How much do you think this Berlingo is worth

[Diaena]

Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum so I hope this is OK to post. 

I'm looking forward to join the club and become a Berlingo owner and I finally found one that ticks most of the boxes for me (all except the color which is blue).
I am however, a bit concerned about overpaying for it so I hoped I could get your opinion on evaluating the following spec:

2007 Berlingo M-S Desire 75
HDI 1.6 (Diesel)
145000 mi
MOT Nov 2022
Sunroof
Solid oak micro-camper conversion

How much would say this Berlingo is worth and what other considerations should I be looking at?

Thank you for your help!

[geoff]

£1500

[Trevor]

put it in webuyanycar.com and see what they suggest?

[Gryffindor]

Post some photos of the micro-camper conversion if you can, in this forum's camping section. People there can advise on that aspect.

If it's a Citroen sunroof taking up most of the roof, they are rare but probably don't add to the value.

I'd agree with roughly £1500 for the Berlingo without the micro-camper conversion, but it's worth investing in an independent mechanical inspection for peace of mind.

How much it's worth with the conversion depends on a lot of factors, not least do you want it - if no, then it is worthless to you - if yes, is it in good condition? Don't be swayed by it being in oak - it still might be falling apart, mouldy in the nooks and crannies, etc. Try all the fittings to see if they are loose or broken, including the bed base etc. And any electrics, water, heating, etc.

[oilyrag]

As above - the 'camper' part is somewhat cosmetic as with a vehicle of this age and mileage the mechanical and (under)body condition will determine how many seasons of camping you are likely to get out of the purchase, not the fittings.  
When you go to sell it later as a 'tired camper' there will be a very limited market -it's no great use as a van or a people carrier. If you handy at mending things yourself then extending the life of the camper will be easier and cheaper, but if you are paying someone it could be expensive to deal with even minor issues.  To consider buying it at all it needs to be in really good condition throughout.
It's no cheaper to repair an old vehicle than a new one!  My two Donkeys cost no more to keep than 2 racehorses, but are worth considerably less 

[Gryffindor]

My two Donkeys cost no more to keep than 2 racehorses, but are worth considerably less 

And you wouldn't get to enjoy the scenery so much if your cart was pulled by racehorses!

[oilyrag]

My two Donkeys cost no more to keep than 2 racehorses, but are worth considerably less 

And you wouldn't get to enjoy the scenery so much if your cart was pulled by racehorses!

Our Donkeys eat the scenery.....

[Gryffindor]

Diaena:

I assume that the conversion is part of what attracted you to this car. (if you wanted a bog standard one, the trouble involved in removing it and replacing hacked/damaged interior fittings would be a nightmare.)

I have to wonder though, if this conversion is in very good condition, why is it being sold in the depths of winter? I'd guess the seller is banking on you not using it for sleepovers for a couple of months, by which time it will be too late for a refund. The seller would do far better by waiting until say Easter to sell it, if it is genuinely in good condition.

So maybe you can turn this to your advantage on the price. As oilyrag says wisely:

When you go to sell it later as a 'tired camper' there will be a very limited market -it's no great use as a van or a people carrier.

Which is exactly what the seller is doing now. So selling this car is a bit of a headache for the seller unless they can hook someone who's keen on the conversion. If they can, the price they'll get is anyone's guess. If they can't, the car is not far off worthless except maybe as a donor for parts. £300? £500?

So my plan of action would be:

1. get an independent inspection done of the mechanics, the basic car.

This is essential. If it goes well,

2. Look over the conversion. Does it suit you well enough? Is it sound and clean enough for you?
3. If no, walk away unless you are able and willing to do a complete rebuild.
4. if yes, don't let on, and make sure to note any issues at all with it.
Don't wear rose-tinted glasses but keep making worried expressions as you look round it. Maybe take a tape measure and be visibly disappointed as you measure things.

5. Now beat the price down, stating that the conversion is in such terrible shape that it needs a lot of work or may have to be completely replaced. That will tell the buyer that he hasn't hooked you with the conversion's visual charms.

If that were the case, then the car's potential return for the seller becomes really rather low.

If they can't sell you the charms of the conversion, they will have to find someone else to charm, and not many people are in the market at this time of year. What you are telling them with all this is that the only value in this car for you is to see how the conversion was fitted in the first place as you remove it (again even if that is not what you really plan on doing). So your starting offer would be based on:

the basic car's value, minus the cost of removing the conversion (and recycling it).
1500 - 500 = 1000 (very roughly)

They would want:
the basic car's value, plus the second-hand value of the conversion.
1500 + (anywhere from 500 to 1500 depending on the catch)

Where in between those values you will be happy to settle at depends entirely on what you think of the conversion, if the mech inspection goes well. But if you can get it for free, i.e. about in the middle of those two values, then well done!

Improvise as you will.

[Diaena]

My two Donkeys cost no more to keep than 2 racehorses, but are worth considerably less 

And you wouldn't get to enjoy the scenery so much if your cart was pulled by racehorses!

Our Donkeys eat the scenery.....

This is very funny and also kinda deep.

Thanks everyone, I wasn't expecting this amount of help! These tips extend so I can use them for all my future negotiations!

I checked for an insurance quote this morning and they also gave me a 'market value' estimation for this car at £1180. For context, seller listed the car at £2800 (which is funny more than anything), but we've established a new starting price at £1900 (this is before seeing the car).

Now you've given me a new perspective on this conversion. I've attached some pics below, let me know what your impressions are.
It's got the simplicity (no stoves or silly sinks and other such) and structure (I want to be able to store 1-2 bikes and also sleep at the same time), but quality-wise it doesn't look that great. It looks somewhat sloppy and I'll definitely be wanting to refurbish that wood. 

>I have to wonder though, if this conversion is in very good condition, why is it being sold in the depths of winter?

Yea, I was worried about this as well so I asked. The lady who owns it says her grandkids want to go camping with her so she is upsizing. The car's been untaxed for some months but she says she's still driving it on private land to keep it going.
Here's some pics:

[geoff]

Hello Diaena,

The camping interior whilst useful if you intend to use it would to my mind not be a positive contribution to the value of the car.

The rear seats appear to be missing and possibly the seat belts as well, to me this would devalue the car if you were to to sell on for any reason so may be a useful bargaining point.

Do you have the registration number of the vehicle ?
Presumably you know you can look on the Goverment websites to check the MOT history of the car, a worthwhile quick and free few minutes spent as it can give a good insight into condition underneath and also to whether it has been maintained.

Initially I suggested a value of £1500 but would now revise it down to £1250 and if the MOT history was poor then I'd argue a few more pounds off.

Cash is king so if you do go ahead have the cash in your pocket ready to flash, precounted to say £1250 and with a few more notes tucked away in a separate pocket just in case you can't resist.

Good luck

P.S. Service history would be a positive aspect especially that showing very regular oil changes.