Hi My Mum's neighbour is interested in the Doblo. He and his wife are both in their 60s and he has a blue badge. He currently drives a Citroen Picasso (the third one he's had) but doesn't like this latest model's hard ride and high seating. He likes the look of the Doblo and thinks it could be a practical alternative.

Could people write up their experiences - good and bad - so that I can pass them on to him?

Thanks,
Mark (on behalf of Dick &Shirley)

First of all, there's a whole new model coming out in the autumn, so either wait, or get one of the current cars at a big discount.

I'd look at the Qubo; very comfortable, not too big, sliding doors for shopping ease; but again, after the autumn when hopefully it will get the more powerful engines it needs - more economical too.

As for the current Doblo...

Great car: light steering, easy to park, lots of room, lots of storage inside, sliding doors making getting shopping in the rear easy, great visibility, economical (not petrols). Great turning circle, fun to drive.

Faults: the wipers can pack up suddenly and need a new mechanism, clutches have been known to fail, the brakes a re a bit spongy, indicators cancel too soon sometimes, indicators are not loud enough, some people have problems with the new DPFs (Diesel particulate filters) but less than on most makes and this as a result of too many short journeys.

In sum; a very good car.

But I'd tell them to wait until later in the year. Manufacturers are re-tooling now for next year's models so, unless they want a really good deal, now is probably not the time to buy. And Fiat has some great new engines coming.

If they go for the current model, don't get the 120bhp model as it will only do 40mpg on average, unless they don't mind having poor mpg and getting a bit more oomph. The 105 is much more economical, or go for the 1.3 Diesel instead. I haven't driven the 1.3 but I get the impression it's a bit lost in the Doblo as they weigh 2 tonnes. The 1.9 105bhp Diesel is the best option from the 3 Diesels.

I got the 105bhp van,getting roughly 50mpg but this week im taking my time just to see what it will do,Mines a van like Rich has,but should imagine the car version drives the same.All round a good vehicle,just builders and plumbers in Kangoo and partners keep trying to race me ;o)

Thank You guys - I shall take your info along with me next time I'm home (or email my Mum a link) Most helpful! Cheers

Not wanting to be unpatriotic or anything, but the new Citroen C3 Picasso is getting good write ups. I looked at it but decided that the increased cost over the Fiats was not justified by the differences it offers.

If they can tell them to hold off until later in the year.