• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Country girl or guy car. Adaptable, independent and robust and reliable. Not afraid of taking a bit of stick with mud, terrain and muddy hounds but you have to remember it is not a 4 X 4!

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

    Most really like it. I have had more good comments about this car than any I have had before. It is a beast with the heart of a pussycat. Many of my neighbours, friends and family have benefitted from it's versatile nature.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes, it is an amazing all rounder from taking stuff to the tip, to bootsales, camping, fishing, dog walking, gardening or small business where space is sometimes required. This car is a magician and can quickly be reverted back into a family car or car for the disabled.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    I am really addicted to these combi's after having standard cars before. They are such useful all rounders.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £4,000

    When did you buy the car?

    May 2009

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    One previous owner, ex disability vehicle and reasonable discount.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Wanted a rugged vehicle large enough to carry dogs.

    What was the dealer like?

    Good

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    It is quite pleasant a bit like a 4 x4 but without the oomph! Quite smooth and reasonable acceleration. Being high up gives a good vision all round, apart from reversing which needs a bit of practice as it can be a bit fiddley judging your rear distance and anything below the rear of the bumper. I find it very comfortable. Starts every time even in freezing weather so very reliable as a whole. A higher speeds a little bit more noiser than a standard car. Typical of van but it's benefits far outweigh any smaller issues.

    What's it like to park?

    Can be a bit awkward reversing into tight spots as the big tall wide rear takes a bit of practice to perfect. You do need to check whats behind you as being higher up things like a bicycle could be overlooked. I can do it ok now but took a bit of practice.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Car has been generally very good. After 6 years of ownership the gears went recently due to rod disconnecting. I did replace the cam belt as a precaution and last year changed the clutch. Overall, it has been a very good reliable vehicle and takes quite of lot of stick ie rough roads and muddy terrain and dogs! The slide doors can get sticky in the freezing weather so WD40 essential. The space is amazing! I have had a 3 seater settee in the back with the seats down. When the hatch door is up you can sit comfortably even in rain as the hatch provides a great umbrella. Good for fishing or picnics or camping! Good view of the road but you need to practice reverse parking as the rear being high can make getting into small spaces a bit fiddley. Having a 1.4 petrol is definitely the best option.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Space and versatility. This car is a great all rounder. Takes dog cages, ideal for boot fairs, camping, fishing, small removals, gardeners and any business that could do with a van but without the hassle. Converts easily back into a family car and cruises quite nicely along motorways. Not ideal for speed freaks. This car is a reliable plodder and all rounder and reasonably cheap to run. The tax on it was a bit more expensive than I hoped for a 1.4 but otherwise I can't fault it.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Large boot storage which converts into a van space wise when seats down and you can sit several people comfortably at the rear with the hatch open whatever the weather for a picnic, fishing or camping. Good effective heater and standard radio,cd. Height gives good vision apart from reversing. Slide doors great for parking on narrow roads, no risk of having door ripped off by passing cars or wind. Great for dog owners.