Member Since: 21 Sep 2007
Location: Aberdeenshire
Posts: 1394
Swift / Sterling Sport 636
Hi, we're looking to change the tintent over the winter and fancy the look of the Swift / Sterling Sport 636 models.
Anyone have one that give an honest appraisal? We need 6 berths and are used to a large twin axle with plenty of storage etc, so this looks like it fits the bill. This would be our third van from the Swift group in 10 years or so, so happy with the brand etc and really fancy the big panoramic roof window.
Cheers Dex
7th Nov 2011 12:52 pm
Frapp
Member Since: 19 Dec 2008
Location: Norff Zummerzet
Posts: 1655
Hi Dex
Saw them on the Swift stand at the NEC Birmingham last month. TBH, the Sterling didn't do it for me, wishy washy wood finishes as opposed to traditional style, darker, in the Swift range. Each to their own and not knocking anyone who has chosen Sterling.
Both seemed light and airy with the panoramic window.
FrappMember of the carrot crank club
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7th Nov 2011 3:39 pm
bigcarpchaser
Member Since: 13 Oct 2007
Location: Camberley
Posts: 2270
We liked the wishy washy Sterling as opposed to the old lady dark stuff
Never had a caravan before so wasn't sure what to expect (we ended up with a 6 berth single axle) Sterling Europa 565 from Glossop, it was the last of their special edition ones so we got it cheap(ish).
Pleased so far, kids love it. Plenty big enough for what we want it for. Tows OK I think given my very limited experience with these things. Seems to be quite well made compared to some of the utter rubbish we did look at.
How will stand the test of time I've no idea.Welcome "Lola"
7th Nov 2011 4:03 pm
Dexter
Member Since: 21 Sep 2007
Location: Aberdeenshire
Posts: 1394
Cheers guys - and yup, wishy washy = modern, according to swmbo Although the actual interior is not as light as the brochures and website show.
Looks like we'll be going for the Sterling.
Pleasently surprised how much our 2008 Swift 590 is worth, if only the D4 would retain 70% of it's value after 4 years.
Dex
8th Nov 2011 8:58 am
t7mbo
Member Since: 19 Apr 2007
Location: West Midlands
Posts: 242
They look like great vans!
When we purchased ours last year, we only had the choice of a Bailey Pegasus 646 or an elddis tempest.
The elddis was crazy money ( 24k !) so we went for the Pegasus with the clutch body.
The triple bunks are great as we can put the girls to bed, slide the door shut,and still use the loo if needed without disturbing them.
If we were looking to replace ours, we would certainly consider the swift vans, as I really like the look of the panoramic roofs.
Pity they don't do the silver sider in this layout!
24th Dec 2011 3:52 pm
voobu
Member Since: 16 Jan 2010
Location: Staffordshire
Posts: 15
Hi dexter, did you get your sterling 636 ?
We collect ours on Friday so was just wondering if all was good with them ??
Cheers Voobu
15th Feb 2012 2:34 pm
Dexter
Member Since: 21 Sep 2007
Location: Aberdeenshire
Posts: 1394
Hi Voobu,
We pick our new Sterling Eccles Sport 636 up in a week or so, woo hoo! I opted to get the weight plate uprated to 1800kgs so we don't have to worry about all the stuff we like to lug around.
Sounds like you'll have yours first so let us know what you think We're getting excited now
Dex
15th Feb 2012 7:00 pm
MadJax
Member Since: 30 May 2011
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 120
We once owned a Sterling Eccles Elite. It was great and I remembered how my wife was when we went to pick it up. We had booked a campsite out in the Peak District to save taking it home.
Did alot of the UK and Parts of France, but always found it rained at some stage (and always too often) so sold up (at a big loss), moved Down Under and upgraded to a Camping Trailer (full off-road). Have had some great times in it too.
Funny thing is that we still get rained o ech trip. However this time it dries out in minutes (bar one Force 8 weekend away).
Enjoy. We are after all only here once. Discovery 4 2.7 SE
Defender 130 TD5 - Daily Drive
2.7t Caravan
Java TD5 HSE - Gone but not forgotten.
Java V6 Freelander - Had fun in it.
16th Feb 2012 4:13 am
voobu
Member Since: 16 Jan 2010
Location: Staffordshire
Posts: 15
Cheers madjax
Dex, will let you know how we get on, pick it up from the dealers in the morning then off for three nights away
So should be able to give it a good test and iron out any issues
Must admit getting excited now
16th Feb 2012 9:05 am
Dexter
Member Since: 21 Sep 2007
Location: Aberdeenshire
Posts: 1394
It's gonna look sweet behind the Disco 8)
16th Feb 2012 9:42 am
voobu
Member Since: 16 Jan 2010
Location: Staffordshire
Posts: 15
Looks good there and even better in the flesh
16th Feb 2012 10:21 am
al cope
Member Since: 08 Nov 2005
Location: Oldbury, WM
Posts: 10360
We looked at the Sterling Eccles Elite, but I couldnt justify 4 grands worth of difference to the Baily Olympus I've just brought. The Swift/Sterling are good looking 'vans (the Bailey is a bit ugly by comparisson), but after having both Swift and Abbey as the last two 'vans, I know the build quality isnt that good, and at over 21k, my head ruled my heart, and the Bailey won out.
AlVolvo XC90 B5 Plus Dark
Gone - MY18 D5 HSE - Corris on 22's with Black Pack
Now gone - MY16 D4 SE Tech, Loire Blue, Almond Leather, Privacy, plus some other goodies.
Old - MY12 D4 SDV6 XS Auto - Ipanema Sand with Almond Leather - Plus other niceties, and D4.com sticker
Older - D3 TDV6 XS Auto - Lugano Teal with Almond Leather, 20" Stormers, Shiny Tailpipes, DVD/TV - and obligatory D3 sticker
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16th Feb 2012 5:01 pm
Dexter
Member Since: 21 Sep 2007
Location: Aberdeenshire
Posts: 1394
Good luck with the Bailey
We too have had three vans from the Swift camp, going back 11 years. Not faultless by any stretch but nothing ever too major and I have a great dealer up here who goes the extra yard for his customers. Helps to be handy with a screwdriver and a pot of glue too
We looked all over including Bailey but the layout of the big 6 berth Sterling really suits our needs just now and the Sport range is keenly priced, I'm not sure about the more upmarket ranges as they don't do 6 berths.
Dex
16th Feb 2012 5:40 pm
voobu
Member Since: 16 Jan 2010
Location: Staffordshire
Posts: 15
We are just about to px our bailey senator which has been faultless in the four years we have had it
But due to a growing family we need a six berth and as Dex says the sport range ticks all the right boxes
Just hope it's as reliable as the good old bailey !
Just emptied the last of our belongings out of it and sat and had a reminisce of all the good times spent in it
Will be gutted to see it go but looking forward to the sport and more happy memories
Roll on 930 in the morning
16th Feb 2012 5:52 pm
al cope
Member Since: 08 Nov 2005
Location: Oldbury, WM
Posts: 10360
We've gone for the Bailey Olympus 620-6, which is a 6 berth twin axle with a fixed bed. Space for the kids and comfort for us
Seems to tick all the boxes, as we only need 5 betrhs max.
AlVolvo XC90 B5 Plus Dark
Gone - MY18 D5 HSE - Corris on 22's with Black Pack
Now gone - MY16 D4 SE Tech, Loire Blue, Almond Leather, Privacy, plus some other goodies.
Old - MY12 D4 SDV6 XS Auto - Ipanema Sand with Almond Leather - Plus other niceties, and D4.com sticker
Older - D3 TDV6 XS Auto - Lugano Teal with Almond Leather, 20" Stormers, Shiny Tailpipes, DVD/TV - and obligatory D3 sticker
Ancient - D3 TDV6 S - Tonga with Ebony, 20" Stormers, satnav & DVD
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Although the actual interior is not as light as the brochures and website show.
We're getting excited now 
