Best Budget MPV?

[anhbrown]

Hi anyone know a good budget mpv? image not important reliability and lastability the most important thing- thinking of the hyundai matrix what do you think? any other ideas i have about 6-7k to purchase but am looking for nearly new or 04 reg etc....... :confused:

[jjames]

Matrix is probably the front-runner, if you can get a good deal on one, what with the 5-year warranty and everything.

The Kia Carens is a similar car underneath and probably cheaper as well.

At this size, take a look at the Nissan Almera Tino as well.

[MrSmartprice]

I have had a Citroen Berlingo for over 3 years and have been delighted with it. I have the 1.9D, but when I replace it I will probably go for the 2.0HDi, which hadn't been launched when I had mine. Since getting mine, we know 3 other people who have bought one after seeing it!

They are huge load carriers, very practical and extremely reliable. Surprisingly easy to park too, which probably shows its van roots. For your budget you would get a fairly new one, possibly an ex-demo which is what I got.

Do test drive one before you decide.

[bylromarha]

I have had a Citroen Berlingo for over 3 years and have been delighted with it. I have the 1.9D, but when I replace it I will probably go for the 2.0HDi, which hadn't been launched when I had mine. Since getting mine, we know 3 other people who have bought one after seeing it!

They are huge load carriers, very practical and extremely reliable. Surprisingly easy to park too, which probably shows its van roots. For your budget you would get a fairly new one, possibly an ex-demo which is what I got.

Do test drive one before you decide.

I love my 2.0 Berlingo. I tried to get a nearly new one (up to 2 years old), but nowhere was selling them. I took this to mean I was buying a good car as no-one passed them on that quickly.

It only has 5 seats, but hugely worth looking into if its space you need, not 7 seats. Adults can sit so comfortably in the back and, although it looks huge, it was only 10cm longer than the supermini I P-exd it for. Pm me if you want any advice...I scoured the country for the best deal and managed to get the car new at about £4000 under the book price (although I did buy 30th December!)

[anhbrown]

thanks a lot for the advice much apreciated! i like the practicality and load space of the citroen berlingo and peugeot partner (same engine i believe) and yes luggage space is more important than seven seats the only downside is that the wife says they look like a mini version of a hearse ....DOH! so i have some persuading to do there ...but i also here that the citroen/peugeot diesel engine is virtually indestructable! so i wil have to persuade her.......

[bylromarha]

thanks a lot for the advice much apreciated! i like the practicality and load space of the citroen berlingo and peugeot partner (same engine i believe) and yes luggage space is more important than seven seats the only downside is that the wife says they look like a mini version of a hearse ....DOH! so i have some persuading to do there ...but i also here that the citroen/peugeot diesel engine is virtually indestructable! so i wil have to persuade her.......

Not just same engine, but same car.

I looked at 2.0 peugeot quiksilver and citroen desire. Differences

colour choice
citroen had tables on backs of front seats
peugeot came with mats

And thats about it!

When I was looking at Christmas, the price of both was the same as Peugeot were giving a discount too. I decided that the tables would be useful as my 1 year old got older.

Once you get over the "But it's a van" look of the thing, it is really an excellent drive and it is so large inside, you can happily drive round in a van...just don't go for red as you'll look like a postman!

[Sobraon]

For a "full size" MPV What about a Kia Sedona? - the 2.9 diesel is very solid with good MPG - and it doesn’t look like a hearse (unless you get black I suppose!). Had a quick check on Autotrader and some come within your price range.

[jjames]

The Sedona is a good car, but possibly rather too large if anhbrown is looking at the Matrix and Berlingo type vehicles. If the Sedona does rock your boat, more comes in the way of the Hyundai Trajet, which again is similar to the Sedona but is somewhat more refined driving-wise and seems to be a bit better built (probably because it is a newer design so they've improved certain aspects).

[anhbrown]

thanks alot to everyone for their help i think i will go for the partner or berlingo

[bylromarha]

thanks alot to everyone for their help i think i will go for the partner or berlingo

What an excellent choice!

now, where to buy from....

[michaels]

If you are looking at this tyoe of van then also look at the Fiat Doblo - it gets better reviews from the motoring press

[bylromarha]

If you are looking at this tyoe of van then also look at the Fiat Doblo - it gets better reviews from the motoring press

Does it?

It was doing far worse than the berlingo when I looked in January.

Suppose it depends what mag you read, eh?!

[MrSmartprice]

We just bought a Citroen C2 for our second car. If you are in the Midlands, it may be worth trying All-Electric in Harborne, Birmingham. They beat all the other Citroen dealers on price by a long way, and I know they have some Berlingos with aircon in stock as they almost tempted me to have one! They are on 0121 427 5252.

[John_M_Business]

Just a quick one really... I've got about the same budget and am looking for a similiar kind of car - but rather than getting a new one, you can get a 2 year-old Small MPV (Picasso / Scenic) or a 3-4 year old large MPV (Espace) for the same cash.

I think I'm probably going to go for this, as these cars are not only more comfortable, but will depreciate less too.