Seriously Considering a Berlingo...

[Wrinklie1]

because of some changes in where I'll be living.
Currently have a Fabia Mk1 hatchback. Has given sterling service over the past 11 years (leaks a bit but it's a Fabia trait). I don't think the engine will ever break (1.9SDi 113K & still getting 72mpg!).
Over the past 3 years I've got back into cycling and am hoping to move up to the Peak District during the next 6 months.
I do both road & off road. Being ancient (67) now it's a bit of a push to cycle to a trail, do the trail then cycle back.
As the Fabia is a bit small for putting a bike inside I'm looking around for something to load the bike into (rather than on) so that I can drive to a trail & when finished put the (muddy) bike back inside the vehicle.
It looks like the Berlingo may fill the bill hence I want to find out as much as I can about them.
This will help me decide which one to go for & how much (or little) to pay.
Look forward to speaking with people on this forum.
Regards

[andy-womble]

Welcome to the forum....

[hachiroku]

I chose a Berlingo Multispace for precisely the reasons you mention, it allows me to easily throw a muddy mountainbike in the back, I just fold either side of the rear seats down (press one button and they easily flip forwards) and take the front wheel out of my bike. The lashing points in the rear make it easy to use bungees to secure the bike to the side, and I use an old towel/cloth etc to prevent any paint rub/handlebar rub anywhere whilst in transit.
I doubt you'll see anything near 72mpg though, but the Blingo's aren't bad on insurance or servicing in my experience.

Welcome to the forum

[3rensho]

Welcome Wrinklie1, glad to have you aboard.

[pidgeonpost]

If you're anything like me you will be amazed at just how useful the Berlingo is. At 64 I'm heading for the ancient category too, but still cycle woodland trails. I use a towball-mounted bike carrier, though may explore the 'front wheel out' option.
I expected it to be much more van-like than it is (2006 1.6 hdi multispace) but it's pretty quiet, comfortable, and I find it easier to get in and out of than modern saloons on those days when my back doesn't want to play.
My dealer service and MOT a month or so back was about £220 all in, including an exhaust strap repair. No doubt I could have got it cheaper elsewhere, but if that's all it costs me in the way of maintenance for a year I'm not grumbling.
Haven't checked the true mileage per gallon, but the on-board clapometer tells me I'm getting 56-point-something overall.
There's lots of helpful people and info on the forum, so good luck!

[shedpete]

I've found most bikes I've tried go in even with the wheels on (mk2), though you'll only fit one, diagonal across the boot. The Modutop compartment at the back on mine is a bit of an obstacle though so perhaps best avoid that option for best ease of getting complete bikes in.

Or if you take the bike front wheels out should be no prob with or without the Modutop.

[pidgeonpost]

I'd wondered about mounting a board across the car with a bracket, spindle, and wing-nuts so the bike could be carried upright. My Domestic Assistant wasn't too happy with the plan - hence the bike carrier.