Dealer specials attract lots of attention on the forecourts, and it’s easy to see why. They offer a level of spec above and beyond that of the standard model they are based on, and all for a competitive price.
The concept of the dealer special really caught on in the late 1990s, as buyers sought out higher-spec caravans for little extra outlay.
They provided plenty of very valuable extras, at a lower price than the customer would pay if they were adding these items individually for themselves, making them good options for those looking for the best second-hand caravan nowadays.
Swift was an early adopter of dealer specials, based on several of its ranges.
One such model was the entry-level Abbey Vogue from the caravan make, which launched in 2006 and soon gained popularity as a dealer special.
And one such dealer was Lowdhams, which named its specials the Freestyle, adding upgraded soft furnishings, an alarm, extra sockets and a roof extractor fan. The Freestyle proved a very popular special, and nowadays, they make a great used buy for first-timers.
Model history of the Abbey Freestyle 500
The Abbey Vogue – which replaced the Aventura in 2006 – proved a successful rival to the likes of Bailey’s Pageant Series 5 and the Elddis Avanté (see what I made of buying a used Elddis Avanté 576).
Among the many innovations featuring in the Abbey were high-gloss, one-piece sides and a modern light-wood furniture finish.
There are a number of caravan layouts available, and the Vogue’s double dinette arrangement proved to be very popular. This was replicated in the Freestyle range, providing a choice of eight floorplans in all for the 2008 season.
Overall, Freestyles based on the Abbey Vogue were produced from the late 1990s to 2009, although they did make a bit of a comeback in 2010, this time on the Swift Charisma.
As for this specific model: the double-dinette Freestyle 500 is a comfortable, spacious five-berth, with a side shower room and a large front lounge, making it a good choice as a family caravan.
Another plus point is the well-equipped kitchen, which provides generous worktop.
The Abbey brand was dropped by Swift in 2008, but its popularity kept these models on the forecourts.
Price checker
Prices go from £6495 to £6995, depending on the seller. This model, at £6495, was well priced, I thought, given its great condition and Fiamma roll-out awning.
For the rest of the range, you can expect to pay:
- 470/2: £6295-£6895
- 480/4: £6995-£7195
- 520/4: £6995-£7175
- 540/4: £7195-£7395
- 560/6: £7295-£7695
- 620/4: £7995-£8195
- 640/6: £8495-£8895
Things to look for in an Abbey Freestyle 500
- Faded lenses in rear road lights
- Denting in side panels
- Leaking micro-taps
- Water ingress in the interior
- Loss of support in mattresses on the permanent beds
- Peeling furniture finish
- Signs of rust on the hob
Alternative models
Try a 2008 Ace Jubilee Viceroy, another double dinette layout priced at £6495 to £6995, although the spec isn’t as good as the Freestyle’s. Or perhaps a 2009 Lunar Quasar 556, again with double dinette, but lighter, and priced at £6995 to £7295.
Verdict
Ideal for first-timers, the range offers two- to six-berth models. The superb spec includes such valuable extras as a Status TV aerial, a radio, and a BBQ point, ideal for those who already have the best caravan barbecue.
This 500 I saw was being inspected by potential buyers, who were impressed by the seating and separate shower cubicle.
The exterior was still shiny, so I reckon this van had lots of attention over the years, and was probably stored indoors.
Technical spec of the Abbey Freestyle 500
- Berths: 5
- MiRO: 1254kg
- Payload: 206kg
- MTPLM: 1460kg
- Internal length: 5.51m
- Width: 2.29m
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