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I put this is the chat forum by mistake but its going to be a bike van so i'll put it here too for more info
I have an astra estate at the minute but these camper conversions have got me thinking. Amdro make one that looks excellent and the thread on here also looked the business. From what I've read they seem cheap to repair and run etc i was just wondering if anyone had one and what they think of it? What fo they do mpg wise? I normally head to the alps each year so what are peoples experience when fully loaded? I know they're far from 'cool' but they genuinely look like an amazingly practical vehicle.
I've had a Citroen popemobile from new since 2005 and its been a great workhorse for me. i initially bought it for biking and it was a great road trip load lugger. I stopped biking for a bit to work on my house, and the van was excellent for runs to building yards for material. Its now at the stage where I'm spending a wee bit of money on it every year to put it through its MOT- nothing major, just the usual things like wipers, cv joint, exhaust etc.
The door pins went a couple of years for the sliding doors and Citroen were wanting something like £150 per door. I got to pins from ebay for a £10. Also the ECU had to be replaced due to water ingress (strangely enough after a Citroen dealer service where I suspect they jet washed the engine). Citroen wanted £1500 for it. Managed to source one from a scrappy for £150 and its been fine for the past 2 years.
One criticism would be the metal in the body work is paper thin. I don't think I have a panel that doesn't have a ding in it.
I've had a few over the last few years and they're are spot on as a bike van. I currently have a crew cab version, 3 bike plus kit and riders in no problems.
Had a Berlingo for 10 years and never put a foot wrong. I had it serviced annually.
Only sold it to buy a full size camper van otherwise would have kept it.
Berlingo = very practical, useable space & corners like its on snails
I've only had mine (multispace) two months. In that time I've had all manner of stuff loaded into it, bikes, building stuff, stuff to take to the tip and it's bloody brilliant. Loads of room. I can put two bikes in the boot with wheels off and not have to faff on with putting seats down. Ridiculously practical for kiddie/family stuff as well.
You'll hear horror stories about the 1.6HDi engine but from what I can gather as long as they are looked after it won't be a problem.
I bought my Partner Combi new in 2001 . its now done 187000 miles . been a great van . I`d buy another no question
The 1.9/2.0 HDI engine is bombproof. Fairly noisy/tractor like but my Pug 306 has done 250k hard miles with only one pulley going and 2 clutch cables
2011 Partner here 1.6D 92bhp I think.
Been flawless so far at 30,000 miles (we bought with 1,000 on the clock).
47mpg on the school run, 53 or more everywhere else.
Drove to the Alps last year 4-people fully loaded with no issues. Drove steady and still did 53mpg.
They can fit a whole bike in with one seat down, which I really like.
You can fit bikes in just the boot too, with no seats down and both wheels off.
I use an Atera Strada rack on the back, so the bikes clear the large tailgate. That's been good too, although If I could confim a Thule would clear the boot, I'd get one of those.
We got the sunroof version, which would be more of a pain for camping, but they offer a lot of nice hideyholes for storing family stuff.
Large mirrors and flat back make manouvering easier - that's one of the reasons we bought it instead of a large estate.
Roof a little high for putting bikes on, unless you use a large folding step.
You have to take care when packing, as you need to use the full height to make it practical, so it's always worth having some stackable objects. We also bought a cheap ebay cargo elastic to stop stacked things falling into the rear seats.
Berlingo Multispace here....2.0 diesel. New in Jan 2001. We have had a few minor issues but nothing you wouldn't expect after 150,000 miles or so. It just keeps on going. I think it is fair to say, it doesn't owe us a penny.
My main criticism, and it is one I have experienced with Citroens since my folks got their first one in the late 1070s, is that the paintwork is pants. Look at it slightly angrily and it scratches.
love mine - berlingo 2009 1.6 petrol (due to the turbo on my diesel eating it's self!!)
see this thread here:
http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/berlingo-camperday-van-modular-slot-in-units-stage-1
I had a 59 plate Multispace as a company car. Did about 100k over 3 year in it. It was the 1.6hdi 90bhp vtr model.
Pro - space, space! Few other cars compete with a 3000 ltrs load vol with the seats out. Used to just sleep in the van rather than bother with a tent. I found the ride and handling fine - just have to remember what you're driving.
Cons - resale very poor. Thin panels so does show its age.
All our cars are assessed when they are sent back against an industry guide. Mine had so many small dents, chips, scratches etc the car was written off as uneconomical to repair! Which was a shock.
Over 100k all it had was routine serving and tires. Single issue I had was with the central locking and a switch or motor failed in the drivers door at about 40k. Quickly identified and fixed by the dealer.
Now drive a Volvo estate - really miss the space 🙁
oh and @ Alex with a Thule 3 bike rack could not open the boot. The 'tilt' and bracket in the way. Always wanted the Strada DL but could not justify swapping.
Camping in the lakes at the weekend. A Dutch family (5) of them had driven all the way in their 05 Berlingo from Holland and had two tents etc etc in there. Amazed how they managed that.
Had a 2002 1.4 petrol Partner for a couple of years/20,000 miles. Servicing it was easy enough and it's a great little car.
I bought an A6 estate to replace it, but am now selling the A6.
Always use them as cheap hire cars when riding abroad.
0-60 in some time, not the gruntiest on the motorway and handles like a sofa. But then if that's what you want, get a BMW 535 and pay the difference.
It does have practicality in spades, loads of room, is comfortable to drive and cheap on fuel, and feels fine slowly wiggling up and down mountain roads - ideal when carting bikes and kit around Spain.
I bought an A6 estate to replace it, but am now selling the A6.
A subtle change then...!
thule clipon 9105 fits with 63cm long mont blanc brackets
Pimpmaster Jazz - MemberI bought an A6 estate to replace it, but am now selling the A6.
A subtle change then...!
I did have a 911 at the same time too...
The Partner is better for carrying bikes conveniently than the A6, not as fast, more economical, not built as well, has less to go wrong...The usual stuff.
Hmm maybe a replacement for the unreliable scenic
book marked
My folks have had a 2001 Berlingo from new, 2.0hdi. It's coming up to 200k and has had basically nothing go wrong with it, ever. Returns about 55-60mpg typically. The only downside is that the front seats aren't very comfortable (personal preference though, makes me ache but they like it). It's possible to put a couple of bikes in it with the back seats down without even taking the front wheels off, but it is much easier if you do.
The 2.0 HDI is nice and torquey as well, fairly nippy for a 'van'.
I've had a Pug Partner Combi 1.9 TDI since '03 and done 140k miles in it.
2 x clutches, 2 x exhausts, CV joints, etc,and a regular servicing is pretty much the standard.
Being able to take all the seats out and get lots of bikes and kit in makes it a great choice as a [s]pope[/s] bike mobile / mini camper ...
As others have said, like many French cars & vans, the body work can look pretty tired quite quickly.
But I'd buy another ...
love my new shape 09, see my previous posts for more info.
All you need to know is pull out 2 back seats, then 3 people + 3 bikes wheeled in with wheels on and off you go.
oh and @ Alex with a Thule 3 bike rack could not open the boot. The 'tilt' and bracket in the way. Always wanted the Strada DL but could not justify swapping.
Thanks for making me feel better! I think it must have been a 2-bike rack that someone had told be worked.
I've had a 1.9 non turbo van version and now have 2.0 HDI car (or Can as my daughter calls it, half van, half car).
Despite the odd rude comment about it, such as does a ramp come out the back, they are ideal bike vehicles, as above, 3 people and 3 bikes in easily with just front wheels off (my 2004 model) and still enough space for camping gear.
Engines themselves are reliable if well serviced, electrics can be typically french.
One thing is they are cheap to insure, not many 2.0 turbos that are insurance group 5 (Due to the average drivers age being about 80)
such as does a ramp come out the back
Such people tend to drive fantastic sports cars as Mondeo, Focus or Octavia.
Have no idea if they are any good or not but Citroen are obviously trying hard to attract the bike market. I saw one at the weekend that was badged up as an XTR. And it wasn't a an Ebay sticker, it was a proper chrome and multi coloured injection moulded jobbie.
I drive a berlingo XTR 😉
Great car for bikes and kids etc. No issues so far and drives OK.
My 1.4 partner is in getting it's MOT right now. Failed on a wheel bearing,brake pipe and a few bulbs but I think the exhaust is on the way out. The indicator stalk is a bit poor and indicating right more often than not turns full beam on. Not sure if they spotted this bit :O/ Edit: If it's driven granda style, gently brought up to the speed limits and always sticking to the limits, I think it return's 40-42ish. After that it suffers so maybe diesel options would be more suited.
135k+ on it so it's not too bad. It's got 106 gti alloys on it which gives Scotroutes stitches when he see's it ;O)
such as does a ramp come out the back
Such people tend to drive fantastic sports cars as Mondeo, Focus or Octavia.
that's true.
07 hdi multispace here. Great practical car, except I do find the drivers seat uncomfortable on long drives.
I've had a 1.4 for 18 months, and I hate to admit it, but i love the ugly bugger.
the 2.0 diesel gives more power and way better economy, but thats about the only thing i would change.
Bought it jan 2013, passed an mot in jan 2014 with just a couple of tyres. Nothing has gone wrong, and with the twin rear seat removed, I can take 2 mates biking with 2 DH bikes and 3 4x bikes in relative comfort.
When this one dies, I'll get a 2.0
2.0 HDI owner here, and I love my Pope mobil. Perfect for my needs and plenty fast enough. The narrow width is a plus. Awesome ugly vehicle for people who have hobbies. I have an "Old Guys Rule" sticker on mine just to confirm the stereotype.
Plus - things that go wrong - internal bulbs/ heater fan can be fixed DIY style if you google the problem.
Loving mine too I guess, great for bikes and carting stuff around. Anyone else find they are rather noisy on the road tho?
Anyone else find they are rather noisy on the road tho?
Quiet engines, but I think the boxiness really amplifies the tyre noise. I agree - it's one of the downsides compared to a mondeo/passat/etc large estate.
[i]Anyone else find they are rather noisy on the road tho? [/i]
With smaller seat removed and no shelf it does seem noisy. I assume it's something to do with the straps holding the bike to the cargo hooks on the floor. A mess of clothes and camping gear in the back quietens it down nicely.
Using mine as a van even tho its the Multispace, so yeah guess the boxiness amplifies sound. I have just invested in some rather expensive sound dampening mats etc, hope that will mellow it down a bit.
Have a look at a FIAT Doblo as an alternative:
Cheaper & even bigger.
Surprisingly fun to drive.
Noisy? oh yes , very. turning up the decent stereo helps. I like the raised ride on my Escapade, huge underbody clearances.
I have a 1.6 petrol multispace, an amdro kit* and and a towbar bike rack. When we just need bikes they go inside. When we want to camp we use the amdro. And when we want to camp with bikes the bike rack goes on with the amdro inside. We toured round Ireland for a couple of weeks quite happily using an awning to dump stuff in while we slept.
Not a looker, not smooth and not quiet. But I wouldn't swop it for anything.
*cash rich time poor pretty much sums me up at the moment. I know it would have been cheaper to come up with a DIY option, but it would have taken years to find the time to actually do it.
any pics hjghg5
Had a 1.9d Peugeot partner - not sure that the quiksilver stuff on it helped add any kudos.
Ran it for several years - used to replace the exhaust and a couple of tyres every couple of years.
Bulletproof, cheap to run, not a car that I ever loved - but I'll get another, but it has to be faster
70mph was thrashing it - 55mph was manageable, wouldn't want to do massive trips in one, I never had the patience. Super noisy on the road.
Slidy doors rule - replaced it with a t5
photos high 5?
Its looking like a 2.0hdi then really isn't it. Prefer the look or the Peugeot's probably too. I need to have a look at some but i really think this is a goer
Just got a 2007 one a few weeks ago and we're loving it so far. Took it to France and got loads of stuff in there including enough distractions to keep the baby entertained. Even got my bike in there though it was an Airnimal.......
So is it possible to put a 2 bike rack on the back?
They are so good we have two! Got the 1.9D (no turbo version) and the 2.0 HDi version. The 1.9 is slow but v. cheap and reliable. The 2.0HDi is faster but very cheap and reliable.
They are huge inside. Our record is 4 bikes (2 x road and 2 x mtb) and all the stuff for a two week holiday in the Alps... all with the rear seats still up (for sleeping on the overnight drive - the footwells in the rear were stuffed with clothes though). We cruised down at 80 mph all the way (HDi one!). We did do the same trip in the 1.9D once... we 'cruised' at 65mph!
We're selling the 1.9D as we can't fit our kiddyback tandem inside and still have one seat up in the back (see Classifieds, pm me if you're interested). We've got a 1.9 Tdi T5 panel van which is bigger, faster than the 1.9D and slower than the 2.0Hdi.
Birdage - yes it's possible to put a 2 bike rack on the back. No problem. We didn't obscure the numberplate or lights.
OP - just seen you might come from near Preston.
If you need a decent Citroen dealer then Rigbyes at Eccleston are great - the only car dealer I've ever found a pleasure to visit. Family owned (almost all the employees are the same family), zero staff turnover, good rates for parts and labour and regularly wins dealer of the year award.
We've used them for 20 years, and on the one occasion when things did go wrong they had the skills to do proper fault finding (rather than randomly throwing parts at it) and then did a very decent deal to sort things out when we decided to change the vehicle (it was a Nemo that went sick - never had any problems with the 1.6 HDI or the earlier XUDs).
The Preston Peugeot dealer is also good with a very keen mtber on the staff.
my blingo ready for a roadtrip- 5 bikes and luggage.
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my berlingo van has done 200,000 with little worry
Why all the hate for the lil diesel chugger.
My 1.9 dw8 did 130kph almost all the way from the dutch border to alpe dhuez last week....,and did 800k at 130kph yesterday wih little effort.
Getting it there took time but once wound up it maintained it well without the temperature shooting up- it ws 3750 rpm though 🙂
Id have a 2.0hdi if my time came again. 8v engine roughtly based on old 1.9td from the 306. Bomb proof.
On and it did 94mph at the red line on the autobahn when we passed theough germany on the wy to catch the tour.
my blingo still has muddy hand prints on the a pillars from the time it couldn't get up the hill in herts shore one snowy easter . Grunting & pushing and old carpets and it eventually got there. Froze my bollocks off that weekend but still loved it 😆my berlingo van has done 200,000 with little worry
Bawlocks
As i declare how reliable its been ....just as we were leaving alpe huez it developed a tick/chirp at idle with the belt jumping slightly .....then a chirp at certain revs - then a tick/chirp at all but high revs.
How ever she made it back to aberdeen and now im off to find the cause.....
Either the crankshaft damper , the aux tensioner , the alternator or the power steering pump has gone queer....or the auto tensioners had it.- had a new belt on it about 5k ago 🙁
Yay for euro carparts being shut on sundays! -
Mine had the rear bumper caved in whilst parked today 🙁 no note or anything.
Thats crap.
I pullled aux belt off.... Started it - no noise
Felt alt/ps pump bearings al good.- all idlers and auto tensioners are rough and the crank shaft pulleys sold.....sliht oil leak from the crankshaft seal but ill live with that since the timing belt has to come off for that.
Checked belt...badly ripped down one side.
Alignment is out on something.
Refitted - no noise...... But the auto tensioners jumping so im going to get a new idlers belt and auto tensioner tomorrow from dayco/ina for it would seem 70 quid