Advice on second hand Bugaboo Cameleon 3

[Willowtree2604]

Hello all,
In very early stages of deciding on a pram and although bugaboo looks like it would be great for our requirements, not too keen to pay the full price when it seems lots of families swap to a lighter weight pram after not too long?!
Please correct me if I’m wrong!
See lot of good offers on second hand ones, and although the fox would be my preference imagine there won’t be many of these second hand yet. Am wondering if anyone who has bought second hand has any tips, and which bits you might look to replace ie Carry cot insert etc?
Thanks so much, in advance for any tips/ comments.

[ilooovechristmas]

Give the pram a FULL inspection if you find one every inch fold it unfold it push round press all the buttons etc! I often zoom in on pictures and look at the sellers house, floors skirting etc! How dirty a persons house is on a public picture can say a thousand words....

Personally would never buy a second hand pram iv had to many bad experiences with second hand items at this point. We bought the iCandy Peach brand new with DD#1 cost over £1500 for everything and we sold it after 10 months as it was to bulky ! With DC#2 we are getting the mamas and papas Ocarro cheaper and much more practical etc!!

I would recommend the chameleon if you walk everywhere otherwise it's a fad to fold !

[ilooovechristmas]

Cameleon and Faf

(Sh*tty iPhone)

[AutoFilled]

I don’t think everyone swap to a different pram. Some people seem to change prams a lot but most I know don't. They only ones i know are those who swap to double buggies.

I still have the cameleon I bought back in 2011. There is nothing wrong with it. And I don’t find folding it a faff. We also have a Maclaren quest for travelling. But for normal day to day use, I prefer the cameleon as the basket underneath is much better. (Things don’t stay properly under the mclaren).

Also we got two cars so have one pram in each. Both DH and I took the children out separately so it’s handy for that too. Just like having two sets of car seats.

[welshweasel]

I just bought a second hand cam 3 for £100. The fabrics, mattress cover and mattress aerated section can all be machine washed and mine have come out as new. The white buttons looked grubby but came up fine with some diluted bleach and hot water. I’d say it’s one of the easiest prams to clean. Main thing would be checking that all the mechanism works including brake.

[NotTired]

Sorry I have no experience of buying second hand but I think you're doing the right thing. I've been using my Cam 3 for almost 2 years now and its like new. They last forever. Initially I did find my Cam 3 bulky but I don't anymore. I find it easy to fold and much easier to push than my Silver Cross Pop. I much prefer my Cam and will use it until DS outgrows it which will sadly be soon, but he is very tall. Bugaboo have a really good selling page on Facebook.

[Willowtree2604]

Wow thank you all so much for your replies that has been really helpful. I think checking over a second hand buggy really well seems to be key, and it’s great to hear how well the bugaboos last. I guess that’s what’s swaying me towards buying second hand.
Wasn’t aware of the Facebook page so that you for that. Far too much choice , it’s hard to know where to start with these things, but your tips are gratefully received! Thanks so much

[Foggymist]

We have a second hand first generation, it's 10 years old now and we've had it for 3 years, used practically every day between my 3 & 10 month olds, it gets serious abuse. It's so easy to replace any parts (although all we've replaced is one wheel), fantastic buggy.

[Willowtree2604]

@foggymist that’s great to read. Hoping might be able to but locally as think eBay could be a bit of a risk. Bit ten years and going strong should meet our needs!!

[PutSomePantsOn]

Personally if you want a bugaboo, I would go with the bee. Much lighter and smaller.

[ilooovechristmas]

The only good thing about eBay is that if it breaks soon after you have a chance of getting your money back

[Willowtree2604]

@PutSomePantsOn have not really looked into the bee- is that what you had?
@iloovechristmas that’s a really good point re eBay- had forgotten that. Was thinking gumtree but perhaps eBay might be safer, thank you

[PutSomePantsOn]

Yes I had a bee. New as my mum paid for it (first grandchild ). Used it for 2 years and then passed to my sister who used it for her 2 and she walks a lot.

Fell apart after about 6 years (3 DC) I think though the cocoon was still in really good condition so that was sold.

My friend had a chameleon and personally I find the buggies with the wider width a bit anti social in cities as they take up so much space. I wouldn't have taken it on the bus for example without feeling s bit guilty about taking up most of the wheelchair/ second buggy space. The bee is definitely more city friendly.

Depends what you want it for of course and where you live.

[Willowtree2604]

PutSomePantsOn- thanks for that info. Sounds like your bee lasted really well! We are actually in a pretty small town so wouldn’t really be going on buses, but the size is something that I think is worth considering further as you aren’t the first to mention that.
Thanks again

[ChanandlerBongsNeighbour]

I had a first gen Cam from new in 2010. Used it practically every day (as I don't drive) for seven years for two children. Only thing I had to replace was the brake cable after about four years. Sold the whole kit and caboodle with all the extras I had accumulated over the years (cup holder etc) last year for £150. It served me so well and I feel a little lost without it! I lived in a city and went on buses with it most days with no problem. Highly recommend!

[Notquiteagandt]

If buying 2nd hand its worth paying a little extra for one thats been serviced and cleaned by a pram servicing company ie buggy pitstop.

Then you know its been fully checked etc. Saves you the worry.

[Stillpotteringabout]

Bee here too. After 7 years and 4dcs it's still going strong with just a couple of small issues. Definitely recommend it! Im happy to be corrected but I think all bugaboos keep a good bit of their value. DSIL resold her 2nd hand Donkey for more than she paid herself!
And in our experience, customer service is excellent with helping you out with parts.

[coffeekittens]

I’ve picked up a second hand cam for £150 and it was immaculate. I’d say when looking for a second hand pram make the seller aware that you’re just going to look, don’t commit yourself to buying anything until you’ve seen the house and condition of the pushchair. You can buy new fabrics for the cam new and second hand however they do come up as new when machine washed. I’m very fortunate the lady I bought mine from appeared to have OCD my cam is as new and my whole house smells like clean washing with the cam inside 🤣

Check on the chasis when the frame was made as the cam 3 has been out since 2013 I think.

If you’re on Facebook there’s quite a few bugaboo groups where people have great advice and there’s lots of sellers on there to avoid eBay fees etc.

A cam 3 can be serviced from £36 (from what I’ve looked at) however when looking at one make sure that all the buttons work, the break handle (on the side of the frame) is smooth and that the pushchair folds down easily.

I’ve not used mine yet as due in February however from having a play with it I already prefer it over the icandy peach 2 I had when DD was a baby.

The Fox is a replacement for the buffalo, they seem a bit more bulky then the cam 3 and sell second hand for a bit more but it may be worth having a look at a buffalo.

[Willowtree2604]

Thanks so much it’s been so helpful to read all your tips and hints!!