Auto-Sleepers has been converting panel vans into motorcaravans for well over 60 years. Nothing represents the genre better than the Symbol. It wasn’t ‘new-new’ when it was launched back in the late 1990s.
It was – in essence – a copy of their popular Symphony, but with more contemporary fabrics and all-new Italian-style cabinetwork.
Twenty-seven years on, it is still a strong seller, defying the current trend of building ever bigger ‘rolling palaces’ and is one buyers may come across while searching for the best used campervan. However, that isn’t to say there haven’t been changes during its long production run, but updates have all been incremental, rather than revolutionary.
On entering via the nearside sliding door, one steps into the airy lounge. It comprises of swivelling cab seats, an offside inward-facing settee, plus a nearside forward-facing travel seat. These are ahead of a surprisingly well-equipped (for such a compact ’van) linear offside kitchen, which extends as far as the rear doors.
Opposite the kitchen is the wardrobe, ahead of a nearside rear-corner washroom, which will provide some useful campervan storage options. The latter has a foldaway basin, cassette loo, and shower with separate mixer tap. At night-time, the lounge converts into two longitudinal single beds or an ‘all-over’ double.
Single bed sizes – nearside: 1.94m/6’ 4.25” x 630mm/2’ 0.75”; offside: 1.72m/5’ 7.75” x 700mm/2’ 3.75”.
Early Symbols were all built on the Peugeot Boxer; this later series was the first to offer the Fiat Ducato as an alternative, both of which are in the discussion for the best van for a camper conversion.
Symbol utilises the base vehicle’s factory-fitted high-top window van. These feature full-height rear and side doors, plus bonded glass athermic windows. The latter resulted in a more automotive look to the exterior than many competitors’ offerings.
Standard engines are turbodiesel, and all are front-wheel drive. Early Peugeot models were powered by Ford’s 150bhp Puma engine. By the 2018 model year Puma was superceded by Peugeot’s own 165bhp HDI Blue unit. Ducato variants had a 130bhp Multijet engine at launch, with more powerful engines offered as cost options.
Initially, Fiat’s two pedal drive was a ComfortMatic – a robotised six-speed manual gearbox. This was replaced by a nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.
During 2018 the high standard spec disappeared in favour of a lower headline (‘from’) price and good value, but not cheap, option packs. In late 2019, the longer Symbol Plus was launched – it’s a gnat’s whisker under 6.0m. It featured the outgoing Stanway’s layout.
Symbol Plus added a little length to the forward lounge, but most of the extra available space was given to the kitchen, now an extended ‘L’ shape, and to the washroom which included a fixed vanity sink. The downside of that wonderfully spacious ‘L’ shaped kitchen was that it blocked entrance and egress via the rear doors.
Lithium leisure batteries became standard for the 2020 model year, plus Truma Combi heating was replaced by Whale underfloor units, freeing up a significant amount of internal storage space. That said, another switch-around has recently taken place, with the Broadway Crew now favouring the cutting edge, game changing, Truma CombiNeo unit. It’s much smaller than the standard Combi, plus it claims to be more fuel efficient and to provide (virtually) continuous hot water.
There were no layout options on this generation of Symbol, or on the Symbol Plus, though I have seen several of the former with the offside settee replaced by an additional face-forward seat. This used to be an option prior to 2015 and is relatively easy to achieve retrospectively.
See what we made of a more recent ‘van from the manufacturer, too, the Auto-Sleepers Burford Duo. We thought the luxury coachbuilt motorhome comes with stylish upgrades to make it an even more attractive prospect when we put it to the test.
What to look out for in a used Auto-Sleeper Symbol & Symbol Plus
Base vehicle
All the engine options are generally reliable, though as with all LCVs, they can be affected by electrical gremlins. Most common is the airbag warning light illuminated. Do not complete a deal until this has been rectified.
A full service history (on time intervals, not mileage covered) is reassuring, as is a long-dated MoT on those over three years old. All except earlier models with the Ford Puma or Sevel 3.0-litre engines will require a timing belt change (and ancillaries) at the manufacturer’s quoted time interval. Insist on written evidence of this. Finally, check the campervan tyres, especially their date of manufacture.
Conversion
Cabinetwork is well screwed-together, but still check the conversion of the seats to beds, and the smooth operation of drawers, worktop extensions, and window blinds. Ask for written evidence of a recent habitation service, water ingress check, and an appliance safety check.
Make sure that it includes a thorough visual inspection of the standard-fit underslung LPG (gas) tank and not just a leak/pressure test. Check operation of smoke and LPG detectors, and the expiry date on any fire extinguishers.
Our pick
Both Symbol and Symbol Plus on either base will be a great purchase. I prefer the flexibility of the more compact Symbol with all its five doors operational, on Boxer 165bhp manual. 2018-2021 is the price/age sweet-spot.
What to pay
Most offered for sale at dealers are between £50,000-£60,000, though occasionally there are some early models available from £40,000. It is a misconception to think that the longer Symbol Plus will be dearer than the Symbol. In fact, they cost less when new. We found a 2017 Symbol for sale at Marquis at an asking price of £46,995 – almost £40,000 less than the current new RRP.
Webbs motorcaravans have a 2021 Symbol Plus at a competitive £49,995 (RRP £85,300). Under 18,000 miles recorded. Champagne tastes but only lemonade money? Look for one based on the X/44 Boxer. Example: year 2000, 54,000-miler for just £10,000 at TY Caravans, Doncaster.
Used Auto-Sleeper Symbol and Symbol Plus essentials
Auto-Sleeper Symbol on MWB Peugeot Boxer/Fiat Ducato five-door high-top window van
- Built: 2015 to present
- Overall length: 5.41m/17’ 9”
Auto-Sleeper Symbol Plus on LWB Peugeot Boxer/Fiat Ducato 5-door high-top window van
- Built: 2019 to present
- Overall length: 6.0m/19’ 8.25”
Symbol and Symbol Plus are built by Auto-Sleepers, Willersey, Broadway, UK
What we like about buying a used Auto-Sleeper Symbol and Symbol Plus
- High specification (see main text)
- Direct-to-the-owner spares service
- Easy to manoeuvre
- High residuals (selling!)
What we dislike about buying a used Auto-Sleeper Symbol and Symbol Plus
- High residuals (buying!)
Alternatives to consider
You could take a look at buying a used Auto-Trail V-Line, a campervan range which provides good layouts and smart interiors.
Alternatively, UK converted Boxer/Ducato PVC; Under 5.5m: Auto Trail V Line 540/Expedition 54; 5.5m to 6.0m: Auto-Sleeper Warwick, Swift Carrera 122, Auto-Trail V Line/Expedition/Adventure.
See what we had to say about another ‘van from the brand too, a used Auto-Sleepers Kingham – it provides a practical layout for two and has some stylish cabinetry inside.
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