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Any pics and real world experiences, any niggles and day to day experiences of either the Partner Combi or Berlingo? (2008-)
Is the 1.6HDI the best to go for or is a petrol a good option?
2005 2.0HDI owner here, 130,000 miles and starts first time, no rust and drives zippy enough for me. I cut my teeth on a 2CV - these are very much the modern equivalent. Very functional.
2007 1.6hdi berlingo, 95000 miles.
Serviced as per manual (every 12,500). I do an extra oil change at halfway point and after a blast I will slow down and cruise/idle etc before switching off - this *apparently* helps reducing turbo failure.
For
- load/space usability
- economy (50ishmpg on ruralish commute @ish speed limit)
- so far no issues and MOT fails on consumables only (brakes/tyres etc)
- I find it comfy on long journeys (but there are limited adjustments)
Against
- lacks oomph for A rd overtaking
- corner rolls when 'making progress'
- mine has a cassette player ...
Really pleased so far and assuming it gets to 130/140 with no majors that'll be moneysworth. I'd certainly have another one as it's just such a practical vehicle (3 house moves, extenssive garden to tip, holidays carrying motorbikes/bikes/surfboards etc - so much better than the Pug 306 tetris I used to have to play to get stuff in).
2005 1.6 HDI Blingo from new here. I've got the modutop one with blacked out windows (pimp my popemobile!), so lots of cubby holes, a proper mobile bike shed. The Berlingo forum is a good source for info and tips.
(some of the things might have changed for 2008+)
+ points space, practical, MOT failures have been for normal consumables, reasonable MPG and servicing, Parts are reasonable if you don't go to Main dealer for them, also plenty in the scrappies now.
It's normal car size so it's easy to park in towns etc without having to look for 1.5 x spaces as you would in a van or estate.
Rear door is a brilliant shelter for post- ride changing, chats, drinks etc
-ve points. thin material so it dents easily, trim and fittings are a bit flimsly. Things like the plastic inner wings, plastic sump guard etc are fitted with shitty clips.
Both sliding door handles broke (now considered MOT failure) and Citreon wanted £250 each for new assemblies. Searched the berlingo forum and turned out it was a £5 pin from ebay and 30 mins time to fix.
Steering was getting a bit stiff and again the berlingo forum came up trumps, some white grease on the UJ solved.
My ECU flooded, but I suspect the Citreon garage jet washed my engine and I had to replace it. Citreon wanted £1200, managed to source a 2nd hand one for £200.
Spare wheel is kept in the basket under the rear of the vehicle. Means that it gets exposed to all sorts of road stuff and can seize up. Smother in grease or something so that when you need to change your wheel yo dont need to call out the AA 🙂
Doesn't like mud or snow.
A perfect 'SUV' for me and managed a couple of house moves and a house build. Now as a 2nd car, but I'll definately get another when this one dies.