Thinking of buying a 2016 Multispace Blue Hdi XTR.

[pidgeonpost]

Hello all,

We've been to look at a used Berlingo today. It's a 2016 Multispace Blue Hdi Extra Automatic according to the advert with just under 70k on the clock. It has some service history, but not all.
We're sniffing the bait but would like your opinions on a couple of things.

First the auto box (which also has paddle shift). Are they generally reliable, do they need regular fluid changes etc? It feels quite different to my previous auto too.

Second is the Eco/start-stop system. I found this disconcerting on the test drive, but guess I might get used to it. I understand that you can switch it off temporarily, though not permanently. How long does 'temporarily' last?

Third, the drop-down storage box above the load-area has a broken catch. The box latches OK on the right but needs fiddling with on the left to get it to hold. Might need the whole lid replacing I guess? 

Finally, for this post, what's the cam belt life on that model please? 

We're still running our 2006 Multispace which we've had for 10 years, but the tech has obviously moved on a bit since then. 

P. S. Does anyone know of an online VIN decoder that gives the build sheet please?

[pidgeonpost]

As I've been inundated with replies and advice    I thought I'd post again to say we didn't buy it. Nice car, decent spec but neither of us liked the stop/start or the auto.

[Matt Haigh]

So you've not bought that one but my two-penneth anyway. I've been quite happy with the stop start on my 2016 Blue HDI 100PS manual, has always restarted immediately when expected but I don't know whether its any different on the auto which I have no experience of. When you talk about storage bins over the load area I assume you are looking at a Modutop? I've no experience of them either.

[pidgeonpost]

So you've not bought that one but my two-penneth anyway. I've been quite happy with the stop start on my 2016 Blue HDI 100PS manual, has always restarted immediately when expected but I don't know whether its any different on the auto which I have no experience of. When you talk about storage bins over the load area I assume you are looking at a Modutop? I've no experience of them either.

Hi Matt - no, that one wasn't for us, sadly. I'm sure sure we'd have got used to the stop/start, but that coupled with the auto just tipped the balance the wrong way. I wouldn't mind trying another auto as this one did feel odd in reverse.
Yes, Modutop was the word. On our 2006 car the rear locker, which is at head height and accessible from the boot/load area, is quite substantially made. The one on the XTR we looked at was less robust and had paid the price. 
This has made us look again at our current Berlingo. It's been such a good car for us.