New to Berlingos - what to look for?

[bingoSeeking]

Hi All,

Currently looking at a Berlingo Multispace either to replace my existing 2016 polo or as a second car. Looking for some advice on price vs age/mileage when looking. I'm looking at a B9 and not sure what represents a sensible point of entry. Polo is currently used for a 40 mile round trip commute by my other half, who obviously values the reliability of a relatively new, low mileage(just under 30k) motor. The reasoning behind a berlingo is to have something I can pop bikes in really easily without having to put them on a roof and that will also allow me not to worry when leaving them unattended. Originally looking at vans, but the multispace is so much cheaper to tax/insure for me. 


There are currently a few that are peeking my interest. An older guy selling up due to needing an auto and looking for £1500 for an 08 with 50k miles. Panels have taken a bit of a beating but the MOT history ain’t too bad. Looks like he’s used it as a general load lugger. Not sure how much history may go along with it, but it might be nearly cheap enough not to be too worried, especially as a second car. 

Then 2 others, which are about double that. A 2011 XTR with 118k miles and a full MOT that sounds pretty well looked after with timing belt and water pump done at 93k (2018) and 2 front springs, nearside side top mount, 2 wishbone bushes, new front disc and pads, rear pads and a nearside ball joint all done for the recent MOT in Feb. So sounds a fairly well maintained motor as long as that can all be backed up with receipts.Pictures make it look in good condition too. There is one more at nearly an identical age/mileage/price but the history isn’t as compelling. 

Then finally a 2016 with 71k miles going for £5900 which does also look in decent nick, although a good bunch higher than the other options and would have to be a replacement for the Polo. 

Or go even more expensive and get something newer/lower mileage. What are people's thought on the best entry point to a berlingo? Also any tips on what to look out for etc. 

[bikerbaker]

Difficult choice whether to replace your Polo or buy a Berlingo as a 2nd car but I'd go for a Multispace or Partner Teepee every time whatever you decide.

I bought my Multispace at a year old in 2005, would have bought new but the 2.0Hdi had been discontinued. I've had no reason to replace it as it does everything that I need well and always has.

If it was me (and it may be sometime) I'd go for an XTR as it has all the bells and whistles including the opening rear window. I hired one for a fortnight in France and it was very helpful when shopping and someone parks too close to open the tailgate. I have always towed with my car and this feature would be great when hooked up . This was an option on lower spec cars in the UK but is quite rare I think. It's your money but I'd take my time and spend the extra to get something with a good history and the highest spec.

[Sol]

Also the 08 version has the older turbo design (Called "Le turbo d'explosions" - or "Le turbo qui explose" in French ) - prone to failure if certain servicing requirements are not carried out - frequent oil changes and removal of the gauze in the turbo oil feed for a start, as well as ensuring the injector seals aren't leaking and are actually tight - this contributes to the sudden loss of the turbo too on the early designs from carbon contamination of the oil.

The XTR will probably have the later design turbo (if it has a felt engine cover and not a plastic one with Citroen on it), better injector clamps that don't come loose, and way better extras as BB says above. Slight shame about the miles, as it will be complaining on the dash that it needs a new DPF around 100k, and the Eolys pouch will need replaced (DPF cleaning fluid) at the same mileage - I'd ask if the DPF had been recently cleaned, or replaced, is it still fitted (needs to be for MOT reasons - smoke test fail if not) and has it had a new FAP/DPF Eolys pouch (FAP is French for DPF)

(Eolys is the precursor for AdBlue which the much later ones have >2015)

[theraginganarchist]

My only real advice would be to not jump too quickly unless you really feel like you need one soon. If you are looking at multispaces, then wait for a really good one.

The advantage of multispaces is that a lot of old folk who don't drive much own them, the big advantage of buying from someone older is they tend to take them to the main dealer every year for servicing.

Having brought a 2013 last year I do feel there are better deals to be had then the ones you listed, as long as your not in too much of a rush. I appreciate the S.E probably has more choice than Scotland.

Test drive a few over priced ones from a dealer while social distancing is in place (you will be alone and most won't care how long you take) you will then get a good feel for how they drive and what feels wrong on bad ones. This also means you will be in a much better place to decide what trim level/age/mileage you would prefer.

Another tip is to put the registration of one you are thinking about into autotrader and it will give you trade in prices and suggested private selling prices, this will give you a good idea of what the seller should be asking.

Best of luck in your hunt, I went from a Seat Ibiza to a multispace last summer so was in a very similar position as you.

[bingoSeeking]

Thanks all. Sounds like it's a good idea to wait out for at least a newer model. What age do the more reliable turbos start from?

I'm in no real hurry so probably right to watch the market, hopefully as lockdown eases we'll see more appear.

Any suggestions on what you would look for if buying another one, price/age/mileage?

[Sol]

Mine is a 2012, has the later turbo and injectors, Bluetooth hands free, sat nav and parking sensors - was £5k a year ago with 60k on it and one owner from new. If I hadn't wanted a van at the time, I'd say the XTR multispace is the one to go for. I think the later turbos were from 2012 onwards.

[Matt Haigh]

You will find low-mileage Multispaces come up as they are often run on the Mobility scheme and changed after 3 years. It really pays to carefully study the trim level / standard options / optional extras. A lower trim level may seem a bargain but if you come to fit the missing features (eg roof rails, individual rear seats, centre storage box) later it can be costly, and it will always be the lower value model when you come to sell it.
In the end you are always going to be juggling age, mileage, trim level and condition.
Good luck with your search.

[theraginganarchist]

Thanks all. Sounds like it's a good idea to wait out for at least a newer model. What age do the more reliable turbos start from?

I'm in no real hurry so probably right to watch the market, hopefully as lockdown eases we'll see more appear.

Any suggestions on what you would look for if buying another one, price/age/mileage?

Similar story to Zion.

Late 2013 Multi-space purchased July 2020. 40,000miles 1 owner from new, full dealership service history £5350. Private seller was asking £5500 it was in pristine condition too (before I got my hands on it)

From extensive research beforehand I felt this was a fair price, not cheap but since the internet I don't think there are any real bargains around unless you want to risk auctions.

Feel free to pick the brains of the wealth of knowledge on here, I did a fair bit of research before buying one, I will admit I don't know a great deal about the technical side of Citroens but have found the folks on here to be very responsive.

[theraginganarchist]

If looking at circa 2013 XTRs make sure you try the "touchscreen" interface. I test drove one and found it to be worse than useless to be honest, wouldn't connect to phone very well and was unresponsive and ugly. I considered it would be a pig to replace tidily so he fact that the lower trim levels had a standard DIN head unit was actually enough for me to forgo the roof bars, tints, tailgate window, and centre console the XTR would have offered.

Appreciate this is personal preference but it might be something you overlook on a quick test drive but will haunt you in the first few weeks of ownership.

[Gryffindor]

I can add one more bit of advice - don't restrict your search to your area/region. Look nationally and factor in the extra costs as part of the purchase. At the front end, look into getting a thorough inspection by an independent mechanic. At the back end, there are people who will collect and deliver cars, or you could go by train and make a mini-touring hol out of driving it home.