Used van buyer

A Mk2 Bailey Pursuit has a lot to offer

Here’s a versatile family tourer that doesn’t weigh too much yet has a decent amount of kit as standard, says Andy Jenkinson

MANY READERS WILL remember the Bailey Ranger line-up of tourers (if you don’t, see our Secondhand Shootout on page 106). These popular ’vans were in production from 1996 right up to 2010 and helped re-establish Bailey as a major touring brand.

Dealers sold Rangers like hot cakes but when the range was replaced with the Alutech construction Orion, sales took a bit of a dive. And that’s where the Pursuit comes in. It may not have been the saviour that the Ranger had been, but it certainly sold better than the Orion, and by the end of 2016 the company was ready to keep the Pusuit name going in the shape of a secondgeneration model. This was to last until 2018 when the Phoenix took over and the Pursuit made a dignified exit.

The updated (2017) Pursuit refreshed the appearance of its Mk1 predecessor, bringing new exterior colours and a new interior roof-locker design. It also moved the sunroof from the cost-options list onto the roster of standard equipment.

The Pursuit kept weights low and, although it wasn’t a great seller straight off the production line, it represents decent value as a used model. With five layouts ranging from the 400/2 and two fixed-bed versions, the Pursuit has all of the most popular floorplans covered.

Model history

The Mk2 Pursuit range included a new model – the 570/6, seen here. Designed as a family tourer that didn’t weigh over 1500kg MTPLM, the new Pursuit featured an end section ideal for the kids, with its twin side fixed bunks and side-lounge area.

The Pursuit also boasted a large front lounge area, plus a side washroom complete with separate shower cubicle. A sunroof and microwave were added as standard for 2017, too, making the Pursuit a more attractive proposition than its predecessor.

Two dealer specials were available: the Platinum and the Jive. These models offered upgraded soft furnishings among other extras, and can be worth hunting down.

BUYER’S CHECKLIST

Check for damp areas in the washroom

Check for problems with the entrance door – in hot weather they can jam

Check for sticking problems on the front blinds and veneer edging coming away

Check that the finishing roof strip in the washroom is still firmly in place

WHAT TO PAY

Our Pursuit was on the market at £14,495, which was a good price – although we also found a 570/6 at a bargain-busting £13,995! So it pays to shop around.

ALTERNATIVES

The excellent Venus range offers well-specified tourers, not least the 590/6 from 2017. You can pick up one of these, which provides more refinement than a Pursuit, for around £13,995 to £14,495. Then there’s the Adria Altea Tamar – a six-berth tourer with side fixed bunks and an opening sunroof – although the spec lags behind the Pursuit’s. You can get a decent 2017 Tamar for £13,500.

FIRM APPROACH The seating in the Pursuit isn’t the most comfortable, the cushions being a little on the hard side THREE TIMES TWO The front lounge offers space for six. To make the double bed, slats slide from the fitted central chest of drawers

KEEP IT WATERTIGHT Pursuit washrooms were generally very good – and spacious – but check for any leaking from the loo tank SEAMS OK… Check roof seams for repair work, and that the door is still a good fit UNDERNEATH THE ARCHES An Al-ko chassis is standard. Check wheelarches for cracks

JUST LIKE NEW The good-sized sink was in excellent condition. Only three hob gas burners, but the LED downlighters are effective MIND THE FLAP It’s always useful to have a fold-out workspace extension flap, but this one obstructs the doorway a little KINGDOM OF THE KIDS The rear section – ideal for children – can be made private from main area. The side bunks offer good headroom