Merry Christmas all!
Getting fed up with my Combo van breaking down, so looking to change it in the next couple of months. Thing is, I have an idea what I want, but not a clue on where to start looking. A few suggestions to get me started would be ideal.
Basically looking for something cheap and reliable (doesn't have to be fashionable). I also need plenty of room for an XL 29er and a small bike plus kit. Roomy estates, or small/medium vans I'd be looking at. Wouldn't discount pickups or a 4x4, as long as they are reliable.
We don't commute by car, so MPG isn't a massive concern either.
Budget-wise, I'd like to keep it around 2k. I wanted a Nissan Elgrand eventually, but that will have to wait a while longer.
Citroen Berlingo/Peugeot Partner is the general answer to that question.
You could also consider a VW Touran if you wanted something "nicer"
Yeah, I've thought about Berlingo/Partner so could be an option.
I had a Seat Altea Freetrack 4 before this and was always waiting for a big bill (door control module was £350 to replace!). Would a Touran not be liable to throw a big bill out at that price range?
To be honest, the Combo has always been a cheap fix, but I'm just losing trust in it. Seems like one problem is fixed, then something else goes on it. Had an intermittent stutter since I got it, new turbo, starter motor, clutch, fuel sender and a bit of wiring done and now it's not starting again (turning over, but not firing up).
Dad managed to get it started when we visited earlier, but now it won't start again at home.
We went through this a while back. We put aside and brand snobbery and just looked for the best bike/dog hauling vehicle we could find.
We ended up with a Zafira B. We're under no illusions of it being a great car, but it's comfortable, reasonable repair costs and big enough to swallow two bikes, loads if kit and a dog comfortably.
More car like than the berlingo with comfier seats and more usable space than a touran without having to remove and store seats.
VW Touran if you wanted something “nicer”
He said reliable. Its a nice bike carrier though with the addition of the internal bike rack!
Mondeo estate? Nirthwind has one its MASSIVE
Mk1 Skoda Octavia vRS estate 1.8t. The boot is mahoosive, it’s plenty quick enough, reliable and you’ll pick up a nice clean one with a FSH for 2k.
I know this because I’ve just bought my old one back. Found it in a showroom 5 years after I sold it, still in immaculate nick, for the princely sum of £1.5k 😃
My last car was a VAG 2.0T and it got a bit addictive caning it from the lights with the bikes on the roof. Just brings out the hoodlum in me 🙂
I must admit, I've fancied a nice big estate for a while. A cheap one could probably scratch the itch until I can afford a nice Elgrand. Mondeo is a good shout josh, lots about too!