If you’re looking at a Continental tourer on a British dealer forecourt, it’s a fairly safe bet that it’s a caravan from the Adria stable.

The Slovenian firm’s ranges have been available in the UK since 1971, making it the longest-serving imported brand on the British market.

And if you are scouring the used caravans for sale pages, today they can make great secondhand buys.

Model history

The Adora is Adria’s mid-market line, a step up from the value-for-money Altea.

Launched in 2004, it quickly proved a success, offering mainly four-berth layouts – though a two-berth was introduced to a lukewarm reception for 2015.

By 2010, the Adora range had matured into a line-up of four layouts, all featuring fixed beds.

The Adora also sported a decent specification, with an Al-Ko chassis and tough body construction using a polyester exterior finish.

So do these Adoras live up to their reputation of being reliable tourers?

Popular caravans for sale when new – and today!

The Adora took off from its very first year in 2004, offering UK buyers a generous specification including a full oven and an AKS hitch stabiliser, though alloy wheels were not yet standard-fit.

As with all Adrias, there was no TV aerial fitted from the factory, but wiring was in place for owners to easily fit a sound system.

For 2010, new lighting was added along with flashier graphics, a redesigned kitchen and a larger entrance door.

The 612DP model, featured here, was launched for the 2009 model year.

It featured a front lounge with wraparound seating – so there’s a small fold-up table in place of the traditional chest of drawers up front.

The kitchen is central and on the nearside, next to the entrance door, while opposite you’ll find a side dresser with a dedicated TV point, plus the washroom behind, before you walk through to the rear master bedroom.

The in-line island bed is placed on the rear wall, with a good walkway around each side.

Our chosen 612DP came fitted with the standard soft furnishings, plus a gas barbecue point and a TV aerial that had been retrofitted by the previous owner.

Buyer’s checklist

  • Check that any retrofitted TV aerials have been done correctly to avoid the risk of water ingress
  • Ensure the Thetford fridge is in working order
  • Check for peeling sidewall graphics
  • Check the upholstery hasn’t lost its support
  • Make sure the fold-down table is not coming away from its wall supports
      

What to pay?

The featured Adria Adora 612DP was up for a tempting £9950, which seems to be bang on the money for this model – though we did spot one example being offered for £10,495.

You might pick up a 542DL for around £500 less, whereas the 612DT and 643UP start from £10,995, with top examples falling just short of £12k.

Alternatives

How about a 2013 Elddis Affinity 550?

It is another cracking tourer with virtually the same layout, at £14,995.

Or a 2012 Swift Challenger 580?

This features the same layout, but it is newer and classier. Expect to pay £15,295.

Verdict

Adria Adoras offer great value as used caravans for sale, and this 612DP is spacious with an extra-large double bed.

You won’t get quite the same spec as in a UK tourer, but all the essentials are here, including blown-air heating.

There are plenty of mains sockets and owners report that Adria caravans take wear-and-tear in their stride.

Solid and durable, the Adora offers a tempting alternative to a British brand.

Factfile

2010 Adria Adora 612DP:

  • Price: £9995
  • Berth: 4
  • MiRO: 1270kg
  • Payload: 230kg
  • MTPLM: 1500kg
  • Internal length: 6.10m
  • Width: 2.29m
  • Seen at: Golden Castle Leisure Group, Tewksbury Road, Twigworth, GL2 9PX (call 01452 730 100 or go online)