1999 Citroen Dispatch review from UK and Ireland

The only time the vehicle failed to start is when a glow plug failed. Unfortunately the relay has over current protection so if 1 glow plug goes short circuit it won't turn any on, immobilizing the vehicle.

Apart from that it has the problem of the locks wearing and not working, a common problem I believe.

The side loading doors also have the common problem of sitting a bit proud and creating a lot of wind noise. Although I have now found you can adjust the locating pin with just a spanner.

Despite the problems listed I still believe this is a very good van. The few niggling faults common to these vans can be fixed by anyone with basic mechanical knowledge for free. This combined with returning 35mpg makes it an economic van to run.

In my opinion the suspension is a bit hard and quite harsh unloaded. This does mean that it will go round bends very well though.

The brakes are plenty good enough unladen, but Loaded they really aren't powerful enough. I have moved 850Kg dump bags and trying to stop can only be described as scary!

The basic 1.9 diesel is a bit sluggish. Once up to speed it will happily sit at 70mph though a bit noisy. The main problem is hills, if you loose momentum you're in trouble! One good thing I will say for this engine is it is very good for wading. With only minor mods to raise the air intake a bit, I have driven this van through water coming over the bonnet in recent floods. I doubt the newer hdi engines with a lot of electronics would like that!!

If you get one of these vans I would go for the newer hdi or even the 1.9td. Having said that the 1.9 diesels can be bought very cheap, so they can be a good choice if used short distances round town. If thinking about towing of carrying full payload get the hdi version.