Ok so I asked about Bailey Rangers in an earlier thread as we were thinking of buying one and now we are thinking of buying an Adria. Does anybody out there have any views on Adrias?? We are first timers so this is all new to us.
We are ideally looking at 6 berths with bunks in as this is the preferred layout for us.
There doesnt seem to be many for sale - is it because people buy and keep them or are there just not many about?
We have just purchased our very first caravan a couple of days ago so I am really not that experienced to comment in honesty.
However, we went with an Adria Adora 532UK (2006 model) which was in fabulous condition and we stumbled across it quite by accident. Its a 6 berth with 2 x fixed bunk beds, a 2 seater / table in the kitchen area and an n shaped living area at the other side. Ideal layout for us (we had also been looking at Bailey Rangers / Pageants).
I trawled around for information on them before purchase as was a little concerned as to a non caravan-er they were a less known make. General info indicated that they were a really good build quality and made to a good standard equivalent to (and some reckoned better than) UK market brands at a similar spec / price point. They are also reported to tow really well.
The main draw back that I came across was re: spare parts and the fact that they can be harder to come by / take longer - but a lot of folk had reported this was now much improved via contacting Adria directly or going via dealers.
So, we went to have a look at it and have to say that we were won over. Storage space was amazing and a bit "Ikea" like. Came in at around £1000 less than its Bailey equivalent.
Having seen a fair few vans I did not want to get out of this one!! I suppose only time will tell if we made the right decision but at this point in time we are delighted with our choice (and sooooooo excited about starting caravan - albeit a bit daunted as there is a lot to get your head round!).
Downsized last year from Bailey Senator to Adria Action. Very impressed with the build quality, which , imho, is superior to the Bailey. When my Senator was 6 years old it cost me over a grand for damp repairs to front and repair to a crack in the grp rear panel. When the action is 6 years old I'll be able to give a fairer opinion but am very happy with it at mo...........Mick
I purchased a 2006 Adria Altea last year. In 2006 they were 5 berths but mine is a 6 berth, it was made especially for the first owner. I have bunks along the side of the caravan and a dinette across from it that converts to another set of bunks.
Some think that they are basic but you can them upgrade to suit yourself. I will be hanging into mine for a number of years, so yes people probably do hold onto them. I travelled 2 hours away from home to get it from a dealer, as like you not many were coming up for sale.
Quote: Originally posted by Julia Coops on 19/2/2013Hi
Ok so I asked about Bailey Rangers in an earlier thread as we were thinking of buying one and now we are thinking of buying an Adria. Does anybody out there have any views on Adrias?? We are first timers so this is all new to us.
We are ideally looking at 6 berths with bunks in as this is the preferred layout for us.
There doesnt seem to be many for sale - is it because people buy and keep them or are there just not many about?
Thanks
Julia
Click on this link they are the oldest and largest Adria dealers. Adria's are normally heavier than the Ranger
We gave an Adria Adiva 552 PH 2008. We have had it for about 18 months now and have been very pleased with it. It certainly tows very well...much better than our Compass did. It is quite heavy, about the same as the Eldiss Oddessy i think. Certainly no problems with the build. You just have to make sure your tow vehicle can cope with it. As above, venture caravans have a good selection and they also have Baileys so you could do a direct comparison. Good luck with your search
Looked at most naked before buying our Coachman and really liked the build quality of the Adria. Complete opposit of the Bailey which we thought was poorly finished and felt cheap. Unfortunately we couldn't find an Adria that was in the right layout so went with the equally well made Coachman.
We've had a 2006 Adria Altea 512DK (5 berth) for 3 or 4 years now. It was immaculate when we bought it. The layout (2 bunks across the back and a side dinette) suits us. I find it quite roomy and less cramped than our previous van. Storage is ok, but could always do with more. it's quite a basic van with no 'extras'. There was no oven in ours, but we just bought a mini oven. I really like the van, it was good value for money, tows well and we don't find it particularly heavy.
We like Adrias but have never been able to find a suitable one when we have been trying to buy another caravan The Altea range seem to be very good value and nicely finished.
I'm a bit worried about DaveCoaches viewing technique:
"Looked at most naked"
Quote: Originally posted by DaveCoaches on 20/2/2013
Looked at most naked before buying our Coachman and really liked the build quality of the Adria. Complete opposit of the Bailey which we thought was poorly finished and felt cheap. Unfortunately we couldn't find an Adria that was in the right layout so went with the equally well made Coachman.
Conjures up an image that will stay with me all day! We had a Fleetwood Sonata Symphony, which was a rebadged Adria, for 4 years. Build quality was exceptional.we've had Bailey, Swift group and now Elddis caravans over the years, and the Sonata was the best made of the lot.
Looked at most naked before buying our Coachman and really liked the build quality of the Adria. Complete opposit of the Bailey which we thought was poorly finished and felt cheap. Unfortunately we couldn't find an Adria that was in the right layout so went with the equally well made Coachman..
Same thing happened to me (but i was wearing clothes) we bought our van at the lawns show in Hull, we went to buy a swift group or elddis van but due to them falling apart at the show, we ended up with a Coachman.........adria were a very close second due to build quality
Hi We have a 2008 Altea 542 UK New), and to be brief, its the best thing since sliced bread. I liken it to Ikea on wheels, Not had too much fuss with parts, when required, been able to purchase on line or through the dealer/Adria themselves.
I consider it to be a good well built van, excellent towing characteristics etc.
Go for it , We don't see many adria's about and its nice not being one of the "Bailey Boys".
Thanks for all your comments guys - not a bad one which is completely different to what I had when I asked about Rangers!!
The ones we are looking at are Alteas (I think). They are fine for us to tow with our Vectra. That's why we were looking as it has bunks and is lightweight and the second hand ones are affordable to us.
Not sure I will be looking round caravans naked though
I recall your last thread on the Rangers, and while we currently have a Ranger 500/5, this turned up at just the right price to tip the balance, while we were considering the Adria Altea range.
I can't recall the exact model we considered, but three huge and very solid fixed bunks down the side (good size, unlike all the competition), very 'roomy' feeling van and to some extent of hindsight, I might have preferred it over the Ranger (not been disappointed with the Ranger at all, but the 'roomy' feel of the Adria was preferable).
They are arguably a 'basic' van; some models don't have ovens for example, but can be retro-fitted.
If you've found a good example with the layout you need to suit you, I'd very seriously consider it.
We have an Adria Altea 542DT 2010 which has the 3 very large bunks at the side and the bathroom next to it across most of the back of the van. We have had our van from new, having decided to take the plunge with a caravan after years of camping in tents. When we were looking to buy we considered Sprite, Bailey, Coachman, Lunar etc but really liked the build quality, lightweight (so we didn't have to change cars), spaciousness and price of the Adrias. The alternative Altea is the 542DK which has 2 side bunks with a dinette next to them and then a smaller side bathroom. The newer Adrias - certainly ours so including 2010 - have ovens in them.
We have been very happy with our van, and when we consider changing it for a different layout, as our children get older we would most definitely look at an Adria again.
Must admit I do like the look of the Adria vans, especially the top of the range one. Just a pity there is not a dealer with a full range near us to view
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Adrias - your views please?
