Used ’van buyer

Auto-Trail Apache (2007-2015)

Apache started life back in the 1980s as a single-rear-lounge model based on the old Bremen Merc (207/307). Post-1996, the single Apache morphed into a range of models and this continued with the change to the Ducato X/250 in 2007.

At the launch of ‘our generation’ of Apache, two hugely popular models were carried forward from the previous Ducato. Both arrived with the 634 model identifier, featured a palatial triple-aspect rear lounge, and stretched the tape to 6.98m (22’ 11”).

The entrance door is forward on the nearside, just ahead of the kitchen. Immediately behind the driver is the washroom and then the wardrobe. Apache 634U features a wrap-around U-shaped rear lounge, whereas Apache 634L (I feel you are ahead of me on this) has an L-shaped rear lounge.

Both lounges provide easy-access single beds or can be swiftly converted into a large double bed.

Launch newbies – ‘family-friendly’ biggies 700 and 700LD – are on the heavier 4000kg chassis and just shy of half a metre longer. Four berths and four travel seats are standard, although a few ticks on the option list could increase these to six of each.

Auto-Trail was the first British volume converter to offer a choice of overcab shapes, as well as the cost-option of extra dedicated rear travel seats.

Lo-Line overcabs offer increased storage, while Hi-Lines arrive with an extra transverse double bed, which (usefully) could be left made up.

The Apache 700 features two seating areas: a forward double Pullman dinette on the offside plus a U-shaped lounge at the rear. The LD derivative replaces the Pullman dinette with a longitudinal L-shaped settee, equipped with a removable centre section to enable the safe carriage of two passengers in face-forward travel seats. Purchasers requiring four rear passenger seats will have to opt for the Pullman dinette version.

The 2009 season saw an upgrade to the insulation and a refresh of soft furnishing fabrics, but the major news was the arrival of another biggie for mob-handed motorcaravanners, the 725. Its USP was its permanent twin (adult-sized) rear bunks on the nearside.

By the 2010 model year, the 634L had been replaced by the similar-sized 632, the first to feature a permanent double bed at the rear. This transverse bed is located above a full-width storage area, with exterior access.

A choice of bed height, standard or high, was offered to the first purchaser, the latter having bigger exterior doors and storage space for a mobility scooter, motorbike, surfboards and so on.

On the pre-owned sales websites, these are often described as ‘Garage’ models, although the manufacturer never used the term.

For the next year, all models grew slightly in length, apart from the 725, which shrank so much, it disappeared.

As a range, the Apache is positioned firmly mid-market and it enabled many purchasers to acquire a flagship Frontier range layout, but (crucially) at a more approachable price.

That said, standard spec is pretty high, with every essential wish catered for. Dual-fuel water and space heating with blown-air distribution, plus a dual-fuel cooker and contemporary ambient lighting were all included.

Motive power is courtesy of Fiat’s award-winning Multijet turbodiesel engines. A 2.3-litre 130bhp unit linked to a six-speed manual gearbox, or if Auto-Trail’s palms were ‘crossed with silver’, a 3.0-litre (Iveco-sourced) 160bhp engine was available with either a manual gearbox, or as a two-pedal drive courtesy of its ComfortMatic auto transmission.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR ■ Base vehicle

Look for a full service history and a long MoT, and on 2.3-litre models, evidence of a recent engine drive belt change. There were some recalls on early manual models regarding the transmission. These were to address a reported tendency of a few examples to judder when reversing up steep hills.

Upgraded engine mounts are available at a reasonable cost and worth fitting.

Negotiate hard to get any tyres that are past their use-by date replaced, regardless of how much tread is left.

Make sure that all potential drivers have group C1 on their licence when contemplating a 700 series model.

■ Conversion

As with any coachbuilt of this age, get a thorough motorhome body integrity inspection completed, with a written report on moisture levels. Damp is the big enemy – very time-consuming and costly to put right properly.

A recent habitation service is also essential and check for yourself that all cupboards, lockers and seat-to-bed conversions operate smoothly.

Budget for new smoke and CO alarms, plus a new gas supply regulator. Nearly all examples will have been fitted with