When Lunar launched its entry-level Venus range in 2012, it was well received.
There’s always room for improvement, though, and by 2015, it had been given a new look, inside and out.
The range was extended and the interiors transformed with a smart, upmarket style.
This saw sales rise and the Venus being placed firmly on the map for those customers who were seeking a lightweight, value-for-money tourer.
The kit these models came with was pretty much all you could need from a caravan, even for winter touring, with blown-air heating, TV aerial, fridge, cassette toilet, blinds and fly screens, a microwave and smart alloy wheels all part of the offering.
The Venus had an owner’s club within a few years, with a staunch following. You can usually find plenty of these popular tourers on forecourts, but are they still a good choice?
Model history
The Venus 460/2 was to be a direct spin-off from Lunar’s Quasar 460/2, a popular model for the brand at that time.
Venus models were marketed separately from the word go, with a couple of two-berths, the 300/2 and 380/2. The range sold well, and the manufacturer aimed to compete with Elddis Xplore, Bailey Pursuit and Swift Sprite.
In the summer of 2014, the first revamped Venus, the 460/2, based on the successful Lunar Quasar 460/2, made its debut.
From 2015, the new Venus line-up would see sales double. Its upmarket interiors with a Continental touch, excellent spec and smart soft furnishings made it sought after. The 460/2 carried on until 2019.
Alternative models
If weight and age aren’t a problem, check out the Swift Challenger 480/2 from 2011, which is well-equipped and provides a good end washroom. You can expect to pay around £10,995 for a model that is five years older than the Venus.
Otherwise, if you don’t mind less oscar and quirky looks, you could try the lightweight Bailey Orion 400/2; a 2012 model will go for about £9995.
Price checker
The Venus 460/2 had a long production run, so is often seen on dealership forecourts or in private sales.
These days, dealers can still ask good prices for the range, because of their popularity.
Checking around, we found prices from £12,495 to £12,995; some models included a motor mover. For the rest, expect to pay:
- 540/4 £13,495-£13,995
- 550/4 £14,199-£14,495
- 570/4 £14,295-£14,995
- 560/6 £14,995-£15,495
- 620/6 £15,995-£16,195
Verdict
The Venus has always been one of caravanning’s most popular value-for-money ranges – they offer so much for the cash.
Prices for most pre-owned models have risen, including the Venus, and its light weight and good spec make this a highly desirable tourer.
Our 460/2 was in excellent condition and so spacious, yet an ideal width for storage on most people’s driveway.
A few problems have arisen over time, but on the whole, this is a tourer to watch for. Its lounge, washroom and kitchen are plus points, especially for first-timers. We’d say hunt one out if you’re on a budget and have a smaller tow car.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Price (used model seen here) £12,495
- Berths 2
- MiRO 1029kg
- Payload 155kg
- MTPLM 1175kg
- Internal length 4.60m
- Width 2.2m
CHECK FOR
- Signs of damp or any small holes on rear panel
- Cracking or misalignment in from locker lid
- Cracks in front window
- Warping in locker or cupboard shelving
Or you could try…
2012 Bailey Orion 400/2 (pictured), or 2011 Swift Challenger 480/2
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The Venus has always been one of caravanning's most popular value-for-money ranges - they offer so much for the cash
