(Home) Buying a Royal Lounge

I'm looking for some guidance. I am going to buy an MPV within the next month and had originally decided on a Toyota Lucida. I am spending up to £5000. However spent a day looking round last week in the area I live (Devon) and came across a company called XL autos in Exeter who import and sell both Townies and Lucidas. I had not considered a townie before but looked over a Royal Lounge he had just sold to a customer. I liked the spec level a lot! He can get me a grade 4 1992 Royal Lounge direct from Japan for about 5K. Is this a reasonable price (I know if I buy privately I can get cheaper, but I prefer to buy from a dealer for the peace of mind it offers). I amstill unsure whether to go for the Townie or the Lucida. Any comments would be appreciaed.

- (#3795) Tony Jewell, 13 Jul 02

Tony,
What can I say - I have a 1990 Royal Lounge - need I say more? What do you have now, and what do you expect from the Townie? I moved from a SpaceCruiser to the Townace so knew what the handling, driving position etc were like. Have you driven either, some don't like sitting over/in front of the front wheels?
£5000 could be a little on the high side but we don't know what the milage/kms are, should be low but may be very low. Mine was 68,000 kms, but is let down by the paintwork suffering from acid rain. Get a new set of tyres, cam belt and service, and tax thrown in and perhaps not a bad price. If you want more unbiased info email me direct, or if you are up in Bristol you are welcome to crawl all over mine. Have you read the comments on Townace.com (technical) Townace Nutters uk (no so technical) and the uktoyotaestimasite (not read this one much but look comprehensive)?

- (#3802) clive, 14 Jul 02

Tony
I bought mine last november from exeter discount imports but not the best dealers around.
Same model as Clives 1990. Paid £4500 full service
cam belt etc slightly over the top but only done 87kms.
All paper work genuine got translated ties up with milage etc.
Also had immobiliser and wax oiled undersealed done extra.
Got 6 months tax and 3 months warranty not worth the paper its wrote on realy. Check the small print.
I came from a td mondeo to the townie made me slow down a bit but that was what I needed. The auto box helps me a lot as I have bad left leg. Plenty of space inside 6/7 seats and boot spaced increased by lifting rear seats up to the side. Pure luxury many extras.
As Clive has said you are welcome to see mine I am in Bridgwater. You can always email me if you like. Phil

- (#3813) phil cook, 14 Jul 02

Tony,

Townie prices seem to have fallen over the last 2 years as they have become more common but I don't reckon 5K is excessive if this is the vehicle you want and it comes from a reputable dealer with a good warranty and is well prepared.

I was lucky enough to purchase my townie from a dealer that offered his own excellent warranty rather than a 3rd party offering. I did go back to have a few minor items attended to but overall it has been superb for 25K miles. I feel that a dealer that offers a good warranty has confidence in his stock and will on sell decent vehicles.

Rob

- (#3827) Rob Storer, 15 Jul 02