Eccles was the oldest caravan badge, making its debut in 1919, so it built up quite a following over the years.
In 2011, layouts in the Eccles mirrored Swift’s Challenger, with the big difference being that the Eccles was designed to appeal to contemporary taste, while the Challenger retained the loyalty of more traditionally minded buyers.
The Eccles was also given a new exterior profile, which boasted ultra-modern style. For the 2011 model year, there were numerous layouts, all offering great choice. Sterling also introduced the sunroof as an optional extra, a feature that would be included as standard by the following model year.
Model history
The 2011 Quartz layout offered a rear island bed with a central washroom and the kitchen opposite on the nearside.
Originally launched in 2009, the brand’s 90th year, this caravan layout proved a definite hit with touring couples.
However, the 2011 version was a complete departure from that model, featuring a new, specially treated redwood frame body construction and a spec that included blown-air heating, a solar panel, ATC, alloy wheels and an on-board water tank. You also got an alarm, an exterior mains socket and a gas barbecue point.
The lounge seating was of excellent quality, as was the overall finish. The bedroom at the rear provided plenty of storage and the night-time lighting was superb.
The well-equipped kitchen came with a dual-fuel hob, oven, microwave and Thetford 107-litre fridge/freezer.
A Status TV aerial was fitted, along with a radio/CD player and that alarm for additional security. Even after 11 years, the Quartz has much to offer.
Alternatives to the Sterling Eccles Quartz (2011)
As an alternative, you could check out two models that have the same layout but are slightly newer. First up is a 2013 Adria Adora Drava, which offers a modern interior with a Continental twist, at around £15,950.
Or take a look at the Elddis Affinity 550, also from 2013 and with excellent spec, for around £14,995.
You can also get more inspiration in our guide to the best used caravans, a round-up which includes the Sterling Eccles Sport.
Price checker
Trying to hunt down another Sterling Eccles Quartz (2011) was no simple task – they sell very quickly (especially now, according to one dealership).
However, we did manage to find a few, with prices ranging from £12,995 (no mover fitted) to £13,995 (with the optional sunroof included).
The usual advice applies here: shop around, do your homework, and check prices, the spec and any extras.
For the rest of the range, you can expect to pay:
- Topaz: £10,699-£10,995
- Moonstone: £13,195-£13,995
- Jewel: £12,995-£13,495
- Ruby: £13,195-£14,495
- Solitaire: £13,995-£14,295
- Coral: £14,195-£14,995
- Amethyst: £14,495-£14,995
What to check for
- Fading on front GRP panel
- Grazing on alloy wheels
- Cracks in top of rear panel
- Signs of damp in lower skirt side panels
- Sagging upholstery
- Worn mattresses
- Functioning fridge
- Damp around front windows
Verdict
The Eccles offers buyers a lot of caravan for the cash, and this Quartz was in good condition. Some pre-sale damp work had been carried out, but all was well when we viewed it.
This tourer would also make a good seasonal pitch. Do the usual checks to rule out possible problems and make sure any damp repair work has been carried out by professionals, and this could be a bargain.
We’ve also looked at another van from the manufacturer, the Sterling Eccles 590 (2017), which is a family-friendly six-berth.
Technical spec
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1620kg
- MiRO: 1451kg
- Payload: 169kg
- Internal length: 5.83m
- Width: 2.31m
After more used four berth inspiration? Then why not see what we made of the Swift Challenger 540 (2007) and the Coachman VIP 545 (2017)
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