We are currently looking for our first caravan, we have decided we want to buy a used van first. We were at a caravan show this weekend and noticed that Adria vans seem to be far cheaper than the rest, why is this ? Are the far inferior to the others or are other vans overpriced ?
According to previous posts on this forum I was under the impression that German built caravans had better build quality than that of British made caravans which I believe was the reason behind why they were more expensive.
Maybe the other vans are overpriced but you need to look for logical reasons as to why the asking price is low such as damp areas that need to be treated so best to do a full check first. As the old saying goes, never judge a book by it's cover!
Not a lot wrong with Adria as a brand/company. They are a Slovakia manufacturer and been in business since mid 1960s.
As to price, many brands/vans are overpriced, but Adria have a relatively cheap manufacturing base in Eastern Europe, so a price difference that is entirely legitimate.
The thing I found with 'continental' vans is that bathrooms and kitchens are often lower spec/compromised more than UK brands. If using your own facilities is not important to you, then that is no hardship, but may be a factor in a lower price.
The thing to watch out for with continental vans is that the door is often on the 'wrong' side (as in offside by UK standards), that's not a huge problem in most cases, but on more regimented sites with your awning on the 'wrong' side of van it's not necessarily the best arrangement on pitch. That's a factor that can put some people off a van, and diminish it's price a little. I believe Adria do build vans specifically for UK market with the door on the 'correct' (nearside) side.
In general, caravans are all built from the same brands/parts in terms of chassis, and appliances, so van brand has little bearing on what you get, but 'style' and upholstery etc. are where manufacturers exercise their influence.
Quote: Originally posted by Monty15 on 30/7/2023
Not a lot wrong with Adria as a brand/company. They are a Slovakia manufacturer and been in business since mid 1960s.
Try Slovenia, Adria as in Adriatic
------------- 'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'
Adria are well built caravans, but the big difference is that everything that is standard in a British built caravan seems to be an extra in the Adria and it soon adds up to more than the equivalent British built caravan.
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.
Surely the OP has visually compared these cheaper/dearer vans given they were all there? And you would notice glaring omissions in the Adria.
I would advise to buy the van that started out better quality/dearer, even if it turned out to be older than a UK van at a similar price. I would never contemplate buying a brand new UK van at all (and i could well afford to if i was stupid enough). There are too many horror stories after paying out +£30k nowadays.
We did look at everything there, from vans at £50k and below. We looked at everything on display and when we seen the Adria being so much cheaper i just wondered why. I wanted to know if it was because they are not built well or just use cheaper components. From what was on display they had all the same stuff as vans at nearly twice the price and i hoped someone might know why .
Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 31/7/2023
Can I ask Ian, like what?
Some continental vans don't come with ovens or heating as standard. However if you are buying a continental caravan from a UK dealer they normally sell versions which have these added to meet the needs of the UK market.
My question was in reference to what Ian said about Adria, not other continental vans.
------------- 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.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Caravan brands
via mobile 30/7/2023 at 9:33am
