We've had 2 x 16.49 outbacks in the past. They are a fantastic van. We had a 2006 16.49-4 with bunks that we bought run down. We replaced everything that was tired including the canvas ends and bed flys. We MADE about $3000 when we sold that one. Then a 2011 16.49-4 which we bought at the caravan show in Brisbane. We realized shortly after buying it that we really wanted a shower/toilet combo. So we sold that one only losing $1000 in 11 months. We then went back to Brisbane Camperland in late 2012 to see what we could find. We negotiated a deal on a brand new 2011 18.59 that had been sitting in their storage yard for 12 months. They knocked $10000 off the list price so we popped on it. We are in Glamping heaven now. We don't go off road with it, nor do we care that it costs a bit more to tow it to where we are going. We bought it it because "that's" what we wanted. We have now clocked up about 7000km in it in under 9 months. She goes good........
That was a nice find
Expandaman. Know how you feel. When you've got an 18.59 any other numbers are really just meaningless. However I accept, as you probably do, that there is a downside. Everyone wants to have a look inside and drink your wine with good natured envy, while they try and rationalize their choice of van.
We do miss out on the fun of queuing for showers, the excitement of dashing to the loo at night in the rain, the exhilaration of carrying hot water from the camp kitchen to do the dishes.
We have to raise our voices to be heard at the other end of the van and really have too much storage space.
We are limited to the best and biggest CP sites and looking at new vans doesn't provide the same level of excitement it once did. Other than that the size doesn't matter :barbershop_quartet_member: and "she certainly goes good!"