Hi,

I'm a Brit based in Budapest and have been looking around for something basic, reliable, cheap to run with seats and space! Was considering investigating the Berlingo but thought I would have a check of the Doblo as it seems quite a practical vehicle and the older Berlingos are smaller......

Because this is Hungary I would be mostly able to look at 2006 and before as all used cars are pretty pricey and only the smaller engines appear to be readily available so 1.3 diesel and 1.4 petrols. I've had diesals in the UK so am aware about DPF and DMF issues and how to counter them.

One thing I'd like to have an indication on is how durable the cars are as high milers are the norm here and I don't mind iffy trim as long as the mechanicals and electrics work as they should!

Cheers for any info!!

Forgot to ask, is ISOFIX common on these and at what model year did it start being fitted?

Cheers!

Taxi and courier owners here use them (1.9JTD) and regularly do 400miles +.

Very pleased with my 2004 Jtd.

My 03 1.9 JTD has 106000 miles and has a good service history. It has been totally reliable for the year I've had it and just did a 150 mile round trip showing 68 mpg. Very practical and a joy to own. Go on, treat yourself to a very good vehicle.

Brothers has done 300.000 miles, 1 clutch thats it, start stop allday Just about oil changes it.

2006 1.3 MultiJet Active. 60k miles. Had it for a year - done 10k miles in it. So far:

* EGR valve has packed in.
* Timing chain went
* Various electrical problems
* Now it's knocking and screeching on the front right.
* Smells of dead stuff.

Wouldn't buy another one!

pointyhat said:

2006 1.3 MultiJet Active. 60k miles. Had it for a year - done 10k miles in it. So far:

* EGR valve has packed in.
* Timing chain went
* Various electrical problems
* Now it's knocking and screeching on the front right.
* Smells of dead stuff.

Wouldn't buy another one!

Click to expand...

Vehicle second hand with unknown history, could be any car!

As advised throughout this section the one to go for is the 1.9JTD turbo, engine is very softly tuned and will go for huge mileages. Wife and I just done 720 miles in 36 hours, av speed 56mph, av mpg 56.7....totally reliable and has been for 5 years, in fact we have 2 of them!

This had a full FIAT service history...

My old one was very good for ten years. My newer one was not so good and has gone. The original Doblo was a great car, not too big, very roomy, fun to drive, and basically reliable. However, I have read of various problems with the 1.3 Diesel, in various applications.

And my newer one had a full Fiat service history, and then proceeded to have a faulty rear damper and next a failed front strut bearing, a door needed re-hanging, the clutch and gearbox were horrible, and then I discovered rust.... Bye-bye...

Cars can just fail when the bits go wrong, at any time. It's annoying, but saying that, there certainly are chronically weak components which Fiat seems happy to live with year after year, and let the punters pick up the cost. But, the original 1.9 turbo Doblo was one of Fiat's great cars, like the Multipla.

pointyhat said:

This had a full FIAT service history...

Click to expand...

Sorry but means nothing IMO, did an unsupervised apprentice carry out the servicing?, correct materials used and at correct intervals?, was the service sheet followed correctly (anyone can stamp a service book I would ask dealer for a full history printout of the vehicle)....doubt it according to another of your posts;

pointyhat said:

Turns out the MUPPETS at my local FIAT dealership, when replacing the timing chain and doing an oil change forgot to reset the oil degradation indicator about 2000 miles ago.

Click to expand...

...see what I mean. It's bad to say but there really is an element of luck in buying a second hand car even from a 'respected' outlet.

T14086 said:

Sorry but means nothing IMO, did an unsupervised apprentice carry out the servicing?, correct materials used and at correct intervals?, was the service sheet followed correctly (anyone can stamp a service book I would ask dealer for a full history printout of the vehicle)....doubt it according to another of your posts;



...see what I mean. It's bad to say but there really is an element of luck in buying a second hand car even from a 'respected' outlet.

Click to expand...

Yep which is why I'm dumping this turd shortly and grabbing a lease crate.

Well, checking in as ended up not getting anything at the time of the original posting due to many unfortunate eventualities!

There are the 1.9 JTDs around but also a 1.6 petrol available however the mileages do come in around the 100000 to 160000 mark. Price wise everything is at least £2500 equivalent and more for something 2004-2006.

One option I am considering is a petrol Doblo to replace the almost dead Astra as the practical runabout and something bigger to replace the very much ageing VW Transporter (was alright when bought but FIL has destroyed it!!). We are planning to be full time self employed by next year so van based stuff is needed. Will ask about the Scudo on the appropriate forum. The Fiats appear cheaper than equivalent Pugs/Citroen etc.

My Uncle has a mid 2000's Doblo that seems to have been pretty reliable.....