Ease my mind please - to multispace or not?

[nicknameless]

Hi,

Looking to buy a multispace.  Car is to be used as a mountain bike and kit transporter (no family).  Need something that is reliable and has loads of storage space.  Have driven the van version for a couple of weeks and liked it.  Thinking about the multispace instead for a few reasons (won't bother listing).

I am now having cold feet having come across internet reports of berlingos pulling badly to the left and issues with the turbo on the 1.6hdis due to incorrect servicing.

I am currently looking at a 65 plate 100bhp bluehdi.  I am confident of the history with this car so less concerned about the turbo issues but am worried about what I've read about cars pulling to the left and being skittish at the rear round some corners if going over bumps.

Can you set my mind at rest before I take the plunge?  Is a newer berlingo a good bet?

Many thanks in advance,

N.

[cliffy]

I've got a 61 plate multispace and not had these problems. The only issue for me was a noisy front suspension when I bought it (30,000 miles) which was sorted by the garage replacing the rubber washers on the top of the front suspension mountings - probably caused be the bolts being overtightened and splitting the washers. The nice thing for me is if I fold the single back seat forward I can get my full suss (large) mountain bike in the back without taking out the front wheel, so don't need a rack...two bikes go in with the front wheels out. Ace!

[ntm1275]

Mine is a 2010 model and is on 97000 miles and I have none of these issues.

I can fold back one seat and still get in two road bikes without taking off the front wheels

The issue which you describe about the turbo failures due to poor servicing would apply to most turbo diesel cans/vans if they are not serviced regularly.
If the one you are thinking of getting has been serviced at the correct service intervals with the correct oil, then you shouldn't have any problems for many years

[jj9]

If all you guys with bikes rode them instead of putting them in the back of cars and driving them around there would be less congestion on the roads  


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[Matt Haigh]

My 2010 110PS XTR has only 61k miles but going great. I haven't experienced the pulling to one side but like you I was concerned about the reports I'd read before I purchased it. You'll also be aware of the "normal" suspension noise over pot-holed roads, particularly at lower speeds. Both of these are things you can test drive and try before you buy. 
In addition to the well-documented regular servicing issue, the type of driving you are going to be doing affects the suitability of the diesel engine, if you are going to be doing regular dual-carriageway/motorway drives then your catalyst will regenerate as intended, if you won't be doing these drives then the diesel may not be so suitable for you.
No doubt that its a great vehicle for carrying bikes, (up to three riders, three kits and three bikes, wheels-on), I love mine and hope to upgrade to a more recent model in a year or so. 

Matt

[nicknameless]

Thanks guys. Do loads of mileage (20kish per annum) and will service properly so not as concerned about the turbo issues.

Reading all the threads about vehicles pulling badly is giving me the most worries.

I suppose an extended test drive of a variety of roads is needed then? Just thought that as this is supposed to be an assembly issue affecting some cars that it should have been rectified with more recent cars (e.g. the 65 plate I am considering)?

Many thanks.

[polar]

The engines are sound but you do need to test drive one - you never know you may hate it!?

[nicknameless]

The engines are sound but you do need to test drive one - you never know you may hate it!?

Have driven a 17 plate van for a couple of weeks so presuming the MPV is not that much different?

[Gravity]

The Multispace has more rear weight than the van, and gives a more supple ride.
My Multispace now also has the weight of my camper conversion, with kit, more-or-less permanently installed, and the ride and handling has improved with this extra weight.

My other car is a Mercedes coupe, which rides and handles very well, so I make daily comparisons as I regularly drive both. The Berlingo compares well. No real complaints, even though we've nicknamed it Tinjelly!

Gravity

[Matt Haigh]

Thanks guys.  Do loads of mileage (20kish per annum) and will service properly so not as concerned about the turbo issues.

Reading all the threads about vehicles pulling badly is giving me the most worries.

I suppose an extended test drive of a variety of roads is needed then?  Just thought that as this is supposed to be an assembly issue affecting some cars that it should have been rectified with more recent cars (e.g. the 65 plate I am considering)?

Many thanks.

The only time that I thought my car might be pulling to one side (phobia brought on by reading forums) was on motorways where the slight bend and camber across the carriageway made me question my own car, but after several 000's of miles I'm convinced it drives straight although the N/S rear tyre wore slightly unevenly, wearing the outside edge more than the rest of the tyre and more than the other three which wore evenly.