Used Adria Sonic i700 SC 2012

[Good year76]

Hi,
My first post! We are a family of three (child aged 7) and am looking to buy our first motorhome. We will use it for family holidays, weekends away and as my office during the week (mainly plugged into the house).

I have found a used Adria Sonic i700 SC 2012 for sale at £54,000 which on paper looks ideal. It has the manual 3 litre 180 BHP engine.

If anyone has the same or similar vehicle I would be grateful for any feedback on ownership, things to look out for, good and bad. All my knowledge so far has been gained looking on forums/websites. I have spoken to the seller (dealer) and got some information: 115 litres fresh water, tanks are underslung and they did not know if they have any cold weather protection, Thetford 3 way fridge/freezer and Truma heating gas + electric. It will come serviced/ MOT'd/ with habitation check and new tyres if required by MOT.

The dealer did not have info on the electric system but it is advertised as having a solar panel. I had already thought I might upgrade the electrics anyway to make it more suited to off-grid trips but obviously the less I have to spend the better!

Is there a standard of insulation that Adria use or does it depend on options that where ticked? We would like to be able to use it year round.

I was also wondering if given the age of the vehicle if there might be things I need to consider for replacement or is 10 years not really that long in the world of motorhomes?

Appreciate any and all information, thanks for letting me join!

Matt

 

[Just smiffy]

Welcome….
First thing it’s 4300kg do you have a C1 on your driving licence and able to drive vehicles over 3500kg..?

Adria is generally considered to be a good make and having the 3ltr engine it will be effortless travelling
You would be able to get more solar up on the roof and maybe a change in the controller will be needed
You should be ok for using year round unless you intend to do Norway in the winter

If it’s the one I’ve seen on autotrader then it looks a good van but it always concerns when when a dealer doesn’t know what he’s selling…

Good luck

 

[Jim]

Hi Matt,

Of course there are always exceptions but generally speaking; Adria are one of the better makers of budget to midmarket motorhomes. The build quality is normally to a high standard with furnishing and fitting more utilitarian than fancy. For most well maintained motorhomes, especially Adria you should only start to worry about age when they reach 25

Insulation will be good, but not amazing.

Best of luck and welcome to the fun.

 

[Lenny HB]

On an Adria even if the tanks are underslung I would expect them to be insulated and heated by the heating system. As Jim says a good budget/mid range van. Insulation should be fine for all round year use.
Age is not really a problem plenty of 20 year plus vans in use.
I think it comes on the maxi chassis which should give enough payload, I assume you have a C1 license.
It does seem a bit expensive for a van of that age but prices have gone crazy over the last couple of years.

 

[Suenliam]

We had an Adria Coral 650 from new in 2005 so not very different from the model you are interested in. Very reliable. Quite sufficient insulation for UK winters. the waste tank was underslung but had a heater. The fresh water tank was inside under the bench seat. We sold ours after 16 years ownership but only to downsize.
The only worry I would have is the lack of knowledge displayed by the dealer. Very few MHs are without problems and a dealer who knows about and cares about his vehicles and customers is priceless.
Sue

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[Good year76]

Thanks everyone for advice.

Was a bit concerned the dealer didn't know much but he did say they don't normally sell MH that old and are not an Adria dealer, will just have to be careful.

I have C1 and D on my license so all good.

Will find out more about the tank situation. Think its rated at 4.5 tonnes but will check payload.

Thanks again

 

[Figaro]

 

[Good year76]

Hi thanks for all the advice. I ended up buying it, very happy so far, apart from the rattles! Will start working on them!

 

[Just smiffy]

rattles! Will start working on them!

A good motorhomer will always have an ample supply of tea towels for the rattles…