Citroen Berlingo 1.6 Forte 2003
Discussion
Possibly one of the most boring "Readers' Cars to appear on here.
After 2 years of faffing about putting in and removing a powered wheelchair from the boot of a saloon car, I decided I needed a van and settled on one of the Partner, Doblo, Kangoo, Berlingo derivatives as meeting my requirements.
Bought last night unseen, from that famous internet auction place and delivered this morning on a tilt and slide.
First impressions are worryingly positive. Everything appears to work,2 previous owners, 4 matching branded tyres and an unused spare, fairly comprehensive service history with bills. Bit of a steal to insure at £140 for the year.
![](http://thumbsnap.com/sc/nk4ZdJ84.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/5TNAJHKl" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/5TNAJHKl.jpg)
After 2 years of faffing about putting in and removing a powered wheelchair from the boot of a saloon car, I decided I needed a van and settled on one of the Partner, Doblo, Kangoo, Berlingo derivatives as meeting my requirements.
Bought last night unseen, from that famous internet auction place and delivered this morning on a tilt and slide.
First impressions are worryingly positive. Everything appears to work,2 previous owners, 4 matching branded tyres and an unused spare, fairly comprehensive service history with bills. Bit of a steal to insure at £140 for the year.
I had a mk1 model that I swapped my beloved Puma for as I was rebuilding a Land Rover and needed something to carry parts around in.
I thought I was going to hate it but it was brilliant, loads and loads of space and hidden cubby holes, didn't use a lot of petrol despite the fact I drove it spiritedly down some back roads I knew well.
When I sold it I was actually sad!
I thought I was going to hate it but it was brilliant, loads and loads of space and hidden cubby holes, didn't use a lot of petrol despite the fact I drove it spiritedly down some back roads I knew well.
When I sold it I was actually sad!
Great car. My dads had 3 ( and a Renault kangoo, bit smaller and tinnier). There similar to Peugeot 306 underneath so not that bad a chassis, good ride. I'm considering one after my Jag, perfect for throwing mountain bikes in! Pity they didn't do a more poky petrol (a 2.0) for 'leisure' users.
Rubin215 said:
One of those wonderful "dull as dishwater" cars that no one ever appreciates until they own them.
Great fuel economy, plenty of space inside, clever interiors; the only issue I have ever had is that I can't quite get the driving seat right!
Indeed, no experience with the Berlingo, but my step dad had a doblo, and friends had a multipla. Sure they look dull, wont set the world alight and arent ideal for long motorway cruises across the continent. But they are excellent at being practical and moving stuff about, whilst still being rather normal sized/driving cars.Great fuel economy, plenty of space inside, clever interiors; the only issue I have ever had is that I can't quite get the driving seat right!
I have no doubt that if i ever were to get one of these type boxes (out of practical considerations), i would very much be able to get on with it and like it (presuming i chose the right one)
OP, any plans for the car in the near future? a ramp conversion? 19 inch rims? tangello paint job?
MJK 24 said:
Nine replies and no one has passed comment on the staggeringly good ride quality! They're ride like Citroens of old.
I had use of a then new 2008 Partner 1.6 HDI for a few weeks. It was a superb machine. So comfortable and a really nice, torquey engine.
I had use of a then new 2008 Partner 1.6 HDI for a few weeks. It was a superb machine. So comfortable and a really nice, torquey engine.
My Berlingo has a nicer ride quality than my XJ8. Despite the fact its gone well north of 120k miles now and is covered in dents and scratches in so many ways it's still the perfect workhorse and makes the best fit ever to the philosophy that cars make excellent servants but terrible masters.We've got a 10 year old 1.9HDi Berlingo van at work, had it from new and it's been fantastic. Other than routine servicing all it's needed is a new power steering pump, it drives as good as many cars, and even though it's sign written they let us in at the local tip. You can park where you like without worrying about door dings, throw all your garden rubbish in the back without getting the carpets dirty, it's been used to help most of us move house over the years, it has air conditioning, and it does a very small amount of actual business related work... Wouldn't be without it.
Regards the wheelchair, I've ordered some ramps and some rubber bumper protector strips.
I did look at accessible vehicles but needed the rear seats to fold as I plan to use it as a camper also. Couple of trips coming up including myself, 3 adults, one wheelchair and 3 dogs to near Oban in September.
I promised myself I wouldn't spend money on this and run it as a "shed," (it cost less than a grand) however in the 100 miles or so I've done, I'm becoming quite attached to it.
New wheel trims, mats, upgraded bulbs and a few other bits and pieces on order.
Couple of niggles to sort out including one of the rear doors not closing with the handles. Looks to be a broken cable to the bottom catch.
I did look at accessible vehicles but needed the rear seats to fold as I plan to use it as a camper also. Couple of trips coming up including myself, 3 adults, one wheelchair and 3 dogs to near Oban in September.
I promised myself I wouldn't spend money on this and run it as a "shed," (it cost less than a grand) however in the 100 miles or so I've done, I'm becoming quite attached to it.
New wheel trims, mats, upgraded bulbs and a few other bits and pieces on order.
Couple of niggles to sort out including one of the rear doors not closing with the handles. Looks to be a broken cable to the bottom catch.
Edited by LadfromManc on Sunday 29th May 23:36
)
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff