The Buccaneer brand has created a very strong following. Evolving from a small caravan manufacture back in 1968, over the years Buccaneer produced luxurious models.
By the late 1990s, when the company had been acquired by Explorer Group, Buccaneer began to establish a broader customer base.
During the early 2000s, the brand developed a very loyal band of buyers, and Explorer Group had continued to steer the Buccaneer badge towards the high-end section of the tourer market.
Buccaneer’s luxury models and high specification made these caravans very popular for customers wanting to tour all year round.
By 2011, when this Corsair was launched, all Buccaneers were being built on the BPW chassis (now part of Al-Ko). But does the upmarket model stand up to the general wear and tear of touring?
Model history
The Buccaneer Corsair was designed mainly for touring couples, although of course, it can sleep four.
The model was introduced to offer a highly luxurious ambience, with a layout that became a firm favourite among many caravanners.
This van was manufactured a couple of years before the advent of SoLiD construction. In addition, this model year was the last not to feature grey side walls and GRP panels, which were introduced the following season to provide a whole new look.
The 2011 Corsair came with a barbecue point, an exterior mains socket and a wet locker.
Heavy-duty steadies, a Status TV aerial and Alde heating were also fitted, along with a microwave, oven, fridge and extractor fan.
Soft furnishings were good quality, while the washroom was also well equipped, with a radiator and a very spacious shower cubicle.
The Corsair has a side fixed bed with a full-width rear washroom, and a central kitchen with dresser opposite. The front lounge has a chest of drawers, although shorter seating means the settees can’t be used as single beds.
Alternative models
Check out a 2013 Unicorn Valencia with the same layout and a good amount of kit for around £12,995. Or a lighter but still well-equipped Elddis Affinity 540, again from 2013, with SoLiD construction, the same layout, and a slightly higher price tag of £13,995.
Price checker
The Corsair we found on the forecourt had been well looked after, and complete with mover, it looked good value at £13,995. We found a private buy for the same price, but on the while, Corsairs are thin on the ground. The cheapest we found was £13,795 with no mover.
For other models in the range, you can expect to pay:
- Clipper £13,995-£14,995
- Caravel £14,595-£15,195
- Schooner £15,295-£161,95
Verdict
The Buccaneer line-up offers a lot of tourer for your money and if you find the right one, they can provide that prestige badge at affordable prices.
Some buyers might find the interior a little dated, and this is not a lightweight van. But overall, the Corsair can be an excellent choice for two. Do the checks and you could get a luxury tourer at a bargain price.
Interested in other used Buccaneers as well? Then see what we made of the Buccaneer Schooner.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Price (used model seen here) £13,995
- Berths 4
- MiRO 1580kg
- MTPLM 1745kg
- Internal length 5.61m
- Width 2.29m
CHECK FOR
- Scratching on front windows
- Grazed alloys
- Winterhoff stabiliser
- Damp in front window area
- Signs of damp around the kitchen extract0r fan
- Wear and tear in upholstery and that all bolster/scatter cushions are present
- Supportiveness of mattress
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Soft furnishings were good quality, while the washroom was also well equipped, with a radiator and a very spacious shower cubicle
