Bagging a bargain can be a great feeling, especially if it’s your first tourer and you are on a limited budget – or just want to dip your toe in the water.
These days, though, if you’re looking at buying a used caravan, cheaper models can be quite thin on the ground – one reason being that many such models are exported abroad.
Here, I was keen to track down a comfortable caravan for couples that would provide a reasonable spec level, without breaking the bank.
I found a very promising example in this 2003 Sterling Eccles Amber 2003, an end-washroom two-berth produced under the Sterling Eccles brand. But would this model represent value for money for newcomers to caravanning?
Model history
The Sterling name was added to both the Eccles and the Europa brands after Swift took over the main company, Sprite Leisure, back in 1994.
The brand had a long history, selling very well over the years. As a separate brand, it enabled Swift to position these ranges in non-Swift dealerships.
The Amber was introduced in 1999 and became a popular model during its seven-year run; 2006 would become its final year in production.
Bought new, the 2003 Amber cost £13,700 and these days, models in good order go for around the £3500 mark. So in 22 years, it has depreciated by about £500 a year.
The Amber, with its L-shaped front lounge, proved a generally popular layout, although over that time, the floorplan fell in and out of favour with buyers. These days, caravan layouts offering L-shaped lounges are once again becoming sought after.
The Sterling Eccles range came with quality upholstery, with luxurious cushions.
Mains lighting was another standard feature, as was the dual-fuel hob (fitted from this model year), fridge, blown-air heating by Truma, CD/radio and large Heki roof vent.
Nine models in the line-up meant that there were plenty of great layouts to choose from, including two fixed-bed models and several family floorplans with that L-shaped lounge.
Price checker
Shopping around, I found several Ambers from 2003, priced at £3400 to £3995.
When you do track down these tourers – they tend to be a bit thin on the ground these days – that is a fairly good guide to current pricing. Some sellers might ask a bit more, especially if they can offer valuable extras such as a motor mover or an awning.
For the rest of the range, you can expect to pay:
- Jade: £3195-£3595
- Topaz: £2995-£3695
- Onyx: £3995-£4695
- Moonstone: £3995-£4595
- Emerald: £4195-£4995
- Amethyst: £4995-£5195
- Sapphire: £4995-£5295
- Jewel: £4995-£5595
What to look out for
- Fridge operating as it should
- Problems with 12V electrics/mains charger
- Evidence of water ingress
- Wall tape coming away
- Condition of mattresses
- Scuffs on alloys and tyres
- Damage to rear light lens
- Furniture edging coming adrift
- Signs of wear and tear on AKS hitch stabiliser pads
Verdict
Sterlings were (and remain) really attractive caravans. The Amber always offered excellent value for money, with its comfortable L-shaped lounge and superb rear washroom.
Add to that generous storage, and you’ve got yourself the ideal starter van for two.
If you are new to the world of touring, one thing you may want advice on is emptying your tourer’s toilet – the good news is it is quite a straightforward task, as our guide to how to empty a caravan toilet explains.
Technical spec
- Berths: 2
- MiRO: 910kg
- Payload: 175kg
- MTPLM: 1075kg
- Internal length: 4.61m
- Width: 2.16m
Alternative models
If you have a bit larger budget, check out the Compass Omega 482 from 2008 – another tourer with good spec, but without the L-shaped front lounge – priced at around the £5500 mark.
Alternatively, look at a 2010 Bailey Pegasus 462, with a superb rear washroom and wrap-around front seating, for about £6295 if in good order.
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