Citroën Berlingo (1998 - 2009) 1.9 D Forte 5d (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I am boring. I only have it as it is cheap to run

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They think it's practical. They love it when they need help with DIY or picking up a washing machine. However, their egos say they would not want to borrow it or be seen in it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would only buy a better model with sunroof/lockers and a more powerful diesel engine. It has been an OK car and the 1.9 non-turbo engine is bulletproof. Some of those van engines are known for 300,000 miles. It's been an OK car with the usual odd Citroen problem, but overall for me apart from the normal consumables like tyres, exhaust, timing belt, glow plugs it's actually been a good car for 6 years of ownership. It owes me nothing now.

What are you likely to buy next?

Similar type of "multibox" semi-van type car. It's the best type of car for modern family living.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,100

When did you buy the car?

April 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not bad at that time.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Doing up houses and DIY.

What was the dealer like?

Surprised I wanted to actually buy it.

What's it like to drive?

Uninspiring. Slow. Non-turbo diesel is slow and boring. If you potter about picking up kids and drive around at 40-50 mph then it's pretty good. On a motorway and hills you realise it is a slow car. Sidewinds you feel. However you always know it will do the job and get you there no matter what the passenger and trailer load! It will cruise at 75mph, 60mph cruising isn't bad. If you're always in a rush, don't buy one of these. Steering is OK, it goes roughly in the direction you point it, for the performance of the thing it's not bad. Brakes are fine except the squeak from the rear brakes on sunny days. It pulls not too bad, but you do have to work the gears if you're in a hurry. Most of the time there is little need to rev, it pulls well from 1,500tpm.

What's it like to park?

It parks fine. It's big inside but it's not any bigger than other cars out there. Steering lock could be better though. Sliding doors are brilliant but slightly fragile at the mechanism and will puzzle your passengers.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The drive belt (fan belt) burst due to the spring tensioner failing.

What's most practical about your car?

Internal size is great for DIY jobs, camping, kids dogs, - a very practical workhorse that you don't really care much for. Put the seats down and you have got a decent van. I have carried a scooter and a motorcycle in mine when moving house!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Gadget? What Gadget - mine has a radio only. Suppose I would recommend one that had the big glass sunroofs and lockers in the roof if I was buying again.