Dealer specials are popular with many caravanners, mainly because they offer lots of extras for not much more money.

It’s fair to say that ‘specials’ have rather flooded the market – but that is going to change as manufacturers, such as Swift, have cut back in the numbers that they’re producing.

However, for those looking at buying a used caravan, it will soon become apparent that the secondhand market is still handling plenty of dealer specials – I found one by the Sussex Caravan Centre, a Lunar Goodwood from 2011.

Sussex made four specials, based on the Lunar Quasar range. These models were given that all-important additional spec, and were produced solely in the caravan layouts that were selling well in the Quasar line-up.

The lounge of the Lunar Goodwill
Large windows and a Heki for plentiful light and ventilation

The idea behind the specials was to have a lightweight range of caravans for customers with small tow cars who wanted a tourer with superb spec, but couldn’t tow a heavier van.

Model history

The Sussex line-up came into being back in 2010 and the range was manufactured until 2018, when they were dropped.

The Goodwood offered the hugely popular layout of the Quasar 534, with side fixed bed and rear-corner washroom.

The fixed bed and corner washroom
Rear corner washroom by fixed bed, similar to layout in Quasar 534

A side kitchen with dresser opposite and a spacious front lounge completed the layout, which proved to be especially popular with couples and could make it an attractive option for those looking for the best secondhand caravans.

The Goodwood’s MTPLM of 1345kg meant that matching a car to a caravan would be relatively straightforward, with lots of options.

The original Quasar wasn’t badly equipped, by any means, but the Sussex models came with valuable extras and smart new graphics on the exterior, to distinguish the dealer specials from the standard Quasar 534.

The work surface and Truma dual-fuel heater
Additional work surface on the dresser, above the Truma dual-fuel heater

Other welcome extras on the outside included the same door as the Clubman, along with a wet locker, a gas barbecue point and a mains socket.

ATC was fitted, and you also got heavy-duty corner steadies and chrome grab handles.

The interior benefited from plusher, thicker upholstery and curtains, and bolster cushions for added comfort.

The dual-fuel hob
Dual-fuel hob looked superb, showing little evidence of ever having been used

An alarm and extractor fan were among the other useful additions. The standard spec included a dual-fuel hob, oven, fridge/freezer, microwave, and gas/electric Truma blown-air heating. There would be no need to invest in the best caravan mover for the model I saw, as the previous owner had fitted a motor mover on the Lunar. Overall, the tourer was in great condition.

How much to pay for a 2011 Lunar Goodwood

Goodwoods are a bit thin on the ground, but I found another example at £9995, so I reckon that’s a typical price for a 2011 model. For the rest of the range, you can expect to pay:

  • Chilgrove – £7495-£7995
  • Coneyhurst – £9495-£10,495
  • Donnington – £9995-£10,599

What to look for in a Lunar Goodwood

As ever with an old caravan, there are a few things to look out for, ranging from signs of water ingress to dents and scratches:

  • Dents in side panels
  • Cracking in rear panels
  • Sponginess in floors
  • Signs of damp in back panel
  • Damp in overhead lockers
  • Damp in washroom and ceiling
  • Microwave still functioning
  • Heavily scratched kitchen sink
  • Scuffing on alloy wheels

The verdict on a Lunar Goodwood

The Sussex was one of many dealer specials based on the popular Quasar. All of those valuable extras made it even more attractive to buyers.

The 2011 Goodwood I saw was in pretty good condition for its age, although the alloys were a bit scuffed and some edging was coming away on the wardrobe (a common fault). But the van’s light weight is very important – most cars can tow the Lunar.

Alternative models

A 2012 Eccles Sport 514, with the same layout as the Goodwood and an excellent spec, including ATC. Look at £9999 to £10,495.

Or how about a Coachman Amara 560/4 from 2012? With a side fixed bed and full-width end washroom, this is the heaviest of the three, and a little pricier at £12,499 to £12,995.

Tech specs of a 2011 Lunar Goodwood

  • Berths: 4
  • MiRO: 1191kg
  • Payload: 154kg
  • MTPLM: 1345kg
  • Internal length: 5.28m
  • Width: 2.16m

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