Berlingo therapy

[Gruber]

I have a dirty secret. I really want an old Berlingo. It'll sit outside on the street, take stuff to the tip every so often, trudge about over winter, and generally get treated as the family heap. There's something about the Gallic utilitarian chic of the old B'lingo that gets me all excited... I've been enthralled ever since Clarkson took one to Calais in that first (revamped) Top Gear episode. And every year we go to France and I come back wanting one even more.

There... I've said it. I want a Berlingo. I feel better already.

So, what do I need to know? Which engines should I be looking for or avoiding? Any major issues to be aware of? And what's the cambelt interval?

We're talking bargain basement here - ideally sub-£1k. And it'll have to have back seats, so no vans.

Any pointers gratefully received

[Gruber]

megamaniac said:

If you want it to accelerate don't get a 1.9 diesel.If you want it to go on forever get a 1.9 diesel.

Sounds just the job. No point seeking the joy of no-frills budget motoring only to ruin it with "performance".

[Gruber]

That's what I'm talking about!

[Gruber]

Jaguar steve said:

Simes205 said:

Swap all the running gear, it's been done several times, I wouldn't have thought that it needed mentioning.

Edited by Simes205 on Tuesday 14th April 17:51

I have more than adequate performance elsewhere in the fleet - correct tool for the job and all that.

Anyway, CBA with any of that modifying malarkey - you'd have to find out how to open the Berlingos bonnet and everything and besides it's just perfect as it is.

I'm absolutely with you on this. Swapping in a fast engine, lowered suspension, wider tyres, etc etc etc is complete anathema to the appeal and character of the thing.

Just looking again at the photos of yours... I particularly like that you clearly haven't hoovered the footwells in years. Perfect!

[Gruber]

V8mate said:

Grubes: cheap & smart?

That's almost my family motto.

Good find. Trouble is, like all the worst secret fetishes, I'm not sure I'll be able to tell Mrs Grubes. So getting to Wales and back without her noticing might be tricky. But I like a challenge.