BJCM help please! Will it work for me, and how much should I pay 2nd hand?

[Tiddlyompompom]

I've read so many BJCM threads this evening my head might explode... I still have a few questions, any advice would be appreciated! Apologies for long winded explanation in advance...

I hadn't even heard of BJCMs until I started reading this topic a few weeks ago! Have now been searching them out on eBay, and given that they're generally about £250 new, what do you think is a reasonable price for a second hand one? They seem to go for £150-200 on eBay, but I don't know if £150 is a deal or a bit steep for a used pushchair, should I just smash my piggy bank and buy a new one?

Background:
I currently have an iCandy Cherry, on loan from SIL, due to be returned in July as she's due DC2 then. The Cherry has been great, but by no means ideal for my circs.
I don't have a car during the week, so am using the buggy in town every day, for long walks on country lanes (not off road tho), and on the tube and trains.
Also, we have 5 steps up to the front door, so it takes me 4 trips to unload - DS, then basket contents, then seat, then frame - aargh!

DS (10mo) loves facing me, screams his head off if I put him forward facing when he's not in the mood - has anyone changed from parent-facing to forward-facing successfully without too much trauma?

The things that appeal to me about the BJCM (over Maclarens etc) are; light, one handed fold, travel system/carrycot for theoretical future DC2, huge hood, long single bar handle instead of rickety separate handles (hated the Maclaren XT I tried out recently).
Not so appealing; forward facing, awkward basket.

Also - really dithering over whether to go for the 3 or 4 wheel version, I far prefer the look of the 3-wheeler, but Tiggywunkle keeps saying the 4-wheeler is a bit more stable, and she really seems to know what she's talking about!

Um.... Loooong post, sorry...

Thanks!

LOL...LOL... :o
OK, you dont need the 3 wheel BJCM unless you plan to put the car seat or carrycot on top. Then I do think it does make a difference. I personally still prefer the 4 wheeler for stability but I used the 3 wheeler perfectly happily before the 4 wheeler came along, and if I prefer the BJCMGT then I will end up with 3 wheels again temporarily until the BJCVGT comes out LOL

I love the Baby Joggers - the fold is just brilliant. They are light enough to pick up and carry. I love the deep hood, the large basket, the large seats, easy recline. Just generally they are well thought through and work.

I am not sure I can offer any words of wisdom re changing your DS to forward facing though other than to give him some toys to look at. You potentially could (weather permitting) recline your DS back a little bit and he should be able to see you through the mesh at the rear (if you uncover it). Good luck with DS but the BJCM is a fab pushchair.

Aha - the lady herself! Thanks Tiggy!

Hi i have a BJCM3, I don't drive i walk everywhere, and it has been wonderful. i also have 6 steps up and down to my house i just drag it up and down DD has never complained. I have never had a problem with stability but a 4 wheeler will always be more stable than a 3.

As far as turning little one around i used one of those ELC bumper bars with the steering wheel on she loved it :)

Don't want to give you false hope but my DD doesn't like being forward facing in her Sola but loves it in the BJCM. Hope it is same for you x

Thank you Happen and Saf!

Does anyone out there have any thoughts on price? Pretty please? :)

I bought mine in Boots - I think it was about £180 new, against which I used a kids club discount voucher and then thought of all the extra boots card points as being more discount :-D

Mine was a 2011 version though which they were clearing out before the new version.

Ps what was the view on the sidewalk version at Kiddiecare?

These are the differences Fundamentally the Sidewalk is really a 2010 version revamped. So not a lot of difference ie it will push the same. Long term you may appreciate the PE board and sit upright strap of the 2011 though?

Thanks everyone!

Having discussed this at length in RL, I think we've decided to get the new 2012 Mini rather than a second hand one, Winstanleys are selling them at £215, which considering the eBay ones go for £200, is probably the best bet!
The GT was £300, just for slightly bigger wheels and a more padded backrest, so I'm hoping that the standard Mini with my sheepskin liner will be ok.