After four years of non-van ownership, I want the scratch the itch again. Put plainly, I miss having the space and the load carrying ability. Sadly, this is Sweden and I don't miss the cost (in fuel and tax) of the T5, so my sights are set one size down.
This means I have about five broad options:
Fiat Doblo
Ford Connect
Renault Kangoo/Nissan NV200
Citroen Berlingo /Peugot Partner
VW Caddy
Price is about the 5k mark, obviously the newest/cheapest/lowest mileage I can find.
The Caddys are a bit of a non-starter. As much as I know and like the VW style and ergonomics, the engine is bigger than I need and economy is a bit poor. Fiat, well... not common and I am not sure about the reliability really. Connect I kind of like, but know nothing about them other than the T230 LWB seems like a good fit.
The others? NV 200 and Renault share the same 1.5 engine (I think) and has good economy. The Nissan looks like a proper van that shrank in the wash, but I can live with that. Berlingo and Partner, well, open to feedback.
With those options, what would people recommend? I know that I'll be taking on some risk with the price/age, so cheap/easy to fix would be nice.
Nissan I think has a poor safety rating if that matters to you.
My son drives a Kangoo. He has done nothing but abuse it and it’s now showing it’s age at about 100k (miles), but it’s been a good buy for him. Little 1.5 is economical, would never call it refined and I don’t find the driving position very comfortable (my son has no issue and toured round UK and Ireland in it.)
At that price range you are likely to find a 1.6hdi in the Peugeot/Citroën which isn't the most reliable lump. The Renault 1.5 dCi has a good reputation as does the 1.6 petrol/ethanol if you can find one - the Maxi is impressively big inside. The others - don't know.
Id buy one that comes in combi format or even car version.
Various reasons but mainly it's the best of both worlds.
I like Berlingos and partners - we have had 3. Previous two we sold on just shy of 150k each with minimal issues at 13 and 15 years old.
Our current ones on 65k and other than tires and brakes and a windscreen it's needed nothing. 1.6hdi which is a bit asthmatic but it suits the car. It's not a car you'll be going fast in.
Only other one I'll comment on is don't buy a connect unless you can weld.
First, can I suggest that the title be changed, some van owners will pass this by 🙂
The others? NV 200 and Renault share the same 1.5 engine (I think) and has good economy. The Nissan looks like a proper van that shrank in the wash, but I can live with that
I've had an NV200 for a few years. Vans often don't have air-con, etc so think carefully about what you want in the cabin, but it varies by trim-level with Nissan.
I've left the OEM mpg indicator alone for four years and it's settled at 43.5 mpg. In the UK it's classed as car-derived with car speed restrictions.
The NV200 is small and has a low rear door threshold, 524mm above ground-level, which makes loading easier, as do side doors on both sides.
The 2.04m of load space is only within a few cm of floor level, so you can fit two Euro-pallets in but I'd think that a load of two cubic Euro pallets wouldn't fit with the doors closed. Payload is max 795kg, but that will depend on the base vehicle before you load it, e.g. racking, ply-lining, etc.
Unladen, it's 1860mm high and fits in most car parks and parking spaces.
Nissan I think has a poor safety rating if that matters to you
It's essentially a 2009 design, but improvements have been made over the years. ABS, EBA, EBD, Nissan VDC, etc are standard on mine, but be aware that passenger airbags aren't standard until you reach Tekna trim. The tests change which is why Euro-NCAP certification expires; my 1979 Mini would be poor
A mate's 16-plate Connect is nicer in the cabin, but his passenger seat isn't as nice because it has to do some trickery to carry a ladder. You need an optional bulkhead/seat to do the same for the Nissan, roof bars are simpler 🙂
@timba Good call about the title, I could have sworn I added “vans” in the title when I started writing…
One of our neighbours has an NV200 EV version and rates it, which is why it’s on the list, but with the diesel motor. If I am honest, I would like something with a petrol/ethanol engine, but that is moon onna stick territory. All the vans listed as “miljö” fuel here are petrol/CNG and that’s another world of complication.
I think I’m going to need to get some tyre kicking booked up. I want to see how I feel about a Berlingo compared to the Nissan.
In the UK it’s classed as car-derived with car speed restrictions.
Which car chassis is it derived from ? Also listed as 2040kg fully laden which would make me nervous to claim the above.
Which car chassis is it derived from ? Also listed as 2040kg fully laden which would make me nervous to claim the above
It's their B platform... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault-Nissan_B_platform
I'm the first to agree that it doesn't look like any car that I've ever seen 🙂 but Nissan has declared that and my V5 agrees
As to GVW it's 2000kg, your source might be confusing the 2040mm floor length figure
