Since the Ranger, a line-up that stood Bailey in good stead for many years, the brand has faced stiffer competition in this particular market sector.
Up against Sprite, Xplore and Venus, Bailey kept up the pressure, launching ranges such as the Orion and the Pursuit.
Then in 2019, the Phoenix made its debut. This was rather like an updated Ranger in many ways, and sales reflected that.
Bailey also produced dealer specials of the Phoenix, which was something that they hadn’t done for many years.
Learning from the extra spec that buyers wanted, in 2021 Bailey brought out the Phoenix Plus, with additional kit – hence the Plus name.
This raised the game, as the Plus offered buyers excellent value for money. Now, a few years down the line, the GT75 has arrived, including the GT75 420, a tourer which we were impressed by enough to pick out as the best two berth caravan on the market at the Practical Caravan Awards 2024.
As a result of the new range, Plus models are coming onto the used market in growing numbers. But do they make a wise buy for someone looking for the best used caravan?
Model history
The Phoenix 420, launched in 2019, continued production until 2021, when the Plus version was first introduced.
The 420 is still current in the new GT75 line-up, such is its popularity with customers.
The Phoenix comes with the Bailey Alu-Tech body and like all Bailey models, there’s no front gas locker – it’s on the side of the van instead.
The GRP sides were given a smart grey finish, while the upgraded interior was also part of the Bailey Phoenix Plus improvements. These were lessons learnt from the dealer special editions of the first Phoenix models.
The 420’s layout, a typical end-washroom tourer for two, has the large central window that is Bailey’s signature look. The manufacturer marketed the Phoenix as an excellent choice for first-time buyers.
The Phoenix Plus came with a new locker design that looked very upmarket, while welcome fixtures such as a four-burner Thetford hob, oven and grill were fitted. Truma blown-air heating kept everything cosy.
A Vision Plus TV aerial and a radio were fitted as standard and overall, the Plus struck a chord with customers, with its spacious rear washroom proving particularly popular.
Price checker
Now more commonly seen on forecourts, the Phoenix Plus can be a great used buy – this one was in nearly new condition and had a motor mover, too.
We did some research and found several similar models, with the most expensive priced at £17,895. There were two others that matched the price of our example, at £16,495.
Shop around and you might find private sales for £15,495 or so, although most seem to be on the forecourts. For the rest of the range, expect to pay:
- 440: £19,495-£20,295
- 642: £18,995-£19,595
- 644: £19,000-£20,395
- 640: £20,295-£20,995
- 650: £21,195-£21,795
Alternative models
A 2014 Compass Omega 482 is a well-equipped and robust two-berth tourer to consider, with a smart lounge and a spacious washroom. Another option to consider is the Bailey Unicorn Seville Series 4 (2018), a tourer with plenty of kit.
What to look out for in a 2021 Bailey Phoenix Plus 420
- Warping on washroom door
- Loss of support in seating
- Interior damage or loose trim
- Loss of support in mattresses
- Signs of damp at base of door (see: our guide to caravan water ingress)
Verdict on the 2021 Bailey Phoenix Plus 420
Bailey’s Phoenix Plus certainly looks like good value. Light in weight yet with a great spec, there is also a wide choice of layouts. Overall, the 420 is a great compact tourer for two.
Technical spec
- Price: £16,495
- Berths: 2
- MiRO: 1029kg
- Payload: 120kg
- MTPLM: 1146kg
- Internal length: 4.01m
- Width: 2.21m
After buying a tourer, it will be time to restore its shine! Our guide to cleaning a caravan talks you through the numerous steps involved to getting a sparkling tourer for the new season.
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