Coachman has a well-earned reputation for making practical, well-designed tourers that display quality in several price brackets and are popular on the used market. Even older Coachmans still sell well because of a spec level that was generous for their time.
But these vans keep their prices well too, and those on a budget of, say, £7000, will be looking at an older model.
When it comes to those older examples, the Pastiche range came particularly well equipped, and many past owners will have added more items over time, meaning they can be a tempting choice for those after the best 2 berth caravan at a bargain price. The Pastiche is no longer produced but it had a good run, so there are generally plenty to choose from.
I spotted a smart two-berth Coachman Pastiche 470/2 from 2009 – a time when the model had a rear washroom and an L-shaped central kitchen in front of it. That layout was used by a number of makers for some years, but by 2011 Coachman had dropped it.
Model history
The Pastiche was brought in for 2000 and pitched below the VIP range of luxury caravans. It won friends instantly thanks to its fulsome spec, excellent end washrooms and quality build. The 470/2 (with L-shaped kitchen) was launched for the 2005 season. The large double bed in its front-end lounge could be converted into two singles.
This design ran for five years, by which time buyers were starting to prefer fixed-bed layouts, as well as the conventional end-washroom, two-berth van with side kitchen.
By 2009, standard equipment included a barbecue point, exterior mains socket, blown heating, microwave and full oven. A new one-piece door was added for 2009.
The Coachman may look dated now, but it still packs a punch and offers excellent value, especially for a couple’s first venture into the world of touring (see: caravanning for beginners if this applies to you). Ample storage, a sizeable kitchen worktop and quality seating added to the appeal.
What to pay for a 2009 Coachman Pastiche
Sourcing a 470/2 proved tricky because the good ones tend to get quickly snapped up. We tracked one down in Scotland tagged at £6750 (about the average), and another on privately for £6195 – with awning and mover. For other models, expect to pay:
- 460/2: £6150-£6995
- 520/4: £7195-£7495
- 530/4: £7595-£7995
- 535/4: £7995-£8595
Alternative models
If you’re after a cheap two-berth, the 2010 Bailey Pegasus 462 with its end washroom could be a good buy. It has a no-frills interior but a great spec and offers good storage thanks to the overhead lockers. Another option is the 2010 Xplore 302, a lightweight option which is popular with first-time buyers.
What to check for in a used Coachman Pastiche
- Any seal problems on front central window
- Water pump issues
- Water ingress at rear end
- Signs of wall tape coming away
- Failing mattress support on fixed-bed models
- Any cracking in front and rear panels
- Wear on alloys and tyres
Verdict on the 2009 Coachman Pastiche 470/2
Overall, this van makes a great buy. The Pastiche offered a cracking line up of spacious, well-made models and many caravan enthusiasts were sad when it was dropped in 2019.
There are plenty of examples knocking about from all stages of the model’s lifespan, but the 520/4 is an ideal end-washroom family tourer and the 2009 range represents good value.
A Coachman Pastiche makes a great starter option. The weight may be an issue for some but, in general, this range offers great caravanning for those wanting a touch of luxury at a bargain price.
See what I made of another model from the range too, the 2017 Coachman Pastiche 520/4.
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