Cheyenne first saw the light of day in the 1980s as a staple for the hire fleets. It was cheaper than their other (predominantly Bremen Mercedes-Benz based) ranges. They were noticed by prospective purchasers and sold in good numbers.
The new millennium saw the introduction of the most recent generation of Auto-Trail Cheyenne coachbuilts. Both the Fiat Ducato and the Cheyenne conversions had a facelift, raising them from entry-level models to something competing in a much higher league, which can make them sound an enticing prospect if you’re looking around for the best used motorhomes to buy.
The range consisted of six models over three lengths. For fans of motorhomes under 6m, there was the sub six-metre 590s included the 590 S, featuring a forward lounge including three swivelling captain’s chairs and an offside settee, ahead of a large L-shaped nearside rear kitchen and a washroom sited in the offside rear corner.
The 590 LD also arrived with a forward lounge, only this one featured an offside Pullman dinette, facilitating an additional two travel seats. Standard motive power was a spirited 1.9-litre TD unit, with a 2.8-litre TD available as a cost option.
Next up lengthwise was a trio of 6.34m (20’10”) 630s, powered by the 2.8 TD engine. The rear-lounge 634 model’s suffix letters were declarative in that the 634 L featured L-shaped seating and 634 U featured U-shaped seating. The 635 boasted a forward lounge, plus an across the rear comfort station.
Finally, the range topper at launch was the 3850kg 6.99m (22’11.25”) 696. It featured a forward lounge-diner, plus a rear triple-aspect lounge (for those who are fans of a rear lounge, our guide to the best rear lounge motorhomes is well worth a look). If this was the option you like the sound of, be sure to check you have a C1 driving licence first.
Six sleeping berths and up to six travel seats available, although only four of the latter were standard spec. Just one year later, the 590s were replaced by two additional front lounge 630 models: S and LB.
In 2003, the 632 became the first Cheyenne to feature a permanent European-style rear-corner double bed. Purchasers were offered the choice between Fiat Ducato or Mercedes Sprinter 313/316 (rear-wheel-drive) underpinnings, and also between a Lo-Line overcab with cupboards, and a Hi-Line with a transverse double bed.
Permanent beds were clearly the trend and a further two models featuring them were added for 2004. The 660 was a stretched 632. The 696 G boasted a high-level transverse double bed above a full-width garage. All ‘grew’ – the 630 variants to 6.48m (21’3.25”) and the 660/696 to 7.03m (23’1”).
From 2004, Auto-Trail offered an SE ‘all-in’ factory-fitted upgrade package which provided a substantial financial saving over specifying the items individually.
The year 2007 was pivotal for Cheyenne because it gained an updated body, plus ‘all-new’ Fiat Ducato X/44 underpinnings – equipped with the latest turbo-diesel engines, including an Iveco-derived autobahn-storming 3.0-litre version.
In addition, Cheyenne also gained ‘six-appeal’ by launching the 8.61m (28’3”) 840 with Al-Ko Kober galvanised chassis extensions sporting tandem rear axles. The flagship model was the 840D, whose USP was a separate rear bedroom with a permanent walk-around island double bed, plus facilities that could be made ‘en-suite’.
Cheyenne was a popular choice for those buying new, and the good news is that there are a meaningful number available as a pre-owned purchase if you’re looking at buying a used motorhome.
What to look for in a used Auto-Trail Cheyenne (2000-2009)
Base vehicle
Both generations of the Fiat Ducato are reliable and engaging to drive. As with any motorcaravan, they benefit from regular servicing by a main dealer or commercial vehicle specialist.
All except the 3.0-litre model have timing belts, so make sure this has been changed within the last seven years, or budget for its replacement.
A two-pedal drive called ComfortMatic was offered. It’s a robotised manual gearbox and not quite as silky smooth as a torque converter automatic gearbox, but close and very reliable.
Early X/44 examples (2007 onwards) suffered from peeling paint on the bonnet. It isn’t caused by corrosion but by a lack of top coat adhesion. Remove the bonnet to get it refinished by any bodyshop.
Conversion
Insist on a recent motorhome habitation service and a written report of a successful body integrity inspection (for damp).
Note that Auto-Trail offered two different overcab mouldings and three different forward lounge set-ups, so make sure that there are enough sleeping berths and travel seats for you and yours.
The youngest Cheyenne will be 16 years old – it’s wise to keep some dosh in reserve for the (inevitable) major overhaul or replacement of some white goods. Finally, check the MTPLM. If it is over 3500kg, a category C1 driving licence is required.
Our favourite
My personal favourite is the compact 590 S. The 634 L and U are more suitable for couples and the 696 for families. That 3.0-litre engine is highly desirable, but not as common as the 1.9/2.8-litre motors.
What you get with the Auto-Trail SE Pack
From 2004
- Recessed wind-out awning
- Colour-coded front spoiler
- External hot & cold shower
- External BBQ point
- Electrically operated entrance step
- Omnivent with fan
- Dual-fuel cooker
- Exclusive SE decals
- Front auxiliary driving lights
- Reversing sensors
- Auto-Trail umbrella
From 2008
- All the above, plus…
- Cab air-con
- Foldaway TV/CD/DVD/MP3 player
- Rear-view camera
Used Auto-Trail Cheyenne essentials
- Auto-Trail Cheyenne on Fiat Ducato and Fiat Ducato Al-Ko
- Built on Europarc, Grimsby, UK, from 2000–2009
- Low profile and Luton overcab coachbuilts
- Overall length: 5.94m/19’6” (590)–8.61m/28’3” (840)
What we like about a used Auto-Trail Cheyenne
- Wide choice of layouts
- Signature Auto-Trail interiors
- Recessed awning available
- Popular when new, thus plenty of pre-owned models available
What we dislike about a used Auto-Trail Cheyenne
- No automatic transmission option from 2000-2006
What to pay for a used Auto-Trail Cheyenne
Strong residuals are double edged. Usually available from £15,000, but occasionally for less. We spotted a 2003 634 L for sale privately on AutoTrader for £13,750 with 60,000 miles recorded. X/250 models are dearer.
At the time of writing, River Motorhomes was offering a fully-loaded, low-mileage 2009 696G with the highly desirable 3.0-litre engine, for sale at an asking price of £29,995. The nearest equivalent today would be an Auto-Trail Imala 736G with the 180hp engine which is priced at a minimum of £80,000.
Alternatives to consider
All Auto-Trail: Cheyenne on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (not 840), Apache range (cheaper), Frontier range (more expensive). You could also take a look at other models from the brand, a used Auto-Trail Scout or a used Auto-Trail Grande Frontier.
Alternative UK manufacturer: Swift – either the Sundance or Kon-Tiki ranges.
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