Up to now I've only used this site for info on many (and there are many) jobs I've carried out on my 1 owner, 02 Multipla 115 JTD SX with 52,000 documented miles on the clock - the beauty of the SX version is its simple and has none of the electrical luxuries like the ELX that appear to fail.
I've always liked these cars as they're a bit different and having now owned one for 4 years I love it, so much so I'm embarking on a 5 week road trip down into Portugal, starting next week and the dogs going too!!
North Yorkshire to Dover - Calais - Poitiers - Bordeaux - San Sebastian - Salamanca - Seville and into Portugal... a doddle
I paid next to nowt for the car as it was an MOT fail on an ABS light but its in brilliant condition and with only 52,000 miles on the clock it should be good for a few years looking at the mileage some Multies I've seen. Former owner was actually a vicar so hopefully I might have the man upstairs looking after me
It also has a comprehensive service record at the same local garage - even had a new windscreenn!!!
Since the trip is further than the corner shop I thought I'd give the old girl a bit of a service (with a lot of help from the FF) as follows:
New rear trailing arm bearings, which having read some of the reports was a surprisingly simple job.
Replaced cam belt and water pump
Replaced MAF
New clutch and DMF - I'm only a DIY mechanic but again following some of the great threads on FF managed it without too much trouble
New drop links, new ARB, new front discs all of which came free with the car!!!
Both rear ABS sensors - came out a treat after following the great threads on FF
New Radiator - only because my local Eurocarparts Centre were selling them for £24
Replaced the space saver spare wheel with a full size one
Changed the gearbox oil, treated the engine to a oil flush.
Replaced diesel filter
Replaced both front wishbones and ball joints
Replaced crank sensor which touch wood and to be fair is the only time the car has let me down.
Not all the above were critically required but I like tinkering and thought I'd eliminate as many things going wrong as possible and parts are still relatively cheap
So I reckon I'm good to go - 1500 miles each way, what could go wrong!!!!!!
People laughed at me when I bought it, but quite honestly and it may sound weird, its given me as much fun , if not more, than my Westfield and if I get back unscathed they won't be laughing then............or will they!!

Thanks everyone for all the fab and informative posts - I couldn't have done it without you
Watch this space as "Fugly" goes "South For September"

Send some photo updates of the trip along the way if you get the chance!

Good luck/bon chance/buena suerte/boa sorte

Thanks for the good wishes - will post some pictures, hopefully not on the back of a recovery truck!!

Ive driven mine to southish France from Ireland 3 times...each for a month...never had a prob...pulling a trailer loaded up with roofbox/bikes and 3 passengres.
Mine has over 3 times your mileage...your good to go
Marty.

I bought mine last April for two trips with my family this year ( North Yorkshire and Devon) and it never missed a beat. I said that once we got back from the last excursion I'd sell the Multi but it's really grown on me and surprisingly on my wife and kids too

Good luck on your travels , Bon Voyage

Good luck with the trip, this site is awesome for tips and helpfull advice, and these cars are a pleasure to work on, I think!
Just been to Biarritz with a 125k 115jtd, slightly warmed up multi, it was awesome, relaxing, and fun, 2000 miles, I think they are basically like a mini camper van, so versatile, relatively short, great visibility, lots of interior room, middle picnic tables...
The car was maintained by myself, like you, and didnt miss a beat, for the price, its hard not to love them, they are an amazing design by an amazing design group, bit like a Lamborghini Muira! :slayer:

Well 1734 miles of literally trouble free we made it, motoring through France, Spain and intp Portugal
F'ugly sat at 80mph happily hour after hour, the longest day been 11 hours and returned around 56 mpg. We passed cars more than half its age stranded at the roadside.
What a dream to travel in, loads of room and a great drivng position and we had loads of interest when we stopped much to the annoyance of the Flash Harry's in their air conditioned Audi's, Jags etc.

I bought this car as a bit of a joke as I love quirky things, but this car is a serious piece of kit and I reckon there's nothing out there to compete with it for practicality. My intention was to leave it at our place in Portugal to use here but can't bear to be parted so we're driving it back!!!!!!
This time we'll drive up Portugal and into Spain at Guarda, across Spain, across France to Zebrugge then the ferry to Hull.

I was a bit apprehensive about the trip down here but now I'm confident F'ugly will make it back without a hitch - fingers crossed

Get a tow bar and use it as a tow car for your Westfield

Hiya mate, I'm on Ugly #6 , non of them were scrapped except 1 I bought solely for bits - it had been smacked up the jacksy pretty bad.
All of my cars have 2 things they MUST do, 1, Munich and back every 2 months and secondly, a trip to Castra Verde in Portugal every 6 months.
Both trips are normally over land but I have used the Portsmouth - Santander ferry on board Pont Aven, without doubt the best ferry on this route.
I have never suffered a problem, primarily because I do a proper service regulary and don't skimp, no good blaming a neglected car is it?
If I were you, Fugly would have a tow bar and the Westfield would be danglin behind, the Bug is more than man enough to handle the journey.
George

I thought I was taking quite a risk doing such a journey in such a maligned car but it appears there are many people, like yourself, out there doing such trips without any problem.
Many friends and family thought we were mad especially as we could have done it in our other car which is much more modern and refined BUT it doesn't have the room, the driving position and it would have been no challenge!!
The trip meter has just turned 2000 since leaving home and we still have the return journey but I now have every confidence we'll make it.
I do use Fugly for towing my Westfield to track days and I don't even know its hanging off the back.
Well 2.5 weeks left in Portugal before the road trip home (front pads will be replaced before setting off) so fingers crossed. I agree with you that properly serviced and looked after there's no better vehicle on the road than a Multipla