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Buying a van in France


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Can anyone help with buying a vehicle in France? Are there any websites/publications like the Auto-Trader in England? We are trying to buy a refridgerated van, but aren't having much luck. We live in dept 17 (Charente-Maritime) and are finding it all a bit hit and miss. Help!  Becky Birch

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Don't know much about magazines for finding vehicles in France but, most large towns and cities usually have a specialist utility vehicle centre. Here outside Morlaix our local one was called SMVI which basically means Societé Morlaisienne Vehicles Industriels, for Lannion it was SLVI and for Landivisiau too,just substituting the second letter for the town. Look in your local weekend paper small ads and this is where they advertise. They usually sell anything from a Berlingo runabout to a 32 ton truck and eveything inbetween. You get 12months guarantee and they deal with all the paperwork re changing the plates and carte grise because they usually get them from other depts. Other than that, try the local dealers who will put you onto their larger vehicles dept. Renault have a large vehicle depot here and Mercedes and Iveco too.
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I bought a Van on ebay after looking for a long time. I wanted something for less than 1000 euros and was about to go to Germany to get one when I found what I was looking for. No one seems to sell utilities in France. They seem to use them until they die then scrap them. Try ebay, and be prepared to drive a ways to pick it up.

If I were you though, I'd make a visit to "Le Petit Forestier" in Bordeaux and ask them what they do with their ex-rental fridge vans. They're the ones with the green logos that you see everywhere. http://www.petit-forestier.fr/

Or there's always Germany...

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Thanks to you all for your suggestions so far. Will get straight on those. Have spent the day driving around the area trying to find garages with vans. Have found a few possibilities; it is likely we will go with a normal van and find a way of getting some kind of fridge installed. It is quite strange, you can't seem to buy anything below about 10,000 euros. I think you are right when you say that the french seem to drive them into the ground and then scrap them! I have to say I would rather be enjoying the sunshine by the pool, than scouring the countryside for some old van! Oh well, needs must. I'll see what your helpful suggestions bring. Thx. Becky
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