(G) Thinking of buying a Doblo, tell me about the 1.2 petrol...

I'm looking for a replacement for my Ulyssee, main requirement being something that is easier to work on and the Doblo looks to fit the bill.

I'm looking mainly at the 1.2 petrol, with the French national speed limit being reduced to 80km/h (50mph) next month, speed is not a priority.

So a few questions, as there seems to be very little info on the 1.2 available:

1. Is it the 1242cc FIRE engine that we all know and love, in all it's non-inerferance, simple to work on glory?

2. Is the power steering hydraulic, or ePAS like the 2003 Panda?

3. General opinions?

Thanks

My 2003 Doblo cargo has hydraulic power steering.

really wouldn't bother with 1.2 petrol ridiculously underpowered for a 2 ton vehicle, get 1.9jtd same as mine, btw is that French speed limit on motorways too?

The 1.2 is now a interference engine and has been for the last few years since then change to euro 5 spec I think it was

Thanks for the replies.

The vehicle I'm looking at is 2001, so hopefully that's a euro 4 engine and non-interference?

I'm not looking at the diesels, I've had nothing but diesels and turbo diesels for the last ten years and from the point of view of a home mechanic, they're a pain.

With increasing restrictions on diesel cars in cities and the rising price of diesel, it's not viable anymore for a second car.

Speed limit will remain 130km/h on motorways, 110km/h on dual carriageways, but there aren't many of those where I live...

I used to have this model and it ran without any problems for 9 years until it was written off in an accident. I now have the later 1.4 petrol and its exactly the same. Plenty of speed and acceleration for me and takes five people, or two and a big load, without complaint. I did have the diesel family version for a year or so, but didn't find it anything like as good.

Hi to ya,


We have 4 doblos in our family...............3-1.3 diesels and 1- 1.2 petrol.


On the diesel side 1 needed a turbo, 2 needed egr valves replaced. The 3rd needed exhaust



manifold replaced. These parts are not exactly 2 and sixpence and the work involved.


The girlfriend has the 1.2 petrol for the last 5 years............and touch wood it hasn't given


a bit of trouble and goes like a bird. Its a 2003 model.


I drive a 2007 1.2 panda at the moment, but I'm on the look out for a Doblo 1.2 petrol.


Over here there fairly rare to find. Hope this find this helpful.


John.

Thanks for the helpful replies, annoyingly the seller sold the vehicle the day before we'd arranged to meet, but I'll keep looking.