Citroen Berlingo Multispace (1998 - 2010) - 15K and one year in.

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Sun 16 Mar 2008 06:49
15K and one year in. - mlj
(Can't be a Multispace II because production did not begin until late 2007, so have changed the title to Multispace. HJ)

Some may remember my story from 12 months ago: I went out to buy a Legacy Tourer and came home with a Berlingo.
Twelve months later, here are my experiences and opinions.
Image.
Let's face it, it is an issue and to be honest SWMBO had huge reservations, seeing the car as the preserve of eccentrics/the very old/ the very odd. One day after I bought the car I was approached by a couple in a supermarket carpark. they had identified a Berlingo as ticking all their boxes for a second car (no.1 was the 3 Series they got out of I presumed) but ......image. However, as on here, most comments are favourable and I have now come to have a certain pride in owning one. It is a little like being in a club - not an exclusive one, more a sort of 'in the know' affair.

Driving.
The pedals. Smaller and closer together than I was used to and caused one or two scary moments in the first few weeks. Now I've acclimatised and it is no longer an issue. The striking thing when driving is of course, the seating position. More upright and higher. The view is just better than in a conventional motor. I have the 1.6 HDI and performance is (relatively speaking) fine. To date 48-50 mpg. Corners: steady as she goes with a little body roll. Gear change is on the vague side but somehow a rifle bolt shift would not really suit the car!

Reliability.
Aah....the big question. would it fall apart and die? Well, it has been a curate's egg. On the one hand, so far it has been back for two warranty jobs. A rear door handle assembly and a broken rocker arm cover. Neither problem caused me much inconvenience and both jobs were sorted by the dealer quite quickly and efficiently. On the other hand it has been reliable and does its' job well. Overall, I am satisfied rather than either delighted or disappointed.

Practicality.
This is where it holds all the aces. We have a house in France and the amount of stuff we take is swallowed by the various lockers and the huge boot. the modubox has proved useful as well. My son is 15, 6ft 4 and growing, so he played a big part in eliminating alternatives 12 months ago. The upright seating allows him to sit comfortably in the Berlingo. my daughter, oh the fickleness of youth, changed her opinion on the car 100% when she saw the twin DVD players that were the sweetener Citroen were offering at the time.
Overall, I just know that at the price, Citroen/Peugeot don't have any competition.

The Dealer.
Mmm. They bent over backwards to get the sale, I did get a deal I was not expecting and compared to other citroen dealers I know they worked very hard to get me the car I wanted (metallic and aircon) in a very short space of time.
But. £192 for a first service? Compared to say, £80 for my Toyota?
Suffice to say I shall be taking the car to a dealer in Brittany this summer for its 25K.

To sum up: I am very pleased. yes, I would buy another.
Do I still read about the Legacy I could have bought?

Of course.

Edited by Honestjohn on 14/06/2008 at 12:38

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Sun 16 Mar 2008 08:53
15K and one year in. - Chris M
Interesting.

I was looking at a Berlingo last summer for similar reasons - growing sons. However my wife and eldest growing son refused me permission (on looks/image) and so now I'm a C-Max owner.
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Sun 16 Mar 2008 09:07
15K and one year in. - Alby Back
I had a test drive in one a few years back when I was looking for an alternative to my now default choice Mondeo estate. I quite liked it but picture the scene, me driving, salesman in passenger seat and SWMBO in the the back. I lip read my wife's comments in the rear view mirror which included a.... "no"....... a...... "way" and a rude word in between !

Still quite liked it though. Bought a Mondy.
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Sun 16 Mar 2008 09:22
15K and one year in. - mlj
What clinched it for SWMBO was driving it. She retained her rather sniffy attitude for quite a few weeks. Then, because it was boxing her motor in, she drove the car and came back converted. She loves driving it. I won't pretend she thinks it is a beautiful thing now, but she has been won over by the practicality and ease of driving. The fact it was £5K cheaper than the Legacy I was looking at helped as well.
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Sun 16 Mar 2008 09:58
15K and one year in. - Alby Back
Actually a Berlingo / Partner / Roomster type vehicle would be at least as useful to me as anything, and you are right, they all represent good value if you measure loadspace to the pound as your key criteria. Just would need to decide if I'm brave enough to defy her ! She's only 5'2" and not quite 8 stones but boy can she be eggy if she doesn't like something ! ;-)

As I have mentioned on other threads I am seeing how far the Mondy estate will go at present so no immediate plans to change but in theory what I should do is change SWMBOs for a "Berlingoesque" car to potentially act as an occasional emergency spare for me as well. That may take a bit of negotiation !
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Sun 16 Mar 2008 10:24
15K and one year in. - Alby Back
Just out of curiousity mlj. What swung it for you in the first place re the Berlingo ? Given that there are a few alternatives in this category, was there something about the Citroen that gave it the edge for you ? I know that some on here are very taken with the Roomster for example.
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Sun 16 Mar 2008 10:36
15K and one year in. - Pugugly
Quite - four months on and just over 6k, I still love it.
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Sun 16 Mar 2008 10:42
15K and one year in. - mlj
Looked at a Roomster. The Berlingo is just so much bigger. Both in the cabin and in storage space. We also looked at 7 seater MPVs as well as CMax, scenic, touran etc.
Even looked at a mitsubishi grandis. For what we wanted and needed, seat four in comfort and carry large loads we saw little point in having two rear seats permanently folded into the floor. don't underestimate the modutop storage on a Berlingo either, immensely practical.
In the end it was a practical and pragmatic decision. At the money, what else is there?
We could have bought a three year old Verso or FRV for what we spent on a new Berlingo. And the Citroen is, again, more spacious in the areas we need.
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Sun 16 Mar 2008 21:04
15K and one year in. - Dyane 6 Mehari
My Berlingo is now 4.5 years old and coming up to 60k miles. I've got the 1.6 16v petrol, it's the early series II with every option that was available at the time. (A/C, 4 airbags, alloys, comfort pack, heat reflecting windscreen, modutop, 6 CD changer etc...)

It was a wee bit unreliable at first - I think probably poor dealer prep but has been fine since. In the first few days the door lock refused to work when the key was in and the front window clonked when it went down. The bonnet opening catch was poorly adjusted and then a couple of weeks later the alternator went. since then though, all has been fine. It has an ABS sensor replaced under warranty and an indicator stalk assembly a couple of months ago.

The handling is interesting actually, it does roll a bit but the roadholding is really good and at the limits it's predictable and progressive.

I couldn't find anything anywhere near as practical for the price. My wife and I go camping and cycling a lot, and the sliding door is great for getting our baby in and out in car parks.

It made real financial sense for me. I opted out of the company car scheme at work and took the £5.5k a year cash option instead. Less tax that mean the car was paid for in three years and since then it's been "free" motoring and I still get the car allowance to treat as extra salary.

Insurance is very cheap too - mid 30's married male, no accidents or convictions, £183 fully comp. It'll do 45MPG driven well.

I'm keen to check out the new one when it hits the UK.

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Sun 16 Mar 2008 22:27
15K and one year in. - PhilW
mlj,
Excellent summary in original post. I am on my second Berlingo (2006 1.6HDi), first one was a 2.0HDi. We enjoy trying to spot one which is NOT driven by old bloke with grey beard! (I haven't got the beard!)
I had some work done under warranty on first one which did 38k before I sold it but it was so insignificant I can't even remember what the work was (might have been loose door trim?) and second has not had anything done in 20k. Reason for selling first was interest free finance which actually made it cheaper to buy than continue payments on "old" one.
As you say, main advantage is immense practicality, and it has also proved a great workhorse - many trips to France, several with 4 adults (who all say it's very comfortable)and luggage and still room for plenty of wine and beer boxes! Performance? Well it ain't no sports car but it never struggles, cruises easily at 80 (in France!!), the ride is good and the handling perfectly acceptable for "normal" driving. And on our trips to France it has done up to 57 mpg on their motorways fully laden (about 50mpg knocking about here)
Image? Old bloke's van? I don't care (BMWs don't have a good "image among many here!!!)Yet everyone who has been in it suddenly seems to be attracted to it (even Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear) I suspect that the new one this year might attract even more.
We had a Renault 4 in the 1970s and people used to laugh at that - but that was a great practical car which took us and our camping gear all over Europe on a shoestring - Berlingo is today's equivalent - it does what it says on the tin.
Regards

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Mon 17 Mar 2008 16:07
15K and one year in. - boxsterboy
The all-new Berlingo looks a bit more 'with it' (bit more like a C4 Picasso) and so may counter the image 'problems'.
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Tue 18 Mar 2008 21:58
15K and one year in. - Bromptonaut
Ours is 3yrs next week and 45k, passed its first MoT today. Agree with all OP and Phil W's observations.

It'll never set the world alight but its as fast as anything else at 70. Quite relaxing on long journeys to sit at 65 or so in lane one. Any lost time is made up by needing less "chill time" at stops. Good fun to drive with the slightly higher driving position but downside is that with a roof box on top for camping its 2.2 metres tall - can be quite restrictive for city centre parking.

Ranged as far south as Cannes and north to the Butt of Lewis without any complaints from the occupants. Teenagers love the overhead stowage, complete with MP3/PSP etc charging facilities that came with Desire trim - an option well worth it's cost.

No major mechanical issues, dispatch reliability 100%. Few niggles with stiff sliding doors, PSA standard dodgy airbag lights and early onset brake disc corrosion. Frightened us by pinging the STOP light and a brake fault warning coming off the Jura toward Devonne les Bains. No obvious fault and it cleared in 10 mins never to recurr - I suspect EMI from the nearby radar "golf ball".

We saved a grand on purchase by having the 1.9 IDI version rather than the HDi (I've been badly bitten by my HDi Xantia). At 181g CO2 emission will be another £100 on MVL duty from 2009. £2 a week sounds a lot less and will probably be equal to a litre of diesel by then.

PCP expires next month,we'll be paying the final balance due and keeping it.

It's off to Lewis again in May and to Provence/Mt Ventoux for a homage to Tommy Simpson in July/August.

Edited by Bromptonaut on 18/03/2008 at 22:00

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Tue 18 Mar 2008 22:08
15K and one year in. - DP
Sounds like a good all round useful vehicle.

It's nice when people have the guts to buy a car for what it does rather than what other people might think of it.

Hope your good experience continues.

Cheers
DP

Edited by DP on 18/03/2008 at 22:08

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Sun 27 Apr 2008 20:26
15K and one year in. - sumpnut
I'm glad Mlj is pleased with his choice of vehicle, I did the same and so far I'm not regretting it.

One major problem, in my opinion, are the pedals which I believe are dangerous. It is far to easy to contact the throttle pedal operating arm when braking, even worse if you have to brake hard. This was something I was not prepared to live with, so after finding the cause the solution was to raise the brake pedal. This model does not have an ajustable pushrod so I got around that one by making spacers and attaching an after market pedal pad on top of the original brake pedal thus raising its height by 30mm. Not a single incident of accidental throttle opening in the two years since I made the mod.

Why the black plastic bumpers and side strips are painted are beyond me, I would have liked an unpainted option, and also a dipstick that does not snap after four dips!

There I do now feel so much better after getting that off my chest.
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Mon 28 Apr 2008 17:36
15K and one year in. - hillman1 {p}
Sumpnut, there was a feature in Auto Express recently with someone who had made an adjustment to the pedals on their Berlingo similar to what you describe. Wasn't you by any chance was it?

If not, then I seem to recall there was an issue with that type of modification and the ramifications regarding insurance cover as it wasn't an approved mod. May be worth looking into.
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Tue 29 Apr 2008 21:25
15K and one year in. - sumpnut
Hi Hillman,

No it was not me in the Auto Express article but I am not surprised that someone else has done a similar mod as this sort of thing was very common in the days when seat adjustment was limited and people with short legs 'blocked' the pedals, although this mod was done for a different reason.

Thanks for the tip about the insurance 'issue' but I have adjusted every vehicle I have ever owned so that I am completely comfortable and if the standard bits do not do the job then I find a fix. This extends to all things including lights, horns, mirrors and my favorite a right foot rest. This device I discovered, as standard, fitted in a 100E Ford Prefect as an economy gizmo and I have made them for all my cars since, they are really good for 4x4 when traversing bumpy ground, or long trips holding a constant throttle opening.

To answer Tyro, the problem appears to be the fly by wire accelerator pedal arm, an oversize piece of kit that because of its shape, to get around the wheel arch, comes in line but below, the brake pedal operating space. The top of the brake pedal is the same height as the throttle so if the side of your foot does not get it then your toe will.

My mod lifts the height to a position where under firm braking the pedal is the same as the throttle and the toe is tilted up.

I just wish Citroen would recognise there was a problem and do a proper fix as I have found not one Berlingo driver of the newer 1.6 diesel models who has not impeded their braking.
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Tue 29 Apr 2008 22:07
15K and one year in. - hillman1 {p}
Just wondered.. Unfortunately I don't have the relevant copy of the magazine otherwise I would have happily sent it on to you for info.

I do know what you are saying about the pedal arrangement. In a previous life I worked at at Citroen garage in sales when the Berlingo Multispace first came out and some people did have issues with it, but I have to say that I don't think I ever had a problem with any that I drove myself. I still think that generally they are great, really enjoyed driving them, and I think they are quite under-rated.

Cheers.
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Mon 28 Apr 2008 00:34
15K and one year in. - Avant
There's something about the Berlingo that reminds me irresistibly of a late 1940s Jowett Bradford. Maybe that too in its day was thought of as a practical no-frills holdall that did successfully what it set out to do.

People who buy this sort of car have realistic expectations and are not disappointed. For me personally I'd want a bit more power and a bit more fun - but that's not to criticise the Berlingo.
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Mon 28 Apr 2008 17:25
15K and one year in. - tyro
Regarding the pedals issue, my Berlingo dates to early 2002, and I've never had any problems with the pedals being too close together.

Did they change them in the mid-2002 facelift?
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Sat 10 May 2008 22:29
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
Hi all. A newbie here. & glad there's a FREE forum to swap ideas etc on.

Well I've been & gone & done it. Changed my 2001 1.4 Petrol Kangoo Helios Estate , for a spanking new 1.6 HDI (75hp) Berlingo Multispace Desire. Got the Kangoo from new & put 62000 mls on the clock. A very practical mode of transp[ort for us, as we have 2 Geman Shepherds, but the 30 mpg figures & £165 VED, plus being ready for a change decided us on the Citroen. Which is my 4th. Over the years I've had the GSA Pallas, then the Familialle 7 seater Safari & finally the DTR Turbo 2, before going on to other vehicles.
The "15K and one year in." post is very encouraging, & I'm hoping the Citroen retains it's looks as good as the Renault did, as in the 7 years we've had it, there isn't a sign of any rust or scratches which meant I've got a good trade-in against the Citroen, which I collect towards the end of May.
As a newbie on here, I don't know if members get an auto reply/notification on threads posted & I don't see a box to tick to activate one. Maybe someone can put me right.

Cheers

BeeJay
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Sat 10 May 2008 22:33
15K and one year in. - Pugugly
Hi - Beejay and welcome to the Backroom. No we don't have an auto reply notification - took us years to get an edit button !

Hope you enjoy your time here and look forward to your contributions.

Rob - Moderator (No4)
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Sat 10 May 2008 22:51
15K and one year in. - gordonbennet
Beejay, your choice of vehicle is very popular round here, got a feeling that there'd be lots more of them if the various SWMBO's would allow it.

I wouldn't bother going for the aftermarket sooper dooper microwave security system, just leave the windows ajar and a sign reading ''abandon hope anyone daft enough to enter here''.

Other than that i hope the berlingo does all you expect, i think it will, and they really are nice to drive too.

Do keep an eye on the costs of ownership if you would and let us know please.
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Sun 11 May 2008 01:53
15K and one year in. - Webmaster
No we don't have an auto reply notification


There used to be one, but despite the polite request in the email asking NOT to reply to the email, some people still did. And then there were the people who had 'out of office' rules set up. Also where the email address was no longer valid in older posts, all the auto reply notification emails got redirected to the webmasters inbox, which finally resulted in the option being removed - thankfully.
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Sun 11 May 2008 10:05
15K and one year in. - BobbyG
My 76 year old dad is in the market for a Berlingo type vehicle, trading down from his Peugeot 806. Unfortunately the only car of that type that comes with luxuries like cruise control is the Roomster. Neither Berlingo, Doblo or Kangoo come with "luxuries".

However the Roomster also comes with a price due to its newness and popularity so as a result he is probably going to end up with a year old Xsara Picasso VTX which comes with cruise, rear sensors, trip computer, aircraft tables etc. For 10k its a lot of established car for the money and will, perhaps, be the last car that he owns.

He was desperate to get an auto but struggled as most autos were petrol with resulting low mpg and and high CO2.

Think there is a Berlingo replacement out soon, Peugeot have the "Tepee" on their website though not sure when its available.
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Sun 11 May 2008 11:43
15K and one year in. - gordonbennet
BG, i understand where your dad is coming from.

If citroen had put a proper auto in the berlingo, (not automated manual thankyou) with the 2.0 litre hdi and with heated leather and cruise, and maybe a decent sound system (loads of space and panels for good speakers), they would have sold loads, and i'd have had one of them.

Many dealers have had similar requests, and say they have lost a lot of sales through not having the auto option.
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Sun 11 May 2008 11:57
15K and one year in. - mlj
Just had a look at the French Citroen site and there is no auto option on the new model.
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Sun 11 May 2008 13:14
15K and one year in. - welshlad
Let's face it it is an issue and to be honest SWMBO had huge
reservations seeing the car as the preserve of eccentrics/the very old/ the very odd. One



so you've met my parents then they have a silver one :-)
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Sun 11 May 2008 13:16
15K and one year in. - Pugugly
Try driving and owning a Roomster - especially in the rather snobbish world my cohorts live in.
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Sun 11 May 2008 16:14
15K and one year in. - 1066
my brother works in finance and all his friends have porches and bmw's. he drives a berlingo and a c5.
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Thu 15 May 2008 18:55
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
Hi again & thanks Pugugly for the welcome. I'd forgotten about the none notification issue, so didn't realise there was a few additions to the post. (Must remember to check more often) There's a problem for the Citroen dealer to find the colour I want. I've only been given a choice of 4 as apparantly production is being shifted from Spain to Turkey?? & dealers are having to wait for new stock, & here's me thinking it was a French motor! Anyway they know that the deal is off if they can't get the colour I want which is Wicked Red (Pearlescent) They've got the demonstrator car in that colour, but there's 1400 miles on it when I test-drove it. So if the deal is about to fall through, I might just push for a better cash adjustment & go for that. I'll keep interested parties on this post up to date when/if anything happens.

BeeJay
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Thu 15 May 2008 21:01
15K and one year in. - mlj
Try at another dealer. Last year I wanted a 1.6HDI Desire with aircon in arctic silver. The first dealer said it was a special order with a 6-10 week wait. The next day I placed my order at another dealer who could (and did) get exactly what I wanted in 7 working days.
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Thu 15 May 2008 23:12
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
That's my next move tomorrow. But according to the dealer & his MD there is only 3 dealers in the UK with the colour of car we want. 2 are sold to customers & the other can't be contacted, as he is on his hols. & only he can okay the swap, for one of the colours my dealer has in his compound. But I have a list of official Citroen dealers in Lancs. & I'll ring a couple tomorrow & see what they say.
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Fri 16 May 2008 18:26
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
Well, rang 4 main Citroen dealers & all said "We'll get back to you" May as well have asked for the moon.
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Fri 16 May 2008 19:29
15K and one year in. - PhilW
I know it's a long way away, and it's got 12k on it, but there is one at the main dealer in Chalfont St Giles- not a bad price (?) £8944 and partly run in?? Sorry , can't give direct link but search for Red, Multispace Desire, 1.6HDi
www.usedcar.citroen.co.uk/

P.S. Do you have to have Wicked Red? - I avoided it so I wouldn't be the image of Postman Pat!!


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Fri 16 May 2008 20:46
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
Hi PhilW,

Thanks for that info, but a phone call from my dealer tonight has located one in King's Lynn.

Postman Pat? LoL. That's the colour of the test car we took out & it's the only one that we like. The other colours Grey, silver, blue, seem to emphasize the "van" appearance!!

The other colour we fancied was the Safari or Sahara Gold, but it ain't available.

The delivery date we've aimed for is the 24/26 this month.
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Fri 16 May 2008 23:25
15K and one year in. - mlj
Delighted you have got what you wanted. We went for silver because we liked the blue interior. I hope you are as pleased with your car as we are.
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Fri 16 May 2008 23:33
15K and one year in. - PhilW
"Sahara Gold"
That's mine - though somewhat disappointed to see that the log book calls it "Beige"!
Enjoy your car
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Sat 17 May 2008 00:11
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
Thanks one & all for your input. If the Berlingos mechanics & bodywork match the Kangoos for reliability over the next 7 years I'll be more than happy. As requested by gordonbennet, I'll report back on my appraisal of my return to Citroen & the Berlingo.

Cheers

BeeJay
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Sat 17 May 2008 00:34
15K and one year in. - gordonbennet
Cheers
BeeJay


Good luck with the new motor Beejay, i'd love to see a picture of the new motor together with its sooper dooper microwave security system installed....all courtesy of GSD x 2.

GB
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Sat 17 May 2008 18:58
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
@gordonbennet,

Will do, if only I can work out how to get a pic. on the posting?
I've tried a couple of test routes, but no joy. Maybe it isn't possible.
Hopefully someone will say jeah or nae.

Cheers

BeeJay
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Sat 17 May 2008 19:13
15K and one year in. - PhilW
Beejay,
Don't think you can.
Alternatives are to join the honestjohn group here
groups.msn.com/honestjohn/shoebox.msnw
or upload to something like
photobucket.com/register/
and post a link
Phil
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Sun 18 May 2008 11:15
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
Good solution Phil. Will do, when delivery of the Berlingo takes place.

Cheers

BeeJay
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Tue 20 May 2008 21:02
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
It might be a while before I can give an opinion on the new motor, because I've learnt that a new model is due out in June. My dealer forgot??? to mention that fact & he doesn't know a great deal about it, in fact he knows pink fluff dice-all, as Citroen aren't releasing many details yet. But I've found a picture of the newly designed Berlingo & it looks more car-like, than van-like, mainly because of the flared wheel arches (same as my Kangoo) & re-styled front end. So the deal is on hold until I get to see the new styled version. Any pics. will of course include my security system, courtesy of our "Ozzy & Cassy" ;)

BeeJay

Edited by Pugugly on 20/05/2008 at 21:06

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Tue 20 May 2008 21:49
15K and one year in. - gordonbennet
We've just started delivering the new vans to dealers Beejay, haven't seen the multispace version yet.

Its a lot different underneath, where i seem to spend more time, almost identical to new picasso. Which makes sense as current berlingo is almost identical under to old picasso.

Maybe even if you decide to go for current model, you could get better deal when the new model is up and running.
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Tue 20 May 2008 22:12
15K and one year in. - mlj
The new one will be much more expensive, like for like, in the first year. The 'current' one is sorted, comes with all you want as standard, and will still be sold alongside the new one. Citroen.fr has details on the new model but i would be looking at 2011 at least before looking at buying one.
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Tue 20 May 2008 23:38
15K and one year in. - PhilW
BJ,
Quite a bit about it here
www.citroenet.org.uk/passenger-cars/psa/berlingo/n...l
www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/214524/...l
www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Citro%C3%ABn-Be.../
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Wed 21 May 2008 10:20
15K and one year in. - eyelight
Had a 1994 Mercedes E280 estate to haul us around with all our baby related stuff, but a speeding teenager ran into the back of it while it was parked on the street at 2am one Saturday night. Have spent the past few months thinking of what to replace it with, the newer, but still affordable Mercedes being somewhat prone to rust. Not much around with the same size boot.

Had a Fiat Doblo as a rental car when in Spain last year and we were pretty impressed. Getting a baby into a car seat had never been easier. A Berlingo has been mentioned several times, so last weekend we braved the nearest Citroen dealer and had a drive in a 2005 Berlingo Forte 1.6 petrol. Nice and zippy car. Didn't get it up to motorway speeds, but it wasn't too noisy, and once we got used to the high clutch, the gearchange was fine.

So no definite decision yet, but I do have a few questions for any Berlingo devotees who might like to answer.

Is it worth looking round for a Desire with the Modutop and glass roof panels?
Are there a lot of rattles from the Modutop?
Does the 1.6 petrol give decent fuel economy, or is it worth spending more on a 2.0HDI ?
1.6HDI is too new to be in our price range.

Saw the following car for sale on ebay, and love the colour, but it's not a current Citroen colour. Anyone know what years it was available ? Probably wasn't a popular one as I've seen very few like it.
cgi.ebay.co.uk/BERLINGO-multispace-1-6-hdi_W0QQite...m

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Wed 21 May 2008 10:52
15K and one year in. - mlj
I would definitely want the modutop. The rear compartment takes all clothes that need to be kept crease free and laid flat. The overhead storage for rear passengers are usually full of mp3s, sweets and other bits and pieces. At the front the storage for maps, sunglasses etc is well damped by a layer of material. There is also a CD holder built in but I do not use it as it does rattle when holding cases. Otherwise no rattles at all after 14 months and 20K miles. A friend has a 2.0 HDI (2003) and averages 45 mpg. The 1.6 (mine) is 5mpg better.
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Wed 21 May 2008 12:14
15K and one year in. - Bromptonaut
Agree with mlj. Just packing for the annual trek to the Western Isles, all the outdoor gear goes in the top locker, saving the need to accomadate a paked rucksac. Electric sockets in passemger lockers are permanently live for charging phones, PSP etc. Maps, ferry tickets go at the front along with spare glasses, tissues wet wipes etc. Modutop is rattle free - wish I could say the same for the luggage/dog guard.
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Wed 21 May 2008 20:12
15K and one year in. - PhilW
"Is it worth looking round for a Desire with the Modutop and glass roof panels?"
I think so - nice airy, bright feel from glass panels.
Modutop v. useful for all sorts of odds and sods. From memory, rear box in mine has a couple of umbrellas, first aid box, a few yellow safety jackets, two of those folding stool things, several waterproof jackets, and probably a few other things I have "lost". Ones above rear passengers have various camera/phone chargers and also store my wifes boxes of 200 fags when we go to France. Front bit has satnav (hidden?), sunglasses, screencleans, Neutradol deodorant (to disguise the occasional cigar I smoke after a bad day at work!), pair of binocs, camera and various other things which I have "lost"!
"Are there a lot of rattles from the Modutop?"
None so far in the 2 Berlingos I have owned - about 60k miles
"Does the 1.6 petrol give decent fuel economy, or is it worth spending more on a 2.0HDI ?"
Don't know - but I got close to 50mpg from my "old " 2.0HDi (brim to brim - no computer on it) It's also got a fair bit of poke for overtaking even when loaded with four adults and their luggage and a dozen (or more!) cases of French beer and wine!)
Wouldn't worry about colour.
Got a mate with the Peugeot version, every holiday, like Brompt above, sticks his mountain bikes, camping gear, climbing harnesses, ropes and all the rest in the back, skis on the roof and hops off up to Scotland or the Alps, Pyrennees (sp? etc.)
Great little (?) car - so practical, and it ain't that bad to drive!! But then I'm not in the first flush of youth and don't need to fling it around like a sports car.

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Wed 21 May 2008 21:33
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
@PhilW. The first link in your post was the one that came up when I Googled "Citroen Berlingo MPV 2008" Which makes for an interesting read. That link also includes the XTR which looks really good in the two tone.

Gordonbennet, you're right when you say the new Berlingo is based on the C4. PS (I finished crawling under cars a long time ago, for a living, that is.)

We have discussed (SWMBO) wether to go for the current model now, as it's a good deal
or wait for the newbie. Decisions, decisions?

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Wed 21 May 2008 21:39
15K and one year in. - tyro
Mine is a 2002 1.6 petrol.

I didn't buy the modutop, and regret it.

I average 39 mpg - albeit with very little town driving.
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Wed 21 May 2008 21:44
15K and one year in. - adverse camber
can the modutop be retrofitted?
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Wed 21 May 2008 21:49
15K and one year in. - Bromptonaut
Mine has the 1.9IDI engine (available up to 05 I think). Was about a grand cheaper than the HDi and I'd already got one overcomplex diesel in the fleet - HDi 110 Xantia. I guess these units are a lot cheaper s/h as well.

Tons of torque but needs careful handling of the gears to make most of it. Fast as anything else at 70, though I actually tend to cruise at 65 for comfort. Gaets around 45 to the gallon on a run but 35/37 on it's usual 12 mile daily round trip to Daventry.
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Wed 21 May 2008 22:45
15K and one year in. - eyelight
Thanks for all the answers and info.
Seems like only about 10% of secondhand Berlingos have the Modutop.
Probably have to search for a Desire as the Forte still comes with a radio/cassette, no CD player.
In our budget we'd be looking at a 2003 to 2005 car.

Plenty of the 1.9 diesels on offer though. I'm not too well up on the complexity of the HDI engines, but does anyone know if the older 1.9 D can be run on veg oil ? or a veg oil / diesel mixture?
Not something I'm planning, just a thought at the back of my mind.
Otherwise, with the price of diesel these days, the 1.6 petrol still wins out. Even for a 4 year old car it's a good bit cheaper than the 2.0HDI.
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Thu 22 May 2008 08:28
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
eyelight quote. "Otherwise, with the price of diesel these days, the 1.6 petrol still wins out. Even for a 4 year old car it's a good bit cheaper than the 2.0HDI."

In general terms, considering the price of diesel @ £1.22ltr, petrol @ £1.10 near me, who's in agreement with that statement or otherwise?

When I was still a garage mech. diesel cars (or oil burners as they were then called) were just starting to "take over" & derv was a lot cheaper than petrol, because it needed less refining. Now with every other car a diesel, the tax man enevitably has consistantly banged up the diesel fuel tax in the last 15 or so years.

BeeJay (Still undecided over the swap)
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Thu 22 May 2008 10:07
15K and one year in. - Bromptonaut
KB

Diesel is about 10% more costly than petrol, but according to the published mpg figures the HDi combined consumption is all but 40% lower. So I guess it depends on the price gap and planned mileage, but certainly by no means clear theat the petrol wins out. OTOH if eyelight prefers petrol he's unlikley to make a big enough saving to "suffer" the diesel.

We chose diesel because it suits our driving style. The IDI is hit by a £100 VED increase from 2009 - feels a lot when you write the cheque but actually only a tank and a bit of diesel.

EDIT: Diesel and petrol have been taxed at the same rate since the nineties. Current differentials are down to supply/demand.

Edited by Bromptonaut on 22/05/2008 at 10:08

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Thu 22 May 2008 11:25
15K and one year in. - eyelight
>>OTOH if eyelight prefers petrol he's unlikley to make a big enough saving
to "suffer" the diesel.
We chose diesel because it suits our driving style.


I wouldn't be "suffering" if I had a HDI. It's just the extra cost compared to buying a petrol car might not be justified given our usual mileage. Would quite like the diesel economy on our occasional long journey from London to Ireland. A friend has told me she can drive her 2.0HDI Berlingo from London to Paris and back on the same tank.

Something I read on a coffee mug a few years ago was that you know you've hit middle age when you're more concerned with MPG than MPH. Maybe I'm getting there.
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Thu 22 May 2008 11:46
15K and one year in. - tyro
Something I read on a coffee mug a few years ago was that you know
you've hit middle age when you're more concerned with MPG than MPH.


Very true for me! A few years ago the numbers game I played was how much time it took me to get from A to B on my regular routes. Now the numbers game that I play is to calculate my MPG each time I fill the tank!

On the petrol vs diesel thing, if it does come down to supply and demand, and the demand for diesel cars keeps increasing, then expect diesel to go up in price faster than petrol. Last month diesel sales were 45% of the new car market in the UK. 5 years ago, that was 26%. In the 1990s diesels were only 15% of the new car market.

(Oh, and as for retro-fitting a modutop - well, someone once said that if you've got the money, you can get pretty well anything done to your car, but otherwise, no.)
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Thu 22 May 2008 13:39
15K and one year in. - adverse camber
>>(Oh, and as for retro-fitting a modutop - well, someone once said that if you've got the money, you can get pretty well anything done to your car, but otherwise, no.)

Fine, thanks. I wasnt sure if the fittings would be there behind the trim. Obviously the glass roof is out but the storage boxes I thought might be possible.
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Sat 24 May 2008 21:05
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
Hi all, Meanwhile back on the Berlingo front. The decision has been made & we are going for the current model, but in Iron Grey & not Wicked Red. The grey wasn't available on site, so they brought one over from their compound in Yorkshire, cleaned all the protective wax & gunge off & parked it up alonside the demo car (Wicked Red)
SWMBO decided on the Grey whilst I stood there saying nowt (but prefering the grey also) Pick up on Friday 30th. Any of you guys heard of this GAP ins. The dealer offered it AFTER the deal was struck, which I thought was rather naughty & I told him so. It costs an arm & a leg & had it been mentioned earlier it would have been part of the bargaining. Anyway, checking on-line with other companies, I can get the exact cover for a fraction of his price, RTI = (In the event of a write-off, the original invoice cost of the car is reached by my insurers payment to write it off, plus the payment from GAP)
As mentioned earlier, I'll post up pics of the car & its security, for those interested.

Cheers

BeeJay
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Sat 24 May 2008 21:29
15K and one year in. - gordonbennet
Re the GAP insurance Beejay, check with your own insurance company before paying out.

We're with NFU and as part of their policy you are entitled to a replacement car up to 2 years after purchase on a new for old basis, in the event of write off, stolen, fire etc.

Good decision i think by the way, not the colour, which is fine anyway, but the present model, which is a very good car. Mind you the colour will camouflage the security system, and i would enjoy seeing some low life putting their hand in your car to lift something (could you get the rear windows blacked out as well to help with the camo)?
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Sun 25 May 2008 00:08
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
Quote ("could you get the rear windows blacked out as well to help with the camo")?

LoL, LoL, Well they are tinted.

Just for a laugh, I have a sign that reads. "The car's not locked, the keys are under the dogs"

BeeJay
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Tue 27 May 2008 20:18
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
It seems the dealer has had the 92 bhp version sent over from the compound in Yorkshire, instead of the 75bhp one. He's getting the other one sent tomorrow, but I'm wondering if it might be an idea to have the 92 instead? Any thoughts on that? MPG, performance, etc. I know it'll be approx £400 more.

I am tempted!

BeeJay
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Tue 27 May 2008 20:34
15K and one year in. - gordonbennet
For the sake of 400 smackers i would definately get the higher power Beejay.

I'd bet that higher output engine will have much higher torque at lower revs, i'd bet it would be more economical, as well as being much nicer to drive, esp at low revs.

My mate has the 2 litre hdi, and seldom changes down at all, it just pulls.

Go on, you know it makes sense.

If you get the lower power, and feel its too underpowered, a steinbauer chip would cost you that, and you'd have the warranty worries.
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Tue 27 May 2008 21:28
15K and one year in. - tyro
I'd certainly go for the 92 bhp one if it was only £400 extra. In fact, I'd probably go for it if it was £1000 extra.

I personally can't see why anyone would buy the 75 bhp one when there is such a small difference in price.
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Tue 27 May 2008 21:33
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
As ever, thanks for the input. I'll keep you posted.
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Tue 27 May 2008 23:43
15K and one year in. - adverse camber
Eyelight,

Can I suggest that if looking used try a Peugeot Partner combi - they seem to be better spec and lower price compared to the berlingo.

I've just 'won' an 03/53 partner 2.0 hdi with climate and cd for under £3.5k. No modutop, but compared to what fairly base level berlingos are going for I'm happy.
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Wed 28 May 2008 00:14
15K and one year in. - Avant
Continue to be tempted, Beejay: because the 75 bhp version will need your foot to the floor to make anything happen, it probably won't be much, if any, more economical than the 92 bhp - unless you are a very stately driver.

Edited by Avant on 28/05/2008 at 00:14

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Wed 28 May 2008 18:51
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
Called in the dealers this morning to change the deal to a 92 model. I can't believe I was going for the 75 over the 92. I retire next week, so I'm putting it down to senility. lol

The difference in cost is app. £550. I've arranged for the "Citroen Dealer" 7 day, free insurance cover, so a cover note is sent direct to them via email, so they can tax the motor, ready for picking up on Friday.

So in the saga of this car purchase, we've changed the colour choice, (Wicked Red to Iron Grey) & changed the engine spec, 75 to 92. & there it stops, I hope?

Thanks for all your interest/advice & I'll get some pics up somehow.

Cheers

BeeJay
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Wed 4 Jun 2008 13:45
15K and one year in. - eyelight
Maybe I should have started a new thread for this question, but as this is the only Berlingo thread, maybe it would get more views here.

Can anyone tell me the recommended interval for changing the cam belt on a Berlingo, both diesel and petrol?

Going to look at a 2003 Berlingo this weekend that has covered 40,000 miles. Is it dues for a new cam belt?

And if so, what is the usual charge for doing this? Guessing about £400 - £500.

Thanks.
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Wed 4 Jun 2008 14:16
15K and one year in. - tyro
1.6 petrol engine is recommended at 80,000 miles. I had mine changed at 65,000.

Someone will be along in a minute to tell you what it will be for the Hdi. I suspect it's much the same.
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Wed 4 Jun 2008 14:36
15K and one year in. - eyelight
Thanks,
Forgot to say that the one I'm hoping to look at is a 1.6 petrol.

Keeping an eye out for a reasonably priced HDI too.
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Wed 4 Jun 2008 16:18
15K and one year in. - tyro
I should have said that I got the timing belt changed as part of a service - done by an independent.

Total cost of service just under £300.
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Wed 4 Jun 2008 18:07
15K and one year in. - adverse camber
I've been told (by main dealer) that the 2.0HDi is a 100K interval.
They quoted me £350 for a service and timing belt (to include the pulley that needs doing) or £230 for the timing belt and no service.

Which I didn't think was bad.
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Wed 4 Jun 2008 18:21
15K and one year in. - eyelight
Thanks all.

Those prices don't seem too bad for a timing belt change.
I'd think the pulley should be changed at the same time too.

Anyway, the 1.6 petrol we're going to view has 40,000 miles, so should be good for a while.

Edited by eyelight on 04/06/2008 at 18:22

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Thu 5 Jun 2008 21:49
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
Took delivery of the Berlingo last Friday. First impressions of driving a car I own as opposed to the test car are very, very favourable. On the test run, it's just a case of drive it, see what you think, etc etc. But once I got it home, I am very impressed with what I've bought. The refinement on what is really a "van" conversion, (according to the expert motoring pundits, but what do they know?) is amazing. From the Modutop, instrumentation, comfort, finish, smoothness, & nippyness it's all A1. Having said that, I haven't done many miles this week as I've been making a dog guard for it. The ones on't tinternet, are to "bob-standard" & must rattle like hell, as they can fold flat, so all the clips etc, must make a racket. Whereas I've made one to fit the total area of the cargo space, so my dogs have virtually the same amount of room as if there wasn't one fitted. Plus it's welded, so no rattles. That's it for now.

Cheers

BeeJay
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Thu 5 Jun 2008 22:41
15K and one year in. - mlj
Delighted your first impressions are positive. Don't forget to book it in for the free 1000 mile service, it is a condtion of the three year warranty. I'm still very pleased: tyres look like the fronts will give 25k easily. Second service coming up soon, I'll update then.

Edited by mlj on 05/06/2008 at 22:43

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Thu 5 Jun 2008 23:07
15K and one year in. - gordonbennet
Congrats BeeJay, keep us posted how it goes. Bet the powers nice after the kangoo.

Mlj, you berlingoesque converts are very enthusiastic, it seems to be catching.

My mate has sold his one and bought a fiesta instead, he was saying there's no room in the fiesta........i give up.
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Fri 6 Jun 2008 15:51
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
Yep! first impressions are excellent. Obviously I have to keep the revs below 3000 for a couple of miles, lol, but the acceleration, especially in 2nd is, erm! quick.
65 on the m/way is only showing app. 2000rpm.

Incidently, I spotted a 2007 Kangoo today. From what I could see, it has 3 aircraft type stowage lockers either side of the length of the car. They don't look right somehow.

Cheers

BeeJay
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Sat 7 Jun 2008 23:27
15K and one year in. - eyelight
Bought ourselves a 2003 Berlingo Desire today.
40,000 miles and very clean. 1.6 petrol.

Drove it about 100 miles home on a mixture of motorway, A and B roads, and first impressions are very good.


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Sun 8 Jun 2008 13:55
15K and one year in. - eyelight
Meant to ask this in the last post.
Can anyone recommend the best place to buy a spare wheel lock?
Or which lock to use?

Did see one website saying a bicycle lock works best.
Must get under the car today and have a look at how it all fits together.

Thanks
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Sun 8 Jun 2008 17:30
15K and one year in. - Dynamic Dave
Can anyone recommend the best place to buy a spare wheel lock?


www.ospreyproducts1.co.uk/index.html

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Mon 9 Jun 2008 00:20
15K and one year in. - eyelight
Thanks for that info,

Do these locks require any drilling into the boot floor?

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Mon 9 Jun 2008 01:55
15K and one year in. - Dynamic Dave
According to the website, you need to drill a 20mm diameter hole.

www.ospreyproducts1.co.uk/page7.html

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Mon 9 Jun 2008 23:20
15K and one year in. - Bromptonaut
Only worth spending a lot locking the spare if you've got alloys. I've had over the last 20 yrs 2xBX, 205, Xantia and Berlingo with steel spare under the boot floor and never lost one. Even if you do get picked on a repalcement steel wheel and budget tyre will give change from £100.

There is however the risk of only finding it's gone when you need it!!!
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Mon 9 Jun 2008 23:32
15K and one year in. - gordonbennet
There is however the risk of only finding it's gone when you need it!!!


Or the risk, as i found at Man Apt when i picked up some end of rent cars, checked that the 2000 on fiesta had a spare, and the 1973 escort wheel that had been exchanged for the proper one and not secured properly fell out.

They really will pinch anything.

I've got a motorcycle chain and chubb padlock securing my alloy spare.

Can you get a securing device for cats yet :)
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Tue 10 Jun 2008 00:07
15K and one year in. - tyro
Our (non-alloy) spare was nicked about a year after we got our Berlingo. We bought a new one, but didn't bother with a lock. We just keep the spare in the boot.
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Mon 9 Jun 2008 23:27
15K and one year in. - Lat
Hello all

My first post here, inspired by the discussion of the stiff clutch/pedals on the Berlingo - we just bought one on Friday and I noticed on the test drive the clutch felt very stiff compared to the old Mondeo estate we'd had for 7 years. We should be getting it delivered this week sometime - it's a 2.0Hdi 2004 with 55k on the clock but was a good price for a Desire model with Comfort Pack. I was surprised at how responsive and nippy it felt compared to our old chuggy 1.8i diesel Mondeo. I will definitely have to mess around with the steering wheel/driver's seat position though, it felt quite odd as though I was bent forward and reaching down, or is that the van roots showing through!

Nice to see so many positive reports here. We bought it as a cheap and cheerful main (and only) household vehicle, a workhorse for our many DIY trips, school run and longer journeys to visit family and go on holiday. It's slightly shorter length than the estate but felt roomy inside especially with the higher roof. I still have yet to find out how much we can fit into the boot, that will be interesting as we could fit tons into the estate.
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Mon 9 Jun 2008 23:40
15K and one year in. - Bromptonaut
LAT,

Ours swallows a Khyam Rigidome XXL tent and baggage for four for a three week camping holiday as well as, or better than the Xantia that went before. We rejigged the load plan slightly to put heavy bags in the boot and lighter camping gear (chairs/cookstand etc) in the roof box for stabiity but it really is like a tardis. Can see out of the back window until the last stop at Carrefour for the beer:-)
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Tue 10 Jun 2008 11:55
15K and one year in. - bobn
I have been driving Berlingos for six years and cannot speak too highly of them. However at the moment I have a problem which I amm having difficulty dealing with, namely the rear offside brake cylinder overheating. This is on a 2l diesel HDI.
The dealer seems to be fobbing me offf whith every sort of excuse rather than getting down to resolving the problem.
It seems to me that it is either a problem with the cylinder or the ABS but it is not consistent and it is difficult to pin down exactly when it occurs.
Has anyone out there had similar problems.
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Tue 10 Jun 2008 13:20
15K and one year in. - Ligar
I've got a Partner 1.6 hdi and, two years now, and overall Im very happy with it. The diesel mileage is really great, somewhere around 60mpg on the motorway, and its been very reliable. I had to get some warranty work done on it- It developed a disconcerting shudder and jerkiness while driving and the dealer replaced both drive shafts. Sounds pretty major, but the problem is gone. I do wonder where I can go other than the dealer for a service, the dealer does charge too much.
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Tue 10 Jun 2008 14:38
15K and one year in. - Collos25
looked at the new berlingo yesterday quite impresive.
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Tue 10 Jun 2008 14:55
15K and one year in. - mlj
We had a look a few weeks ago in France. It's bigger but felt like a Berlingo, if you know what I mean! It is wider as well. I expect prices to be more in line with the existing model in a year or two.
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Tue 10 Jun 2008 16:27
15K and one year in. - tyro
My research indicates the following

Old vs New:

Length: 4137 mm vs 4380 mm
Width (mirrors folded): 1724 vs 1810
Width (incl mirrors): 1960 vs 2112
Height: 1810 vs 1801


Kerb weights, I've less to go on.
For the old one, HJ gives 1,204-1,311 kg.
For the new one, EuroNCAP gives 1482 kg.

Surely it is not that much heavier?

Edited by tyro on 10/06/2008 at 16:31

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Tue 10 Jun 2008 22:03
15K and one year in. - gordonbennet
One pleasing thing about the new one, its now got rear discs, assuming all models the same, but we'll see, but the good thing is its got a real handbrake operated by a handle pulling cables, oh joy.... some sense.

TBH, it doesn't seem any bigger inside to me, i haven't had the tape measure out, so just going on first impressions. The old model has a well deserved loyal following, the new one has a lot to live up to.

Wonder if they'll get round to putting a proper auto in it
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Fri 13 Jun 2008 15:13
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
@ gordonbennet,
but the good thing is its got a real handbrake operated by a handle pulling cables oh joy.... some sense.>>


Er! Eh! ;) Not been under mine yet & don't intend to ;) so that's lost me.
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Fri 13 Jun 2008 20:47
15K and one year in. - gordonbennet
Kanberlingo,
the normal berlingo shares most of its underpinnings with the previous picasso, so normal handbrake, and none the worse for that.

The new berlingo 2 has the C4 picasso running gear, and the picasso has that automatic/electric handbrake.

I noticed that even though the new berli has gained the rear disc brakes, they've seen fit to leave it with a proper handbrake, (handle and cables).

Sorry i'm a bit of a luddite, unless something new is a real benefit, i'd rather the old tried and tested meself.

Waiting with baited breath here for updates and reports on the new wagon.
Do the hounds from hell approve?
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Sat 14 Jun 2008 12:34
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
@gordonbennet
The new berlingo 2 has the C4 picasso running gear and the picasso has that
automatic/electric handbrake.


Well, you live & learn. From your previous post, I'd surmised it must be a transmission brake.
Waiting with baited breath here for updates and reports on the new wagon.
Do the hounds from hell approve?


Still as pleased as punch with the new bus. & Our Ozzy & Cassy have no complaints. When parked up on the drive, I leave the tailgate open, so I don't need to look very far for 'em, because that's where they always retreat for a kip or to watch the world go by.
(Memo to oneself. Must get a few piccies up)

I'd fitted a Kenlowe Engine Pre-heater on the Kangoo, & my previous Trooper, excellent piece of kit, so when the Kangoo was going, I removed it in case I decided to fit it to the Citroen. One look at the engine bay put paid to that idea. Citroen must have shoe-horned the power unit into that space. Who'd be a mechanic these days?

BeeJay

Edited by Kanberlingoo on 14/06/2008 at 12:35

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Sun 15 Jun 2008 10:22
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo

Okay, as promised, here are some piccies. I hope I've (Er! we've) done 'em right.
I've used Photobucket as the host, but couldn't figure out the slide show facility. But not bad for an old 'un? eh!

tinyurl.com/62ygp2

tinyurl.com/66brke

tinyurl.com/5qfumz

tinyurl.com/6dum94

tinyurl.com/5a37ah

tinyurl.com/68nb8s

BeeJay
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Sun 15 Jun 2008 10:51
15K and one year in. - gordonbennet
Good piccies Beejay, we've just been ooh-ing and aah-ing over your lovely hounds.
Our fav pic is the first one where their exhausted, poor loves, i suppose their cruel dad has been making them tow the mower round the mansion lawns or similar.
They look so gentle, wouldn't harm a fly...yeah right, bet they look a bit different to that when someone annoys 'em.

Are they related by the way?

Car looks well, think the colour suits the hounds too, nice coordinating.
IIRC you made that cage yourself, looks neat, unlike some of the commercial efforts.

Nice bit of block paving too.

Thanks for that, another computer whizz kid able to link to pictures which he's already uploaded.
I'll just slink off with reinforced feelings of inadequacy._:)

All the best on your birthday.

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Sun 15 Jun 2008 15:38
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
Thanks for the feedback on the piccies gordonbennet, really glad they can be viewed okay.
We get asked that about the dogs being related quite a lot, but they aren't. (There's a long story behind that statement, but this is a motoring forum, so we wont go there) ;)

Yes, you DRC, I made the cage to get the maximum amount of space available. They're
happy when travelling, usually look to see what's happening around them, then they settle down, for the inevitable kip.

Apart from Shepherds, I'm also into 'biking & have been on a Ride-out today with a group of 'bikers, while SWMBO went into town to collect tickets for tonights Chas "N" Dave show. So all in all it's been a nice "Big Day"

Cheers

BeeJay
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Sun 15 Jun 2008 15:44
15K and one year in. - adverse camber
(Can't be a Multispace II because production did not begin until late 2007 so have
changed the title to Multispace. HJ)


I know that the terminology over the facelift in 2003 may be confusing, but if I look to the right I see under roadtests 'Berlingo Multispace II from 2003'

Edited by adverse camber on 15/06/2008 at 15:45

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Tue 17 Jun 2008 12:52
15K and one year in. - tyro
Nice pictures BeeJay.

The moral seems to be that if you get a really gorgeous and desirable vehicle, it is wise to get some security guards.
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Tue 17 Jun 2008 13:05
15K and one year in. - mlj
The second time the title has been changed! Make your minds up.
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Tue 17 Jun 2008 20:48
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
Cheers tyro, One tries ones best. ;)

Your similar thread to this one concerning the model ID of various Berlingos'

(Citroen Berlingo Multispace II - HJ's road test has arrived!) & this thread

still has me flummuxed! Some are saying it's the Berlingo 1st. others, the Berlingo ll

All I know is that the pics I've seen of the model before mine (2008) are different in a few ways that are pretty obvious. Namely the door rubbing strips. On my 2008 they are, or appear to be the same construction as the door skin. On the earlier one it appears as rubber, as you would expect a rubbing strip to be made of??? Also the earlier one has a wrap-around black bumper, again, mine is different inasmuch as it's colour co-ordinated & not as ambiguous? Or am I missing summat entirely?

BeeJay

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Tue 17 Jun 2008 21:12
15K and one year in. - PhilW
"On my 2008 they are, or appear to be the same construction as the door skin. On the earlier one it appears as rubber, as you would expect a rubbing strip to be made of??? Also the earlier one has a wrap-around black bumper, again, mine is different in as much as it's colour co-ordinated & not as ambiguous? Or am I missing summat entirely?"

I think this is just model variation (and more Peugeots and almost all Berlingos in France have the black rubbing strip and bumpers - when in France I often wonder whether the body coloured rubbing strips and bumpers were only available in UK). Desires all seem to have body coloured rubbing strip and bumpers but the shape has changed. On my 2003 model, the rubbing strip is narrower with rounded ends. On my 2006 one it is broader and broadens from front to rear with "pointy" (at top) ends.
The names are confusing, but I would refer you to my post on other thread. We all have "Berlingo 1st" according to Cit UK website. "New Berlingo Multispace" is the new one which has just (?) gone on sale or goes on sale soon. There is no mention of "Berlingo II " on Cit UK site.

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Tue 17 Jun 2008 21:49
15K and one year in. - gordonbennet
Just when you thought you'd got the names right.

The new shape model peugeot partner combi, as opposed to the previous shape though similar to the citroen berlingo 11/2/facelift/newer model/updated model/but in the previous shape, just to help things along is called the peugeot partner tepee.

So there.:)
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Tue 17 Jun 2008 22:28
15K and one year in. - mlj
..And the van version is called the Bipper.
Which is nice.
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Tue 17 Jun 2008 23:21
15K and one year in. - Bromptonaut
re Partner Tepee:

I'm sure the earlier partners used tepee (or maybe somthing else with a native American connotation) for the equivalent of forte trim in a Berlingo. Quicksilver was simialr to Desire with modutop etc.

Will Pug UK sell the full range of new Partners? since around 2006 they only sold the faux 4*4 Escapade version.

And like Phil W I'd also noticed that body coloured trim was a UK affectation. WHY!!!!! Bumpers are meant to absorb errr bumps. Still hanker for the solid slef colured plastic jobbies on the BX. SWMBO, in a moment of pregnancy induced brain atrophy, demolished a brick garden wall with ours leaving only a few, soon weathered in, gouges in the BX bumper.
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Tue 17 Jun 2008 23:42
15K and one year in. - gordonbennet
aah Bromptonaut, how we show our age, and our longing for 'does what it says on the tin'

Imagine being so bold as to expect a bumper to be anything other than a fashion accessory for the vehicle, to include cut outs and faux brake/engine cooling ducts and various lights and matt black/fake aluminium/whatever the current trend is trims that will fall off the minute you hit a wasp at plus 50mph.

My favourite bumpers of all time were the massive rubber fronted aluminium jobbies fitted to the facelift volvo 144 gle of 74 ish i think, (the ones on the 244 that replaced it were wimps by comparison).
They were mounted on massive rubber blocks front and rear, and stuck out at least 6".
Should have been made compulsory fitment on all vehicles since, and all at the same height. My volvo had a genuine towbar that stuck a further 4" out the back behind the bumper, no parking dings at all ever on that motor.

I'm not too sure which models pug will do meself, but the ones i've seen haven't got the cute internal roof rack that the top model berli has, early days yet.
I wonder if citroen will have the price advantage as per the norm?

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Wed 18 Jun 2008 18:02
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
Hi all, Had a bit of time to spare (retired, & all that) ;-) so I rang CS @ Citroen UK
for definition of the models. They say that up to the new new new model now appearing in UK showrooms, all previous Berlingos' were/are erm! Berlingo Multispaces'
Not 1st nor ll (As PhilW said, no mention of ll on their website) & the new model is called the Multispace XTR or VTR, but they hadn't a clue what the letters stand for???? Now, I'm fairly certain that I've seen an XTR on the 'net when I first became interested in the Berlingo, which was a two-tone & looked smart, but that, as far as I'm aware was/is available now as a current model!!!
I might put this thread on the other discussion that's running alongside this one that tyro started.
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Wed 18 Jun 2008 18:30
15K and one year in. - PhilW
Yep, confusion reigns
Here is a nice new XTR (quite fancy one but think it's a bit expensive ofr me at the moment)
www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/218097/...l
tispace_xtr.html


And here is an old one oops, sorry, according to the ad it's a "new" one - or is that a new old one
www.autobytel.co.uk/contentpage.aspx?page=buy-new-...l.


Edited by Dynamic Dave on 18/06/2008 at 19:45

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Wed 18 Jun 2008 19:38
15K and one year in. - Waino
Ah, the XTR! Is this one related to the Berlingo XTR van with additional ground clearance that is currently being used by the Forestry Commission? I believe the van is available with some sort of enhanced traction system - is the new XTR a 'car' version of this van?

It's sounds like a good idea to me - ideal for bouncing along farm tracks without having to resort to a guzzling 4x4. These rough farm tracks aren't helping the poor old Mondy - it failed its MoT test today on TWO broken front springs!
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Wed 9 Jul 2008 20:43
15K and one year in. - Lofty33
Looking at buying a Berlingo, problem is not sure which to go for.

Either the 2.0 HDI Forte or the Desire. Apart from the MODUTOP are there any significant differences?

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Wed 9 Jul 2008 21:06
15K and one year in. - mlj
If it is the 2.0 HDI it will depend which year's model you are considering. For example, a good friend has an 03 2.0 HDI Forte: as you know, it does not have the modutop. Neither does it have a trip computer, automatic windscreen wipers and headlights. He gets around 42 mpg. If you can get one, the 1.6 HDI is far more economical. 10 mpg minimum. The Modutop is hugely useful, I would not consider another Berlingo that doesn't have one.

Good luck in your choice!
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Wed 9 Jul 2008 21:13
15K and one year in. - Bromptonaut
When we got our 2005 model Desire included CD player, front armrests, aircraft type tables in rear and a "modubox" shopping basket thingy in the boot. All except the modubox have been well utilised. The Modutop is invaluable.
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Wed 9 Jul 2008 21:24
15K and one year in. - Lofty33
mlj,

Thanks for your reply - I was expecting the 2.0 HDI to average around the 49 mpg (according to citroen figures). I don't think I will be able to afford a 1.6 HDI as I am looking at a price bracket of around £4500.

I have my eye on a 2.0 HDI Desire going for £4695 with air con and 73000 miles on the clock. Is this a good deal and should I snap it up?

Regards
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Wed 9 Jul 2008 21:38
15K and one year in. - gordonbennet
Lofty, a quick butchers on the trader site reveals a 65K 1.6 diesel 06 plate at £4250.

Is that worth considering?
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Wed 9 Jul 2008 21:55
15K and one year in. - Lofty33
GordonBennet

Yes it is tempting but it is a private sale and does not have air conditioning. I am intending to p/x my T reg Astra. Am I also nuts about insisting on air conditioning? I have 2 wee nippers (23 months & 14 weeks!!) who I think will benefit from the air con especially as the sliding door windows do not open fully.

Does anyone have any further mpg figures for the 2.0 HDI Desire or Forte. I am also considering the 1.5 Kangoo......Any thoughts on this over the belingo?
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Wed 9 Jul 2008 22:51
15K and one year in. - mlj
Nearer to 50 mpg in the 2.0 HDI is possible if driven carefully. I have aircon on my Berlingo and, to be honest, I've experienced more effective systems. It does work; but those in the back experience relatively little benefit until we've done a few miles.
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Tue 15 Jul 2008 20:32
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
Just a quick update on the new motor. Still very happy with it, even more so now that I've done a MPG check for the first fill up. The tank was filled to max by the dealer on delivery, & I've only covered 571 miles since. I didn't expect anything to write home about, as the engine is still as tight as a ducks wotsit, but simply to see what the figure came out at. Well I'm gobsmacked by returning 48.19 MPG for 53.87 ltrs. & that's mainly urban. I waited while the fuel light came on, then did a further 10mls or so before filling up. Good eh!

PS My security personnel are still well chuffed, kipping most of the time in their bit.

BeeJay
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Tue 15 Jul 2008 20:53
15K and one year in. - PhilW
Beejay,
Reckon you will improve on "48.19 MPG for 53.87 ltrs. & that's mainly urban." I'm getting over 50 even in town, and on a run (motorway at 70ish) can get as high as 57 - but that's being very light on the pedal. I find it quite helpful to have the computer thingy on instant fuel consumption - makes you take care with the thottle! And makes you anticipate and not use the brakes as much!
Enjoy your Berlingo
Phil
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Tue 15 Jul 2008 22:17
15K and one year in. - gordonbennet
Nice going BeeJay. Sometimes wish i didn't have to read about such marvellous fuel figures...

Just out of interest, would you say the chassis on the berlingo is as good as the kangoo.

Obviously can't compare engines, as IIRC your kangoo was a petrol, but what about the use/driving and comfort and practicality of the Berli?

Glad your overworked security is catching up on some zeds too..;)
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Wed 16 Jul 2008 12:57
15K and one year in. - Kanberlingoo
Hi PhilW, Gordonbennet.
@ Phil, I don't have the computor thingy on my Berlingo, well if it has, I can't find it:) so I'm just relying on my size 11s right boot.

@ Gordonbennet, "Nice going BeeJay. Sometimes wish i didn't have to read about such marvellous fuel figures..."

If it makes you feel any better/worse, I only get around 60ish on my Honda 650...... BUT! You'll like this, I get a fantastic........... 22mpg out of my 2.8 M/home & that's taking it steady. If I opened her up, I'd be lucky to return 18.

Regards the Kangoo comparison. Well as I've mentioned before, if the Citroen is as good as the Renault had been over the 7yrs I had it, I'd be well pleased. But up to now,
the Berlingoo is way ahead in every respect, but we are talking a 7yr gap in technology.
Maybe the new Kangoo is as good? but (A) I don't like the aircraft style overhead lockers & (B) it doesn't look all that different, style wise, to the earlier model (mine). No, I think I'll persevere with the Citroen. ;) ;)

BeeJay
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Mon 21 Jul 2008 22:28
15K and one year in. - mlj
Off to chez mlj tomorrow and will have the berlingo serviced in France. I expect it will save me quite a few £££. Will report back towards end of August. Happy summer everyone.
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Mon 21 Jul 2008 22:41
15K and one year in. - gordonbennet
Happy summer everyone.


Oh that's fine, you carry on enjoying yourself living the life of Reilly, swanning about all over the riviera, don't give a thought to the poor downtrodden underpaid serfs like us who carry on uncomplainingly propping up the failing country....;)

Hope you have a lovely time really, and let those hard worked hounds rest for a moment...sorry just slipped into a parallel universe for a moment then....

EDIT forgive me mlj, i'm confusing you with Bee Jay...time for a lie down.

Edited by gordonbennet on 21/07/2008 at 22:45

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Tue 22 Jul 2008 18:34
15K and one year in. - Dyane 6 Mehari
The French model XTR had better clearance, a sump guard and a limited slip diff. The UK model didn't - it just looked a bit different.
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