Pre owned Hobby Premium 660

Dont find many of these on dealer forecourts so I thought I would take a look at how 6 years on the Hobby was looking

[@fionastuart7825]

Totally agree about it looking dated Andy. There's not many caravans I don't like but this is one! Interesting video though, thank you for doing.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

With to modern look that has a danger of happening so becomes dated quicker - not my bag but somebody will like it - were not all the same as they say Fiona.

[@kevinflood8212]

Hi Andy, yeah a very spacious van that would be ideal for a seasonal pitch. Often wondered if they being German made would they be better quality than UK vans. They do seem to have a better record than most on water ingress issues but I would worry about getting parts for them here in Ireland. Not a fan of all that shiny cabinetry myself but it looks well made. Couldn't live with that colour in the washroom but it does have a massive amount of space and storage and yes I would agree with you, less storage and the space given to a bigger shower cubicle would be better. Great to get a look around a Hobby, very enjoyable video as always.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Thank you Kevin - yes not many to record problems with - this van has been in stock quite a bit - big van for the cash though and ideal to stay rooted!

[@alexrankin8263]

We don’t like being out of our comfort zone Andy, do we. Often reluctant to try something new or a bit different. Our first van in 1991 was an Adria Optima, basic, but well built. We bought it at the time because it was cheaper new, than a used UK van. When we asked why so cheap (4.5k) we were told the brand was subsidised by the cheq government to aid their economy and to help exports? Don’t know how true that was, but we owned it for 22 years until buying British in 2013 with a Sprite.

[@andrewjones-productions]

Both you good self Andy and other readers may be interested to learn that the most prevalent and most popular caravan by far here in Japan is Hobby. The Japanese customer seem to be very, very taken by this style of caravan. Interestingly enough, the importer/dealer for Hobby also dabbles in Swift. Swift on the other hand, is not at all popular and is the only UK caravan sold here other than the Barefoot Caravan, which probably is selling one or two at most per year. UK caravans are not popular here at all, even though Elddis was very popular during the 1990s.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Hi Andrew - yes Hobby are quite glitzy and I can see there appeal for that market. Here as other imported brands they have struggled and never sold into mainstream despite their efforts - Adria now struggling in UK with dealers not wanting to stock their tourers which have usually sold steady many thanks for the comments as always

[@alexrankin2235]

Stylish as it is Andy, I’ll stick to my British van. The washroom is certainly not for me 😮

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Well me to Alex and thats why imports make little noise on UK market - and in a hardened market UK always sell better over imports even long term Adria are struggling - cheers Alex

[@Caravanningwiththehoopers]

Hobby GBI can still supply panels for older vans and still sell the new models aswell, the premiums are great-looking vans on the outside but I agree the interior looks dated in some sense cheap. I did almost buy one back in 2019 but after a lot of research found the perception of better build quality to be false, we simply don't see the faults due to the low numbers sold in the UK, ask someone in Europe what their opinion is on Hobby build quality and they will say “it's a hobby in maintaining one”, the Premiums for example suffer from windows cracking, just like UK vans they have their issues

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Exactly - build isnt that great and although panels could be supplied I reckon a long wait time might be the case. Also insurance could be an issue and some parks may not be welcoming - as you say few imported as most imported makes Adria being the exception. Also resale values may be an issue to - thanks for that comment - great to hear

[@Dusty2feathers]

I think most manufacturers have been cutting corners to save money over the last few years. I noticed the shower room here which being on a traditional seasonal van, would be used quite a lot, did not have a fully sealed unit. Close attention needed to make sure shower tray is fully sealed otherwise water ingress will occur. Bodyshell wise these vans don't leak

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Yes thats correct and as you say the shower will be used a lot - I have heard of Hobbies leaking though but not enough sold here to compare with UK really - thanks for your comments

[@mulberryaddict938]

Do the dealers actually check that the buyer is towing with the correct vehicle. Most hobbies need a vehicle plated over 3.5t due to their length.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Possibly not but most will end up on a site as a static most of the time. But I have seen some being towed by vehicles not ideal!!

[@paulbower5274]

still mi favourite caravans. much less prone to water ingress. i think u get a 12 yr water ingress warranty with em now.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Problem is Paul few dealers around here and importers have changed over years - but exterior build seems good not sure about the 12 years though Paul - thank you

[@colinmew7139]

Were they not Showman caravans years ago and you could not tow them with a car you had to have a lorry due to weight. Depends what you want it for but as it’s been there for some time as you said who wants it.

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

they took over from the big showman UK makers and Hobby have never sold well in the UK but they do provide another choice to the market Colin.

[@loufrank2518]

show your self to much

[@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk]

Thanks Lou