"Doblos are ugly"
Maybe - but not when compared to a Pajero.
Don't know about Doblos, but the Cit equivalent (Berlingo) is hugely practical, economical (50 mpg diesel) and plenty comfortable enough for long journeys and with decent performance, handling and ride.
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Phil
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Hi Martin
I cant think of anyone who would buy one because they liked the look of it! But hey one man's meat etc. I bought ours 2 & 1/2 years ago because it was cheap, simple as that. A diesel 7 seater with aircon for £9300. I specified the 1.3 MJ engine which is hardly lively but is OK for what we need, ie school and shopping runs. It has done 30k miles and the only thing to go wrong is the battery failed a few months age. (AA guy said one terminal post connection was loose). I have had it serviced at my local independant and thats it really. Boring, simple, cheap and reliable. I'd have another, the later models do a look a bit less spartan but its still no 406 coupe is it?
Papho
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Thank for the replies.
Pajero is a good looking car!!! its just loves diesel, could drink it all day.
Just been to look at a Doblo (in the dark) they are quite high.
Going back tommorow in the daylight to have a look.
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These van based MPV's are usually good, tough and reliable, at the end of the day they have been designed to have a merciless thrashing all their working lives, as panel vans.
All right they won't win any beauty contests but thats not why anyone buys one and the practicality is unbeatable.
My only suggestion is make sure you get the turbo diesel version, that also applies to berlingo/partner combi, the non turbo diesels are dire on the open road (but fine around town).
turbo diesel surprisingly quick.
Looks wise a mate has his partner combi windows blacked out for carrying his tools and the motor looks very smart IMO
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For a review on this site, see www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?v=e&t=46...8
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My mate has the van version of the td,on a 54 plate,and the turbo has started blowing oil through the exhaust,and onto the back of the van,and apparently it's a common fault with them when they reach about 80k,which his has.
As his is under an extended warranty,he's just had the company he bought it from 3 months ago,take it away to repair it,because the dealer was going to charge about £800 for the repair,and the warranty company wanted it done cheaper. (Surprise surprise.)
I have to say,apart from the garish interior,which is typical Fiat,and the fact the trim is very flimsy, (His speaker covers both fell off.) it goes like the proverbial off a shovel,and does outstanding mpg.
We were in Turkey 3 months ago,and they were everywhere in the car variety,as taxis.
I would suggest that if your going to buy one,make sure it has fsh,an extended warranty,and check around for loose trim.
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We run a couple of the 1.3 Multijet diesel doblo's at work as delivery vans. My main criticism of them is the gear lever is in the way of my left knee and the pedal box is offset to the one side. Basically i'm ok driving them for short period round town but i can't drive them on long runs without my knees giving me grief.
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My b-i-l has one and he loves it, the 130bhp turbo diesel. He goes hillwalking, camping and also has a dog and it does everything he wants it to do. Pulls very well going up the hills and mountains of Scotland. Can put a bike in the bike without taking wheels off.
Interior is positively huge and as the OP says, it is actually very tall. He was after a Berlingo but the deals on the Doblo were too good to turn down.
It is definitely not nice looking, its not the most comfiest car in the world and doesn't have many toys. But I don't think people buy them for their luxuries, they buy them as they are a good practical workhorse.
My dad wants one as well but unfortunately they don't do them in automatic.
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2007 Seat Altea XL 2.0 TDI (140) Stylance
2005 Skoda Fabia vrS
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My dad wants one as well but unfortunately they don't do them in automatic.
Just the same with belringo/partner combi i'd have one as a runabout if it had proper auto.
Whats the betting when they replace the models they'll offer auto but it will be helltronic instead.
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I went in one about six months ago as a Taxi, chatting to the owner who was well pleased with it.
It was very quiet for what is a van which has been made into a car. Good boot if not the best I would say and the trim felt well put together for a car which had about 70K on if I remember.
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Everyone to their own. But, if you do buy one, don't get a black one with the chrome-plated plastic door handles, then leave it outside a cemetery...
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Gordonbennet wrote
My only suggestion is make sure you get the turbo diesel version that also applies to berlingo/partner combi the non turbo diesels are dire on the open road (but fine around town).
The word dire is a bit harsh - you just need to make the most of what you have!!
Non turbo Berlingo won't set the world alight but I've just driven ours from Wrexham to Northampton in 2hrs 20mins.
Overtaking a truck on the A5 was not a task to be undertaken as lightly as it would be in my 110 Xantia but no great pain to stay behind at 55 instead of the 60 limit.
On the M6 toll it was as fast as anybody else who wanted to keep their license.
Edited by Bromptonaut on 11/11/2007 at 23:21
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Sorry Bromptonaut, wasn't insulting your motor just as you say you really have to plan overtaking, it was just to suggest getting a td instead as very little difference in price.
Funnily enough i think the non turbo is easier to drive at town speeds, but i'm sure you know that.
Brave bloke maintaining 55 in a truck on the A5 up there with all the mobile tax collectors(unless of course it was dark).
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Doblos are ugly
A neighbor of mine bought a new one, he is a nice chap, but it still took extreme powers of diplomacy from me to say "looks a nice car" !
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