Fiat Doblo (2001 - 2010) 1.9 Multijet Dynamic (120bhp) 5d Owner Review

This is the 3rd Doblo we have owned (previous were 105bhp 1.9-litre (30,000 miles/3 years ownership), 85bhp 1.3-litre (80,000 miles/7years). Dobbie3 is the latest, and probably the best. As a complete family holdall, the Doblo is unrivalled. It will cart an enormous amount of stuff to the tip, or five people in comfort, and all their luggage. Two full-sized bikes will fit with the back seats lowered, without removing their wheels. I have always averaged around 45mpg, whichever version - and I live in a hilly area, and drive quickly. Lowland and slower drivers will probably do better. The post-2010 model Doblo is very much larger all round, so less easy to park and drive down narrow lanes. I find it also has a smaller footwell for the driver - there is much more room for big feet in my older version! And I think the newer one looks hideous! The high driving position in the 2009 Doblo is first class (for me), and the view is excellent all round - the only gripe is the lack of reach adjustment for the steering wheel, which can require a straighter-arm position than some may find comfortable. The Doblo is fast enough to keep up with motorway traffic, and the steering is quite direct, with good feel, whilst the roadholding and handling are excellent. This means it is unexpectedly fast along winding A-roads. With 120bhp, Dobbie3 has more power for overtaking, but torque is exactly the same as the other two (200NM), which is sufficient. Brakes are a little soft, but work satisfactorily if you push them hard. The suspension is quite firm, and in the back seats, it can feel harsh. However, all the seats are thick and comfortable. They don't sag, even after many years hard use, and we have no problems driving 300 miles at a stretch. Insurance is very cheap - costs me around £200 p.a. Problems? Not too many, given the hard work our cars do. The 1.3-litre eventually started to suffer a blocked DPF, with associated warning lights, but the main Doblo weaknesses seem to be: windscreen wiper motors can be fragile, cambelts and water pumps are said to need replacing religiously in accordance with Fiat instructions on the 1.9's (or before), (1.3's have timing chains), and the sliding door handles mustn't be forced in frosty weather, or they can break! We change the engine oil and filter every 6 months, which keeps the engine purring. We bought Dobbie3 to keep long term, as a 'modern classic' - though we understand if most people don't see it as that! Look on it as a more modern, more practical Renault-4, and you have the picture.