Anyone use a multispace for bikes etc?

I’m looking to buy a cheap one. Namely the 2004-08 mk1 face-lift.
Everyone I’ve spoke to has slated me for it but hey!

Ideally a modutop.
Air con seems scarce??? Do you boil without it?
Is it good for two bikes in the back?
Which engine? I prefer dervs. 2.0 or 1.6, both have same power???
Forte or desire? What’s the difference?
Anything else to look out for?
Also looking a similar age partner combis though they never seem to have the modutop…

Ta.

desire is 1 up from base spec rarely has aircon (infact im not sure you can even spec it)

forte a bit posher often has aircon and armrests

2 bikes in the back is what it was built for – easily swallows 3.

the 2.0Derv would be my choice from a reliability stance – 1.6 has maintainance issues

Look out for rear stub axles(the bearings colapse and the top of wheel starts to sag inwards- youll see excess wear on inner edge of anything bar a brand new tire and steering leaks.

also why do you want modutop – they make it a pain to get complete bikes in so youll probably want to take the front wheel out or youll end up breaking the modutop (if it isnt already broken – be sure to test it well)

two bikes in the back is very easy indeed
Four is hardly a struggle they are massive

No air con is only really an issue if you are not moving – when moving its ok but not brilliant

Engine is under powered* but relatively economical

* doe snot really accelerate bit shit in the steep hills of the lakes but gets up everything

mine is a regular desire, no aircon, but does have aircon and all the modutop stuff.

2.0HDI, very van-like to drive. agricultural is how i would describe it.

when i ws looking the 1.6HDI could be found in a lower ropad tax, i think, but those engines need religiously scheduled oil changes with the correct oil.

one bike in the back on issues with rear seats up, 2 very easily with rear seats down.

I’ve had my 2002 1.6 multispace for years now.
It’s just the best car ever.

I couldn’t give a toss about speed but it’ll happily cruise fully loaded at 80 all day.

I’ve taken mine on two 3-week long Euro road trips. 3 of us, 3 bikes and camping gear.
Spot on.
I fitted it out for each trip with a false floor and bike stands and also a roof box to keep the tents away from the bikes.

They’re just brilliant utility cars.
The only thing I’d change is to make the load space a foot longer.

You can get average bikes in with wheels on diagonally, but not straight. Front wheel off for that.

Why anyone drives anything else I don’t know… 😀

mine is a regular desire, no aircon, but does have aircon

A Citroen Schrodinger? 😆

They’re just brilliant utility cars.
The only thing I’d change is to make the load space a foot longer

Which is pretty much what Citroen did for the mk3 as well as slightly wider

2005 Modutop here. Had it since new and it’s a brilliant mobile shed for bikes. I can get one bike in with wheels on, two with the front wheels off.

2002 facelift 2.0 Hdi here. Brilliant car.

Echo points made above, easy 3 bikes with front wheel off. I don’t have Aircon and it seems fine to me in the UK.

I’d definitely recommend one.

Had a 2.0 HDi Peugeot Partner Escapade for ages, never going to win any style awards but brilliantly practical.

I mostly run it with double seat in rear taken out, so can fit 3 people, 3 bikes complete, camping gear and a lot of Belgian beer (as i found out recently) in there.

Engine is pretty economical, comfortable for long journeys and despite engine size, cheap to insure as most owners are 87 or mobility users.