2003 Citroen Berlingo Multi-space Forti 1.9d

Summary:

Super practical, pity it's not made by Honda!!

Faults:

Rear seat backrest refused to come back up after folding forward. This was caused by the previous owner fitting seat covers and forgetting to replace the plastic guide for the centre rear seat belt. If this is missing, what happens is that on folding flat the backrest, the seat belt goes right inside the backrest, and the seat belt stop trigger is actioned, and the belt refuses to come out to allow the backrest to return to its normal upright position!!!

The seat has to be removed, and turned till the backrest is in its normal upright position, the belt carefully pulled out, allowing the lower seat section to fold down again, replace the plastic guide back around the belt, making sure the black button is on the outside of the guide.

Plus my nearside front spring has just broken for no visible reason, can things get worse???

General Comments:

My daughters 2001 Berlingo 1.6 petrol Multi-space has done 28,000 with no trouble.

Perhaps the front spring breaking at 17.000 on my one is just bad luck, or are Citroen keeping quiet about a faulty batch of front springs fitted to some 2002/2003 Multi-spaces?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th April, 2006

11th May 2006, 09:28

Avoid fitting seat covers! The rear seatbelt design is not the best, but you get what you pay for. An equivalent Honda would be twice the money.

The spring is probably damaged after speed hump damage- are there lots of them just near to the previous owners house?!

I drove mine like an idiot for 25,000 miles and couldn't break it!!

When you sell it, you'll miss it...

25th Feb 2007, 03:05

I use one of these as a taxi. Yes that's right a TAXI.

I have put over 5000 miles per month on it.

They are easy to repair if need be, economical, spacious and yes really OK to drive with the high seating position.

I would buy another and another and another.

23rd Aug 2008, 16:34

Regarding springs. I had a 'clanging' noise from the front nearside spring when steering at low speed. Upon investigation I noticed the units, which are moving parts, do get a bit rusty and tend to stick. A good aerosol spray with a thin (non evaporating) oil cured this problem nicely. Thankfully no breakages (yet!)

2003 Citroen Berlingo 2.0HDi 2.0 turbo diesel

Summary:

Good value if space more important than style

Faults:

Driver's electric window became very noisy and a part was replaced under warranty.

Annoying rattle from radio recently developed.

Trim around opening lever inside driver's door becoming loose.

Tear in rear seat where it catches against ratchet for adjusting tilt of front passenger seat backrest in the folded position (bad design).

A/C warning light on dashboard barely visible during daytime (bad design).

Indicator sometimes turns off before it should.

General Comments:

Loads of space, especially when the rear seats are removed: this is easily achieved by removing 4 bolts per seat.

Carries 2 bicycles upright with their front wheels removed if a seat is taken out: this was a key factor in deciding to buy.

45mpg fuel economy in normal use.

90mph cruising possible where permitted.

Good forward view, especially for rear passengers.

Originally planned to buy a Zafira, but lost patience when dealer failed to meet claimed delivery times and bought the cheaper Berlingo instead. Would buy the Berlingo in preference again. Merc Vaneo looks good, but much more expensive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th April, 2004

2003 Citroen Berlingo Mutispace, forte 2.0 HDi

Summary:

Seriously good value for money, a pleasure to drive and enough interior space for a small army

Faults:

Indicator self canceling failed twice, dealer replaced communications unit each time.

Electric window unit failed on both passenger and drivers side.

Drivers seat base piping trim came out.

Driver seat position slide did not click into place.

Radio cassette eats tapes.

General Comments:

Very comfortable car, easy to drive and pretty swift considering it has the aerodynamics of a brick.

However it is let down a little by the poor reliability of interior trim.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2004