’s tourers at the Caravan & Motorhome Show.
From the start, it was clear the brand would be a hit, from the quality displayed in those first models to be produced.
Now they are a top choice for many caravanners, and over the years, used Coachman vans have remained in demand, finishing second in the Pre-owned Caravans category at the Owner Satisfaction Awards 2024, where the best caravan manufacturers are revealed.
This means there is generally a very good choice of models available for anyone thinking of buying a used caravan, but one important point to bear in mind is that these solidly built tourers are no lightweights.
The Pastiche became one of the brand’s bestsellers, and was not replaced until 2020, with the launch of the Acadia, which includes models such as the Coachman Acadia 545.
The Pastiche offered a great deal of kit and many buyers also favoured it because of the excellent choice of caravan layouts, with family-friendly models as well as fixed-bed floorplans more suited to couples.
Model history
Rear-washroom layouts, in both four- and two-berth floorplans, became popular from the late 1980s onwards and Coachman added this layout to the Pastiche range in 2000, naming it the 520/4.
As in the model here, it had a super end washroom, with good floor space and a shower cubicle.
Over the years, the Pastiche would see several makeovers, with new interiors and profiles, while extra kit was also added.
This long-running range covered all the popular layout choices over the years and there are many used examples still on the market, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find one if it’s the best used caravan for you.
The 2017 line-up comprised five layouts, from the 460/2 to the popular 575/4. The spec that year included Alde heating, replacing the excellent Truma blown-air system.
Storage is always a plus in any Coachman caravan and the Pastiche models provided spacious overhead lockers and a roomy gas locker up front.
The lounge in the 520 offered the choice of twin single beds or a super-sized double, while the offside single dinette had a fold-up bunk bed.
Price checker
We took a good look around the forecourts to gauge what prices buyers are likely to find being asked for the Pastiche 520/4.
We spotted a fair few for sale, with quite a lot of variation in prices, too. These ranged from £17,495 (the price of the model reviewed here) to £18,295 for one with a mover fitted.
Looking at private sellers, we saw one van at £16,495 (advertised as a quick sale!). From £17,495 to £17,995 seemed representative. For the rest of the range, you can expect to pay:
- 460/2: £17,295-£17,995
- 545/4: £17,995-£18,495
- 565/4: £18,295-£18,995
- 575/4: £19,495-£20,195
What to look out for
- Faded or tarnished rear road light lenses
- Dents in side panels
- Signs of water ingress in front gas locker
- Loss of support in mattresses on fixed beds
- Peeling joints in internal wallboard tape
- Evidence of damaged trim
Verdict on the Coachman Pastiche 520/4 (2017)
This Pastiche was in superb condition, inside and out. The hob and sink, finished in black enamel, are prone to scratches, but these looked like new.
Coachman has a great quality record, but with any used van, it’s important to check the condition before you buy.
Although weight could be an issue for some buyers, overall, the 520/4 makes a great choice for couples or small families.
Alternative models
The 2018 Knaus S Class 550 is a solid (but heavy) tourer priced at £17,995 to £18,495. Or try a 2017 Swift Elegance 530, with the same layout in a slightly larger van, at about £18,295.
Spec of the Coachman Pastiche 520/4 (2017)
- Berths: 4
- MiRO: 1315kg
- Payload: 150kg
- MTPLM: 1465kg
- Internal length: 5.28m
- Width: 2.26m
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