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The Bugaboo Cameleon was the pushchair that built Bugaboo’s reputation in the UK. When I launched this site in 2006 it was the pushchair everyone was talking about — distinctive, versatile, unmistakably well made. It stayed at the top of the market through multiple generations until Bugaboo eventually replaced it with the Fox range.
The Cameleon 3 Plus — the final version, launched in 2018 — is now discontinued. You won’t find it new from Bugaboo directly. But here’s the thing: the secondhand market for the Cameleon is enormous, the parts supply is still good, and a well-maintained Cameleon 3 Plus remains a genuinely excellent pushchair. People search for it every day, usually because they’ve been offered one or spotted one locally and want to know if it’s worth buying.
This is exactly the kind of page I built this site to provide. Here’s everything you need to know.
What made the Cameleon special
The Cameleon’s defining feature was its reversibility — not just the seat, but the whole pushchair. You could configure it with the large wheels at the back for smooth terrain, or flip it so the large wheels led the way on rougher ground. It was genuinely clever engineering that most pushchairs still haven’t replicated.
The Cameleon 3 Plus also had a reversible seat unit, height-adjustable handlebar, compatible with Maxi-Cosi car seats, and Bugaboo’s characteristic build quality throughout. From birth to 17kg. It was a proper travel system that worked well at every stage.
Should you buy a secondhand Cameleon 3 Plus?
My honest answer: yes, if the price is right and it’s in good condition. Bugaboo’s build quality means these pushchairs last. I’ve seen Cameleons that were used for two children over six years and still running smoothly.
What to look for when buying secondhand:
The chassis. Check the frame for any cracks or damage, particularly around the fold joints. Test the fold mechanism — it should click cleanly and feel solid.
The wheels. Spin each wheel and check they run true. The Cameleon’s wheels are one of its best features — large, foam-filled, smooth. They should feel that way when you test them.
The seat and carrycot fabrics. These can be washed and replaced, so don’t be put off by surface dirt. Do check for any mould, particularly on the hood and around zips — this is the most common issue with stored pushchairs.
The harness. Check the buckle clicks and releases cleanly, and that the webbing isn’t frayed or damaged.
What’s included. A complete Cameleon 3 Plus should have the chassis, carrycot, seat unit, and shopping basket as a minimum. Rain cover, footmuff, and car seat adapters are bonuses worth asking about.
What to pay
Secondhand Cameleon 3 Plus pushchairs vary widely in price depending on condition, completeness, and seller. As a rough guide: complete, good condition examples in 2025 were selling for £150–£350 privately. Anything much over £350 for a used example should be questioned unless it’s barely used with all accessories.
Bugaboo replacement parts — seat fabrics, hoods, harnesses — are still available from Bugaboo directly and from specialist parts suppliers, so minor wear items are fixable at reasonable cost.
Cameleon vs current alternatives
If you’re weighing a secondhand Cameleon against a new mid-range pushchair, here’s my honest take: a good condition Cameleon 3 Plus at £200 will outperform most new pushchairs at £300–£400. The build quality is simply in a different league to most of what’s available at those price points.
If budget allows for a new pushchair at £600 or above, I’d point you towards the current Bugaboo Fox 5 or Silver Cross Cove instead — you’ll get modern safety certification, full warranty support, and the latest design improvements. But if budget is the constraint, the Cameleon secondhand is a genuinely smart choice.
About the author: Mark has been reviewing pushchairs since 2006, when he launched MyPushchair with his mother after struggling to find honest advice as a first-time dad. He has attended baby shows, tested hundreds of models over two decades, and now helps his daughter navigate the same market with her own children. His wife Janette contributes a female perspective to all assessments. Read Mark’s full story →
Considering a secondhand Cameleon and want a second opinion? Get in touch and I’ll give you my honest view.