Edited by SLO76 on 29/08/2021 at 10:52

The diesel is the old 1.5 Renault unit which is tough and reliable provided servicing is done on time especially cambelt. I had that engine in a Megane and it gave good service. Unfortunately we don't get all the Dacia models in the UK, they do some useful vans which I'm sure would sell well given the demand for vans is so high at the moment.

I would also happily take a punt on the diesel assuming your journeys aren't all short stop/start.

And yes, the lack of Dacia vans in this country is a little frustrating. Especially since the offering by Dacia's parent company Renault, the Kangoo, is hopelessly outclassed by most rivals.

And yes, the lack of Dacia vans in this country is a little frustrating. Especially since the offering by Dacia's parent company Renault, the Kangoo, is hopelessly outclassed by most rivals.

Is the Kangoo even still a thing in the UK market?

Sure is!.

There is actually a 'new' Kangoo, not sure when or if that will be coming to the UK. Probably not as an MPV, but presumably the van version will eventually get here?. But for the time being the 'current' Kangoo is the same one which has been around (with minor facelifts) since 2007!. There are electric or diesel options, but I'm guessing not many diesel's are sold.

Weirdly, Nissan replaced their own design of small (diesel) van, the NV200, with a rebadged Kangoo (NV250) a year so ago. The only remnants of the NV200 being the electric version which is still being offered as either a van or MPV. I say weirdly because the NV200, quite apart from being (IMO*) a better van than the Kangoo, went on sale in 2009!.

Apart from the Nissan NV250 there was also the Mercedes version, the Citan, with hints of VDP Allegro in the way the Merc grill was stuck on the front of a Kangoo(!). Looking on Merc's website though, the version based on the current Kangoo is no longer on sale, but it does say there is a new Citan coming. I don't know yet, but would assume this to be based on the new Kangoo.

(*)As standard, the NV200 had a higher payload, twin side doors (as opposed to one) and a lower rear floor.

I have been looking at the Suzuki Balenos too.

2019 model for £7800, quite a bit cheaper than an Astra or Focus.

www.carshop.co.uk/used-car/SUZUKI/BALENO/HD19VCP

Not really a direct Focus or Astra rival, the Baleno is more a slightly stretched Fiesta/Corsa.

But I'd have no qualms going for the Baleno here (pity about the colour), I'm sure it would give you no trouble at all.

Aren't most nearly new cars at car supermarkets ex hire cars?