It all depends on how confident you are at buying secondhand and how practical you are if things go wrong.
Ian is coming in at about £1,000 to £1,500 more expensive than a private sale. Of course what the ones on eBay go for is anyones guess. How far away are they could you make the effort to view? You do realise the ones on eBay are also on Preloved?
Viewing see
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]Some would say that £1,000 can fix an awful lot of problems with a Dandy some would look at things completely differently.
If considering buying from Ian I'd ask about the Destiny that has just been sold that had exactly the same features but also had gas struts on the bed . Why are they both listed as the same price and was £3,500 paid for the other Dandy anyway? If somebody says offers considered do you normally offer the full asking price? Part of the reason could be because the previous owner traded up. You can do similar.
If you don't need to sell your Dandy? (BTW it should say on the side what it is if it's from 1995 but see
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] ) then Ian does comission sales. It saves him the cost of capital to hold stock, his commission is reasonable and if you subtract it from the amount he may sell for you may well end up with more than you would selling privately and without the hassle.
Do try to erect and break down. Highside Destiny beds are surprisingly enough, higher and therefore more difficult to fold and unfold. Gas struts may well be a good idea. Do you want to be discussing a discount or discussing an upgrade included in the price?
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] I was at Riva one day and saw one person moving the beds with one hand with the struts fitted.
Do remember the older Destiny on eBay doesn't have an awning. On the subject of awnings if you do end up going to see Ian (if you live a distance away) and buying see if you can take or he can send the awning to TVS at Farnworth to be cut and have zips added.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]Can't get the struts fitted within the price?
The one thing missing on these Dandys to me is the underfloor heater. Does ian have one lying around would he consider fitting it? Not essential if you summer camp only or use EHUs normally
Do you have 12S or 13 pin electrics on your car? 12S can be wired in more than one way. Get the Destiny wired up suitably before you come to leave with it.
Anything else you can think of that's a small cost for Ian but saves you hassle or expense.
With a few pounds shaved off the price and a strong sale for you current Dandy you could be closer than you think on price.