Desire or Forte?

[sera]

Hi,

I've decided to go for my first Berlingo. I've test driven an 06 desire 1.6HDI diesel and loved it. However, I've seen an 08 Forte 1.6HDI 16v diesel for the same price but it's far away so haven't been able to test drive or even see inside it.

What's the difference? I read somewhere that the Desire has a sunroof and forte doesn't. If that's the only difference, then I'm going to go for the 08 forte as I'm not bothered about a sunroof. Are all the storage compartments etc the same on both? Can't seen to find interior pics.

Hope you can help me. Thanks in advance!

[ffrenchie]

Desire is a Modutop isn't it ? If so it will have more storage compartments in the roof section.

[Trevor]

The trim lever is higher on the Desire models, but you can get the same trim on a Forte model as an extra.
A sunroof on a 06 model would be very rare, as ffrenchie says you are most likely talking of a modutop. With a modutop you get extra storage as it has lockers built in.

Whatever you go for make sure you get a full service history, so you know when jobs like the cambelt have been changed.

[tucker]

There are quite a few differences. I can't recall all of them, but:

Modutop - with all the storage compartments
Comfort pack - arm rests, rear meal trays etc
CD player instead of cassette (not sure when that changed)
Fog lights

There maybe more, but I can't remember.

[Opensauce]

Your choice between the 2 cars should be all about service history. If you are buying a 1.6hdi then you need a full main dealer service history or leave it. Absolutely essential on these engines that correct oil has been used changed at 12.5k miles interval or 1yr whichever first. A main dealer service history should prove that.

If both have good service histories then go for the Forte imo, on an older car the less 'bits' you have the less to go wrong.

[mikep1973]

I disagree about buying a Forte because there's less to go wrong.

The bits that break - Comms 2000, Horn/airbag, rear wiper sliding door catches etc are common to all models of M59 Berlingos. The stuff the Desire has extra - AC, Modutop, CD player and the comfort pack stuff is perfectly reliable.



Vorsprung berk Technik

[tucker]

I'd get both....

[sera]

There are quite a few differences. I can't recall all of them, but:

Modutop - with all the storage compartments
Comfort pack - arm rests, rear meal trays etc
CD player instead of cassette (not sure when that changed)
Fog lights

So that's the Desire you're talking about? All those things are appealing, so will go for the desire if the forte is an all round more 'basic' model. Thanks!

[sera]

Your choice between the 2 cars should be all about service history. If you are buying a 1.6hdi then you need a full main dealer service history or leave it. Absolutely essential on these engines that correct oil has been used changed at 12.5k miles interval or 1yr whichever first. A main dealer service history should prove that.

If both have good service histories then go for the Forte imo, on an older car the less 'bits' you have the less to go wrong.

Thanks for the advice. Both have full service histories...the 08 Forte is from a garage and the 06 Desire is a private seller. I guess I at least have a bot of warranty from the garage so maybe the Forte is the way to go....

[ron]

Hi & welcome.I have an 07 HDi desire & find the modutop indispensable.All the things that clutter the interior,atlases etc disappear until you need them.As said before,service history is essential.Good luck with whatever you go for.