Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - MPV - Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Tue 4 Jun 2024 14:55
Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - MPV - Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - Ched86

New to the forum. I'm looking to buy an MPV (ideally 5 seats) but want to make use of the room/height for a micro-camper (occasional use).

The Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life all have the same mechanical basis, but I wondered if anyone had an opinion on which was the better vehicle or does it come down to personal choice?

I also read a fair few comments regarding ad-blue issues. I'm not sure whether these are still ongoing and/or whether the petrol version is underpowered for the size of the car.

Any/all comments are appreciated!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 4 Jun 2024 16:40
Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - MPV - Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - elekie&a/c doctor
They are all basically the same vehicle except the Vauxhall combo life before approx 2019 has a Fiat engine. Yes , they all suffer adblue issues usually needing a new tank for a cost of around £1k . Not sure if I’ve ever seen a petrol engine version.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 4 Jun 2024 18:42
Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - MPV - Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - Adampr

The Rifter has the most stylish interior, including funny little steering wheel. Whether it's the best is a matter of taste.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 4 Jun 2024 21:34
Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - MPV - Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - alan1302
They are all basically the same vehicle except the Vauxhall combo life before approx 2019 has a Fiat engine. Yes , they all suffer adblue issues usually needing a new tank for a cost of around £1k . Not sure if I’ve ever seen a petrol engine version.

Did the Combo Life start with a Fiat engine before swapping it to the PSA one? Always thought the had the same engines as the Berlingo/Rifter.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 5 Jun 2024 05:42
Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - MPV - Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - badbusdriver
They are all basically the same vehicle except the Vauxhall combo life before approx 2019 has a Fiat engine. Yes , they all suffer adblue issues usually needing a new tank for a cost of around £1k . Not sure if I’ve ever seen a petrol engine version.

Did the Combo Life start with a Fiat engine before swapping it to the PSA one? Always thought the had the same engines as the Berlingo/Rifter.

The way that was said suggests only the engines were different, but the previous gen Combo was a completely different car. Back then it was a rebadged Fiat Doblo so naturally it used Fiat engines, but there was no connection to the Citroen and Peugeot.

2018 on version of each are the same and the petrol versions use the Puretch 1.2 turbo with 110-130bhp.

Is it underpowered*?, no. But it may not be powerful enough for some who likes to always be at the front of the queue.

*the diesel comes with either 100 or 130bhp, so if you feel the petrol is underpowered, the diesel is too!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 5 Jun 2024 13:10
Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - MPV - Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - alan1302

Is it underpowered*?, no. But it may not be powerful enough for some who likes to always be at the front of the queue.

*the diesel comes with either 100 or 130bhp, so if you feel the petrol is underpowered, the diesel is too!

The 130bhp diesel is certainly fine for the car - it doesn't lack power and can do 60mpg easily.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 4 Jun 2024 21:44
Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - MPV - Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - SLO76
What sort of budget are you talking about?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 5 Jun 2024 14:38
Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - MPV - Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - Ched86

I'm looking at 2019 onwards I guess as I don't want to have to pay any clean-air fees etc. Looking at up to £15k, but I'm slightly confused as to the discrepancy between the cost for a Berlingo that seem pretty expensive down to the Combo-Life which seem to be cheaper.

I'm also leaning towards the petrol models due to the ad-blue issues (but potentially that's short sighted).

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 5 Jun 2024 15:56
Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - MPV - Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - badbusdriver

I'm slightly confused as to the discrepancy between the cost for a Berlingo that seem pretty expensive down to the Combo-Life which seem to be cheaper.

There does seem to be some (unfair IMO) snobbery regarding the desirability of Vauxhall as a brand. But just consider it to be a bonus for the 2nd hand buyer like yourself!.

I'm also leaning towards the petrol models due to the ad-blue issues (but potentially that's short sighted).

If you regularly tow something heavy then the extra torque(*) of the diesel might be more suitable, otherwise replace "short sighted" with "sensible"

For full disclosure, the 1.2 Puretech did have issues earlier regarding the "wet belt" (disintegrating), but according to a forum member who has a Peugeot 2008 with that engine, 2019 on will be fine (belt made of more suitable material for being immersed in engine oil).

*The 110bhp 1.2 makes 205nm @ 1750rpm, the 130bhp 1.2 (I think the engine is only available as an auto) makes 230nm @ 1750rpm

The 1.5 turbo diesel makes either 250 or 300nm @ 1750rpm on the 100 and 130bhp versions respectively.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 5 Jun 2024 21:43
Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - MPV - Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - bazza

They are all basically the same vehicle. The Vauxhall depreciates faster and is probably better value used. I think the Vauxhall may have a manual handbrake on lesser spec versions, if I remember. There are common problems with the adblue system, so buy as new as possible as modified components have been fitted. There are some incidents of timing chain failure between the 2 camshafts on 1.5 diesels. Again I think around 2019. Not sure how common but have read of a few. A modified chain has been introduced The pure tech petrol engine has a poor history with wet belt problems but as mentioned, a recent one meticulously maintained with frequent correct spec oil changes should be ok. A friend has the 1.5 and it's a lovely economical drive.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 6 Jun 2024 08:26
Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - MPV - Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - Ched86

Thanks for your help.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 6 Jun 2024 08:53
Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - MPV - Berlingo/Rifter/Combo-Life - Ched86

Great info, thanks

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

10 warranty myths exposed

Here’s how to sort the fact from the fiction when it comes to car warranties.

Cheap Car Warranties

Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.

Honest Used Car Prices