In the used van market, the Xplore can sometimes seem a little overshadowed but the likes of Swift’s Sprite or Bailey’s Pursuit and Orion. But we think the Elddis Xplore 504 is definitely worth considering, mainly because these tourers are robust yet lightweight, and offer a good choice of layouts.

The Xplore came onto the market in 2008, and its simple lines and essential spec proved popular among customers. Soon dealers were ordering in special specs, adding further to the range’s appeal over the years.

Front lounge is spacious and settees easily make up into large double bed

In 2013, Elddis introduced its SoLiD construction system, which uses adhesives instead of screws, to reduce the risk of water ingress over time.

We shopped around and found this excellent example of the 504, with fixed bed and end washroom. At a smidge under £11,000 it was ideal for those wanting to upgrade from an older tourer yet not wanting to splash too much cash.

Model history

At first, the Xplore didn’t have the Elddis badge; the idea was to sell the range as a separate brand in non-Elddis dealerships. But the badge eventually found its way onto the Xplore – and that was no bad thing.

The 2013 line-up came with some good new spec, including an Avtex stick aerial, a rapid Whale water heater, new work surfaces and sprung upholstery.

There were also two new layouts – the 530, a four-berth end-washroom floorpan, and the 505, a double-dinette model providing five berths.

Cleverly designed interior in the Xplore 504 provides generous floor space and a capacious central wardrobe

The Xplore had top-notch cabinetwork, too, making it feel rather more upmarket inside. These tourers were built on BPW chassis, and the SE pack came as standard on all models. This added alloy wheels, a door flyscreen, a spare wheel and a Winterhoff hitch stabiliser.

End washroom has small roof vent, electric-flush toilet and roomy shower cubicle

The 504, launched in 2012, continued with the fixed-bed, end-washroom design. The kitchen was located on the offside, with a front dinette.

Price checker

Side kitchen has a good amount of worktop and is well equipped, with fridge and three-burner gas hob

Checking used prices on these wasn’t easy – they’re in demand, so quite difficult to find – but we did find some examples priced at £9995 to £11,495. It always pays to shop around! Ours had a newish motor mover included in the price, too. Private sales will be lower cost, but of course, without a warranty. As for the rest, you can expect to pay:

  • 302 £8995-£9195
  • 304 £8995-£9995
  • 505 £9295-£11,950
  • 530 £9495-£10,995

Verdict

Mattress was still firm, but as in any fixed-bed tourer, always check the mattresses for support

The 504 we viewed here was in excellent condition all round, with no visible signs of damage. The motor mover is a bonus.

The alloys were slightly grazed on one side, but everything else was just fine. Compact and lightweight, the four-berth 504 remains a sought-after tourer.

The Xplore is well worth considering and would be ideal as a first-time buy. One minor point, however, is that in some areas, the stick TV aerial has poor reception, so a retrofit aerial would be a good idea.

Alternatives

Sprite Major 4

Look at a 2013 Sprite Major 4, which has the same layout as the 504 and comes with good spec, including a sunroof. You should find these at around the £10,000 mark. If you prefer a quirkier-looking tourer, check out the Bailey Orion 450-4, also with the same layout and again well equipped – you should be looking at paying £10,495 or less.

Tech specs

  • Price (used 504 model featured here) £10,995
  • Berths 4
  • MiRO 1144kg
  • Payload 178kg
  • MTPLM 1322kg
  • Internal length 5.46m
  • Width 2.18m
  • Seen at Stewart Longton Caravans

Check for

  • Signs of damp on back panel
  • Damage to tyres and alloys
  • Stress cracking in front and rear panels
  • Damp in side panels
  • Peeling interior wall edging
  • Loss of support in mattresses on fixed beds
  • Condition of friction pads on Winterhoff hitch

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