Should We CANCEL OUR ORDER From S&L Motorhomes & Buy THIS Apollo INSTEAD?

Рет қаралды 34,032

7 ай бұрын

On Wednesday October 11th 2023 we were informed of a van for sale that we couldn’t normally dream of owning, the only issue? It means we have to cancel our order with S&L Motorhomes! Quickly cancelling our booked trip to Wales we headed north on Friday the 13th to view and drive the van….
Hi! We're Rick, Heather & our dog Poppy and we travel in Pearl our Elddis CV20 campervan.
We film the places we visit as our own diary, these videos are meant as a little memento for us but we're happy to share them with you if you want to watch.
We're just an ordinary couple in our 50's filming our adventures with basic equipment so don't expect loads of flash camera action and super editing with great music.
We also film videos of work we have done on our van as well as van reviews for our reference of the next van we might buy. Occasionally there are hints & tips videos too. We do basic site and area reviews including if they’re dog friendly but they’re a guide only based on our opinions which may or may not help you make an informed decision on if you’d like the place.
We do a mix of off grid camping, pub stopovers plus real campsites too, hopefully something for everyone to enjoy!
Please leave us a comment on the videos, we love reading them and reply to each one.
We try to upload once a week so please consider subscribing to see our travels, it’s free and will really help us.
Thanks for watching!

Пікірлер: 153

@AgathaAndAnything 7 ай бұрын

I like the tall one with big ears best 😂

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Me too, he looks familiar 🤔

@danielrussell446 7 ай бұрын

New video coming up soon Athena meets a certain Ace wobblebox!

@HelenandMartinsTreks 7 ай бұрын

That’s a fantastic van, it looks almost perfect for you all. It’s a really cool van from the outside as well. Welcome Athena. Many happy and safe travels, best wishes H&M.

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Almost…. The perfect van doesn’t exist….. the search will continue I’m sure 🤣

@birdnest5814 7 ай бұрын

That’s really nice. I’m hoping it becomes yours, if you decide to. Great tour of it. Safe travels, my dear friends 👍😊💕🙏

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Thanks! It’s a lovely van 🙏

@JulieBrooks66 7 ай бұрын

Absolutely amazing,so happy for you all +Poppy included of course)🎉🎉🎉

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Thanks 🙏 just a shame we lose Brownhills now 🥲

@JulieBrooks66 7 ай бұрын

@@RickandHeather you'll defo be missed 🍻🍻😍😍

@Wheres_wanda_wandering 7 ай бұрын

Beautiful van. Whatever you choose to do will be the right decision for you. Take care Gill

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Gill we definitely love it!

@carolynhaywood7701 7 ай бұрын

Hi Rick and Heather, I have just done the same. I was talking to my dealer and he mentioned that a lady had just asked them to buy back her beautiful motorhome. I took a look and yep I’ve bought it, it’s got a fabulous speck. Automatic ( like my last one ) and it had only done 840 miles, in immaculate condition. Huge congratulations to you both, have fun guys. ❤❤

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Definitely seems the best idea doesn’t it? And yes automatic is brilliant 👍

@danielrussell446 7 ай бұрын

Great video both can see why you couldn’t say no it’s a great build and spec and many things you wanted and many extras you did not expect look forward to seeing more of Athena!

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Plenty to come we’re planning on long term ownership 😊

@danielrussell446 7 ай бұрын

@@RickandHeather auto will be brilliant on a run I’ve finally now had my 308 and it’s auto only you can’t have a manual and found it much easier to drive

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Fuel economy doesn’t seem as good but it’s definitely nice to drive

@tonks1968 7 ай бұрын

I’d pull the trigger in a heartbeat lol…you don’t want to look back with any regrets. That Auto looked amazing

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

It truly is a beautiful van, tune in next week to see!

@PATLIGHT1000 7 ай бұрын

OMG Rick it's a no brainer, beautiful van and just what you were after. GO FOR IT.!!

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

It is beautiful isn’t it?

@PATLIGHT1000 7 ай бұрын

Yes it is mate, I would buy it if I were you.@@RickandHeather

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

@@PATLIGHT1000tune in next week 😊

@timw2973 7 ай бұрын

Lovely looking van and ultimately it's a personal choice for you and H to make - we know what the outcome is but you were sold by the wheels Rick 😂😂 your voice gives it away - nice one 😉👍

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

The wheels are sooooooo sexy!

@tomaitchison8726 6 ай бұрын

Always like to watch your videos when I have the time, nice one..

@RickandHeather 6 ай бұрын

Make time!

@tomaitchison8726 5 ай бұрын

I am, getting through them all with all this snowy weather up here. I'm supposed to be doing a site survey for CAMpRA tomorrow, will wait and see weather wise.@@RickandHeather

@Goldenretrieverandacampervan 7 ай бұрын

Not seen you so excited about a van, she looks amazing 👍🏻

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

It’s a beautiful van isn’t it?

@LeisureBit 7 ай бұрын

The autos are great with one issue, you never want to go back to a manual again haha. Pleased it all fell right for you guys! In practical terms now you’ve used it for a bit does the step up at the back matter at all or do you not really notice it now as you mentioned it a few times? The swing out tow bar is cool. Nice to see proper charges etc rather than the generic stuff makes such a difference. Do you miss the glovebox in the middle or prefer the cup holders? Enjoy! Looks very nice, All the best David & Rachel 👍

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Let’s just say I’ve banged my head a few times 🤣

@mike142sl 7 ай бұрын

The auto is brilliant, especially with the 3 driving modes. Really pleased for the two of you after your search.

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

I leave it in Normal mode, I’ve tried it in Eco but it’s soooo slow, not tried Power as the mpg isn’t fantastic in Normal to be honest 🤣

@davidlindley485 7 ай бұрын

I am surprised that you say the MPG isn't fantastic! I have an auto on a 6.36m van with 140 BHP and on a 300+ miles trip to Scotland averaged 35 MPG. On a shorter trip to Chatsworth on A roads I still got 32+ MPG. Both of thee trips were with the van fully loaded. You obviously didn't mention price but a 1 year old van fully spec'd and in such good condition I'd have bitten his hand off!.

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

@@davidlindley485 I’ve yet to do a long run but at the moment high 20’s is the best….

@williamchanning9055 7 ай бұрын

I know you will already have made your decision, my guess is you have bought it and like others it would make absolute sense to me. Looking forward to the big reveal 😊

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Watch next week to confirm 😊

@davidhale4830 7 ай бұрын

Thats cruel ,you can't leave us hanging😂😂😂but to chip in with my two penneth, go for it.

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Have to do the KZfaq tease thing 🤣

@petethomas5933 7 ай бұрын

Fabulous van.You won't be disappointed. Pete @ wendy.👍

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

You’re right there we love it!

@tylerstravels0610 7 ай бұрын

Bloody gorgeous van and quite an easy decision to make, its available, vey highly specced and although expensive, still a very good price 🙂

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Yeah the price works out pretty similar to what our order was but with loads more toys.

@SandVan 7 ай бұрын

Beautiful rig 🚐

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

We think so too!

@readerbuzz 6 ай бұрын

Lovely well equiped van

@RickandHeather 6 ай бұрын

Thanks! We’re loving it so far

@davidhale4830 7 ай бұрын

Hi,yes I've joined your Facebook page so now I know,great van,can I ask a question?any chance of doing a van tv set up,ie firestick how to power etc,thanks

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

I’d imagine it varies depending on the tv? We have a 12v tv plugged into a cigarette lighter socket, the fire stick is plugged into the tv hdmi and takes power from the usb on the tv itself, we then use a spare mobile phone on Smarty for a dedicated hotspot and if by chance we have no signal I’m on Vodafone and H is on O2 so we usually get something. I don’t think that would make a video in itself. Hopefully that helps?

@paultaylor9652 7 ай бұрын

Like it a lot, external colour is the only downside for me Rick.

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

That was the colour we chose anyway we like it!

@mikepalmer7687 7 ай бұрын

Beautiful

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Mike it is!

@TheMilford99 7 ай бұрын

Knowing dealers, as i do, you can be certain the guy selling lost a large chunk in commission.

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Not in this instance (Steve who was selling is the owner’s friend)

@josh_bfc_2769 7 ай бұрын

Its already gone through its running in period. Also the owner is meticulous. You couldn't wish for a better history. As good if not better than new. Enjoy your new van 👍

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Yep our thoughts too 👍

@MrGearoid65 7 ай бұрын

Are FIAT engines really that good? Asking from ignorance, also from what people used to say about FIAT in the past. This vehicle is absolutely gorgeous, and you deserve all the luck in the world with it! Great video guys. 👊🙏👍

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

The engine in this one is the 2.2 Alfa/Jeep/Lancia engine so no idea….. the PSA engine in the previous 2.3 seemed ok tho….

@brianwebb191 7 ай бұрын

Better known as Fix It Again Tony lol

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

You can’t deny it’s a popular choice for campervans though so they must be ok.

@cathrynbagley8005 7 ай бұрын

"You don't need your left leg - you're all right..." I love a pun. =D

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

True though! Go for the clutch and hit the brakes and it’s a shock in an automatic 🤣

@cathrynbagley8005 7 ай бұрын

@@RickandHeather my problem with going from manual to auto is at roundabouts - I keep wanting to throw it into first gear but that would put the auto into reverse. I can't understand why an auto gear leaver has reverse in the forward position and forward in the rear .

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

@@cathrynbagley8005 yeah I know what you mean there!

@silvervandriver9940 7 ай бұрын

What's too think about higher spec plus its there waiting for you🤫

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Exactly that!

@Jaxs2 7 ай бұрын

Personally, it's a fantastic van and a no-brainer, really ... 👌

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

We agree it’s beautiful 😊

@jimjeffries8804 7 ай бұрын

Lovely van xmas is coming if you want to buy it for me ❤😂😂😂

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

😊 I got you socks!

@gapgapble 7 ай бұрын

Those wheels, air suspension, all victron, lithium, auto. Comeon! It's drooling all over the place. One serious question, I'm interested in: what's the feeling of electric steering, versus old hydo power steering? And how's the engine noise, compared to the old 2.3 L 140? would you make a video about that?😉

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

The steering as I mentioned in the video feels very different, Heather’s car has electric steering so I’m used to it my car has old hydraulic like Pearl had so I notice the difference, the new 2.2 engine is a lot quieter than the 2.3 for sure. I’ll definitely do some videos about the van when the weather improves yes

@1961waw 7 ай бұрын

No brainier for me. It’s beautiful with high end spec. Go for it 😊

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Find out what happens next video

@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain 4 ай бұрын

I think i know the outcome of this video😂😂 the test drive said it all 😂😂.

@RickandHeather 4 ай бұрын

Certainly did!

@davidrandall266 7 ай бұрын

DO IT.... Just seen your Facebook page and know the outcome 🤫

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Shhh! 🤣

@barhtwoffit1 7 ай бұрын

Good piece of advice on driving an auto, "just remember you hav'nt got a left leg" .

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

The windscreen comes up fast once you go for the clutch 🤣

@jasonlamb2329 7 ай бұрын

Lovely van, looks amazing! Quick question - the wheels and tyres look fab - did you notice any discernible increase in road noise or a less pliant ride quality with those AT tyres?

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Honestly the road noise is negligible as it’s still a van with the odd rattle, occasionally at slow speed you can “feel” the tread if that makes sense? The ride is loads better than the previous van tyres which were very hard compound, I don’t notice any adverse driving characteristics with these being softer but the uprated suspension helps there I think

@jasonlamb2329 7 ай бұрын

@@RickandHeather sounds good, thanks for that 👍😊

@stevelemay878 7 ай бұрын

Go for it

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

It’s a good idea

@davemorris6747 7 ай бұрын

4000 miles is nothing. You’ll still have the remaining manufacturer’s warranty and it’s auto which I believe Fiat were going away from. I’d go for it.

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

It has extended warranty as well! And the auto is amazing 😊

@sccobyste 7 ай бұрын

We did exactly what you are thinking of we cancelled our new van in favour of a year old one with loads more spec and saved nearly 40k over new and it’s still got all its warranty and all the niggles are non existant

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

That is a good point about buying a used van

@margaretbowen867 7 ай бұрын

Steering wheel is on the wrong side! 🤣

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Is it? Depends on the country I suppose

@kieron8162 7 ай бұрын

The automatic option is the winner for me, wouldn't go back to a manual now

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Yeah automatic is a great option 👍

@grahambaker2572 7 ай бұрын

If you dont buy it , you need looking at

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

That’s been said before 🤣 thanks Graham! Stay tuned for Thursdays Video 👍

@peterneal7160 7 ай бұрын

I would Grab it with both hands before someone beats you to it!!

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

😊 I think you’re onto something there 👍

@grahamdaniel9534 7 ай бұрын

Having owed a Fiat that’s the only downside but nice van anyways

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Thanks 🙏

@Foggy2912 7 ай бұрын

Cruel making us wait!

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Not long until Thursday at 4pm! 😊

@lyndaholmes7293 7 ай бұрын

Brilliant van think you will have it?

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Watch next week 😉

@Hales57 7 ай бұрын

That a lovey van, it’s a no brainier.

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

You might be right 😊

@sccobyste 7 ай бұрын

Just get it

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

😊 sounds like a good idea

@petermurphy994 7 ай бұрын

this kind of spec's van doesn't come along with all the extras I personally wouldn't be bothered about the reg you've both got a van that has your dream spec I'm sure there will be lots of discussions about this campervan personally with the look onyour faces Spoiler ⚠️ I think you've gone for it if you have your going to make some smashing trips this van's ready for Europe best of luck guys.

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Yeah you’re right the speciation is crazy in this van, buying our original would have felt a bit of a damp squib!

@karlospappy8908 7 ай бұрын

Nice bus, did Steve buy the Fiat 5 yrs extended warranty because that would make it perfect and I suppose now you'll have to buy an extra Christmas lunch rather than getting a freebie. Last point, how many views has this vid had already😂😂now you know what title sells. Cheers K

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Views are crazy! The title I’m learning needs to be intriguing not a lie, yeah buying a lunch is a small price to pay I guess, Steve bought 4 years not 5 but never mind

@muddymarvellous 7 ай бұрын

So the big question..Did you get your £1000 non returnable deposit back on the van you were committed to purchasing from S&L?

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

It was £2000 and yes we got it back because we put someone in touch with them who have bought our build 👍

@PetePoole 7 ай бұрын

Second hand wait for the new one

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

The new one is going to feel poverty spec if we do….

@PetePoole 7 ай бұрын

Sorry just seen, why wait life is too short go get that one, enjoy

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

@@PetePoolethanks Pete 😊

@tazjamal 7 ай бұрын

Ignoring any price difference would definitely go for auto

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

The auto was 6k more on the new van!

@sccobyste 7 ай бұрын

The suspension on the rear is far too high it will ride terribly and bounce around. Ours runs at 2.5 bar and we run fully liaded

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

It’s a maxi chassis and has upgraded springs the air is only running 1.5 bar it drives brilliantly

@sccobyste 7 ай бұрын

@@RickandHeather looks strange as mines a maxi too on a 4t up plate

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

@@sccobystepossibly the uprated springs, it’s on ambulance spec springs

@outdoorjunky1 7 ай бұрын

Nice Van!!! I think you’ll kick yourself IF you don’t buy it 😅

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Yeah it’s a beautiful van 😊

@livestreamsuk6004 7 ай бұрын

Forget new its overrated. All them options and issues sorted!

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Yep that’s a fair comment 😊

@sallyburrell7023 7 ай бұрын

Love the van ❤️

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

She’s beautiful isn’t she?

@AllisonWhatmore 7 ай бұрын

I think you bought it ………..🥰

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

I think you might be right

@ianhearn9655 7 ай бұрын

You would be mad not to

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

You’re probably right there!

@tartanrambo 7 ай бұрын

I can't justify the price of these vans. Even if I could afford it. Just the maintenace costs if something went wrong cares me..

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Totally understand, we have no kids and both work, it’s our thing we do, we don’t go abroad or anything so we justify it that way. The maintenance on all modern vehicles is something that worries me too I much prefer old cars.

@DunkfaeOotnAbootWiUs 7 ай бұрын

You would've been bonkers tae let that wan go 😊

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Exactly but that said….. 🤣

@DunkfaeOotnAbootWiUs 7 ай бұрын

@RickandHeather your still bonkers lol 😆

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

I’m with H so….

@IainFrame 7 ай бұрын

What £ ballpark figure for one of these badboys?

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Check their website for up to date prices for a standard model, it’s rare they build on such a high specification base van but that’s what the customer wanted, they have a standard price plus option lists.

@IainFrame 7 ай бұрын

@@RickandHeather Come on, we're all pals here, what's the ballpark on a second hand one of these things then? 🔥 Should I get one rather than a VW Camper?

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

@IainFrame completely different animal to a vw. This was over 80k…

@IainFrame 7 ай бұрын

@@RickandHeather ok thanks 👌

@muddymarvellous 7 ай бұрын

IS THAT LEGAL...god forbid..but if your rear end shunted from behind you've had it. The top half of your head will be crushed by the Wooden Panel behind your head ..your head is not protected by the cushioned head rest. THIS CANT BE LEGAL. Wouldn't get through a crash test ..

@RickandHeather 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for your concern.

@muddymarvellous 7 ай бұрын

OH for god sake