I have the Adria 542 DT (the one with the triple bunks). I bought it about six months ago after spending a lot of time looking at everything I could find (both online and in dealers). It's my first caravan so I found it a very hard decision to make (with experience I'm sure you start to form stronger views on what really is and isn't important to you).
In the end I went for the Adria because of a combination of:
* the styling. Not to everyone's taste (what is!) but I find it very light, airy and "unfussy"
* the layout. I wanted triple bunks and the Adria's are wider than many others I've seen. I've also got a huge washroom which is great with three kids and three big dogs
* the build quality. In common with many other people here I saw some shocking examples of poor attention to detail (in brand new vans) but never in an Adria. I haven't had a single problem (not even a minor snag) since getting mine and I hear good things from people who have had them for a number of years
* the equipment levels. Before anyone shouts, I wanted a caravan which didn't have a microwave or tv aerial or tv as I knew I wouldn't use them (so why pay for them and why tow them around everywhere)
* the weight. I've not towed before so having a van which is very well within my car's limits appealed to me
the dealer. My local dealer (Kingsmill in Mansfield) were great and have been helpful since I bought the van. To be fair I haven't asked them to do any warranty work yet (and hope I never have to!) so I can't judge their workshop skills.
* the price.
One thing which you shouldmaybe check with a dealer is the relative availability of spares should you need something. I've heard of some people having to wait ages for Adria spares but I don't know if those were unfortunate one off problems or part of a bigger issue. I have no idea what Bailey are like in this regard.
Cheers,
Derek.
------------- New to this - but learning fast!
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