If you’re after a motorhome that combines German build quality with sensible three-berth accommodation, the 2003 Hymer S650 deserves serious consideration. This isn’t the flashiest motorhome you’ll encounter, but it represents the sort of solid, well-engineered approach that Hymer built their reputation on during the early 2000s.
At 6.7 metres long, you’re looking at a motorhome that won’t have you breaking into a cold sweat when navigating narrow Cotswold lanes, yet still offers enough space for a small family or couple who occasionally host guests. The Mercedes 2.7 CDI engine under the bonnet suggests this particular example has covered just 33,000 miles – remarkably low for a twenty-year-old motorhome, though you’d want to verify that figure carefully given the vehicle’s age.
What strikes you immediately about the S650 is its practical approach to motorhoming. This isn’t about cramming every conceivable feature into the available space, but rather about doing the essentials properly, something Hymer understood better than most manufacturers during this era.
Size and Practicality of the Hymer S650
The S650 sits in that sweet spot where you get proper motorhome accommodation without needing an HGV licence. At 6.7 metres, you’re still manageable on most UK roads, though you’ll need to think twice about some of those picture-postcard Devon villages with their medieval street layouts.
The 4,600kg gross weight means you’ve got reasonable payload for your gear, water, and provisions (crucial when you’re planning longer tours). You’ll find the Mercedes base provides a solid foundation, and the automatic transmission makes light work of stop-start touring, particularly welcome when you’re navigating busy seaside towns during peak season.
Driving the Hymer S650
Behind the wheel, the Mercedes 2.7 CDI should deliver the sort of dependable performance German engineering was known for in 2003. You’d expect fuel economy somewhere in the 22-25 MPG range – not spectacular by today’s standards, but reasonable for a motorhome of this size and vintage.
The automatic transmission removes much of the stress from motorhome driving, particularly when you’re manoeuvring in tight spots or dealing with hill starts. Twin reversing cameras – quite advanced for 2003 – suggest this particular S650 has been thoughtfully upgraded, making parking and reversing considerably less nerve-wracking than it might otherwise be.
Living Space in the S650
Step inside the Hymer S650 and you’ll discover a layout that prioritises functionality over flashiness. The three-berth configuration typically centres around an over-cab double bed, with additional sleeping space created from the dinette area, a tried-and-tested arrangement that works well for families or couples who occasionally need extra accommodation.
The double floor construction provides excellent insulation and storage space underneath, something you’ll appreciate during winter touring or when you need somewhere secure for outdoor gear. Hymer’s attention to build quality shows in details like the electric windows and mirrors, features that many manufacturers skimped on during this period.
S650 Sleeping Arrangements
The over-cab bed measures approximately 209cm by 143cm, generous enough for two adults, though you might find the sloped ceiling takes some getting used to if you’re particularly tall. The bed should be permanently made up, meaning no nightly conversion ritual that some motorhome layouts demand.
When you need the third berth, the dinette converts into a single bed, adequate for a child or teenager, though perhaps not the most comfortable option for extended use by an adult. This arrangement works well for families with one child or couples who occasionally have a grandchild along for the adventure.
The S650’s Kitchen Layout
The kitchen runs along one side of the motorhome, featuring a full-length fridge, a real luxury in a motorhome of this size. You’ll find a proper oven and grill alongside the hobs, giving you genuine cooking flexibility rather than the basic facilities some manufacturers provided in 2003.
Storage appears well thought out, with cupboards and drawers positioned where you’d actually want them. The 140-litre fridge capacity means you can stock up properly for longer tours without constantly hunting for shops, particularly valuable when you’re exploring more remote areas of Scotland or Wales.
Shower and Toilet in the Hymer S650
The separate shower arrangement sets the S650 apart from many motorhomes in this size category, where combined shower/toilet rooms are the norm. You’ll have a proper shower cubicle rather than a fold-down arrangement, making your morning routine considerably more civilised.
The toilet and bathroom sink complete a bathroom setup that feels more like home than camping, important when you’re planning extended tours or using the motorhome as a regular weekend retreat.
S650 Systems and Equipment
The 80-litre fresh water tank provides reasonable capacity for off-grid camping, though you’ll need to plan your water usage carefully if you’re wild camping for several days. The Truma heating system should keep you comfortable during shoulder season touring, with underfloor heating adding an extra touch of luxury.
Air conditioning suggests this S650 has been well-specified, crucial for summer touring in warmer climates or when you’re parked up in full sun. The electric sunroof adds to the airy feel inside, though you’d want to check the seals carefully given the motorhome’s age.
What You Need to Know About This S650
At twenty years old, any motorhome requires careful inspection, regardless of the low mileage claimed. You’d want to pay particular attention to the habitation electrics, water systems, and the condition of seals around windows and the sunroof. The Mercedes base should prove reliable, but service history becomes crucial at this age.
The full-length awning and security arm bar suggest previous owners have looked after this motorhome properly, though you’d want to test all systems thoroughly before committing to purchase.
Other Motorhomes Worth Considering
If the S650 doesn’t quite fit your requirements, the Integral German-Built Comfort: Hymer B584 Review offers a different layout approach with Hymer’s characteristic build quality.
For something more contemporary, the Carthago 51 QB Review: Yacht-Level Luxury provides modern luxury in a similar size category.
Alternatively, the Dethleffs Esprit I7870 L: Versatile 6-Berth Layout Review might appeal if you’re looking for a different German manufacturer’s approach to motorhome design.
Final Thoughts
The 2003 Hymer S650 represents solid German engineering from an era when build quality mattered more than cramming in every possible gadget. If the low mileage proves genuine and the motorhome has been properly maintained, you’d be getting a dependable touring companion that should serve you well for years to come.
This isn’t a motorhome for those seeking the latest technology or cutting-edge design, but for buyers who value proven engineering, practical layouts, and the sort of build quality that ages gracefully, the S650 makes considerable sense. Just ensure you budget for any age-related maintenance that twenty-year-old systems might require.
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