New member thinking about buying a Berlingo

[Lucky lucy]

Hi.I'm thinking about buying a used citroen berlingo multi space. It's 13 plate. 30,000 miles on the clock.  2 former keepers  body condition ok. Due service and Mot in next couple of months.  Doesn't look like tyres have been recently changed either so I will probably need to get that sorted soon. It's diesel and manual.  It's a private seller.  How much would you guys think is a reasonable price to pay. ?  Also do the rear seatscome out completely. ? The seller doesn't know.
I'm in poor health with not a great deal of money to fork out on repairs so I need a very reliable car that will last at least 7 or more years. I do about 12000 miles local driving a year. No long journeys. How does the Berlingo rate reliability and safety wise. ? I am nota confident driver. 
Sorry for so many questions but I have never bought privately and my old suzuki car has lasted 14 years with no work needed   . Thanks for any help.

[Hora]

Does it have three service stamps minimum?

[lakeside]

I have the 13 reg XTR, like you I do not do many long journeys, once month or so. You may well have the particulate engine light come on as the short trips do not warm it up enough or so I am told; easily sorted by several minutes at speed and/ or high revs for several minutes but it does happen.
Probably over again I should not have bought a diesel but it is a nice vehicle. Diesels have bad press at the moment.

[Solent]

Definately have the vehicle inspected by someone competant AA / RAC etc. It is worth the cost, also I would be looking at having the service and MOT doing before purchase.

I'm assuming the seats are the same as the 2008 model that I had, if so they do come out completely without tools but they are heavy and quite a struggle.

Get the right Berlingo and they are fantastic vehicles but like any car, one that hasn't been looked after needs avoiding.

[patch]

Hi Lucky, I'm also in Hertfordshire whereabouts are you? There are various things to look out for when buying a car. Look at the service history side of things you mention: When was the date of first registration and how many services has the car had/ what where the dates and the mileage on the car at the time. Ideally the car would love an oil change after 8000 miles but it should at least be every 12500 miles or every 12 months whichever is sooner.

The car will probably have a little paperwork showing the receipts/invoice for the services, so have a look at what else was changed (apart from the oil). Items that should have been changed but not done yet should be specified when you take it for the next service, which sounds like is due for its 4th in the next couple of months.

If you would like to keep this nearly 4 year old car for the next 7 years, you really want to make sure that at the very least this young car has started its life by keeping to its minimum service schedule.

The XTR model is the one with three individually removable rear seats.

I agree with the others, if you can afford an rac or aa inspection, it's only a very good thing.
However, for a little bit of extra piece of mind, you may consider buying approved used from Citroen as it comes with a 12 month warranty. Perhaps in connection with a 2012 year car to keep in budget?