2004 Citroen Berlingo Forte 2.0HDI

Summary:

I am really surprised that the Berlingo forte 2.0HDI is so highly thought of

Faults:

Recall on the air bags sensor.

Zing noise when changing down gear between 2500-3000 revs.

General Comments:

I am really surprised that nobody seems to have mentioned how noisy the tyres are on this model.

The fuel consumption is disappointing.

The engine is excessively noisy; in fact, at tick-over speeds it sounds like a knitting machine.

I have air conditioning in my Berlingo and I can only say that it must be dreadful driving a Berlingo that doesn't have air conditioning installed because it is dreadful even with it! I am a highly qualified air conditioning engineer and know that the system is underpowered.

The seats are very good; they support in the right places.

The suspension is over-rated: it doesn't like small ridges in the road and tends to bounce a lot. Perhaps owning a Citroen BX has spoilt me on that point.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th July, 2005

11th Jul 2005, 23:27

Yes...sounds like the BX has spoilt you!!

2004 Citroen Berlingo desire 2litre td

Faults:

Glove compartment door warped, will need to go back to the dealer about this.

General Comments:

Great value for the money, good part exchange deal from the dealer and also good cash-back deals.

Huge amounts of boot space. Acceleration far better than on previous car an 1800 ford escort estate.

The children love all the extra compartments and the fact that they can adjust the air ventilation from the back.

Not a car for people who are concerned about their street credibility, it has a quirky shape, but I think you grow to love it as a great family car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th January, 2005

27th Jan 2005, 06:48

Mine also had a warped glove box lid-see review below yours. After some persuading, the dealer agreed to order a replacement. Check the mirror electrics-mine were in upside down and the dealer damaged the fascia getting switch out and replaced the trim piece only when I insisted. Use only BP ultimate diesel in it-performance massively improves, along with fuel economy. It's 89.9p litre, but worth it. Performance and economy improves after 5000 miles. Be careful not to rip seats on front seat mechanism when folding down flat. Michelin tyres hopeless for grip in damp conditions. Very poor ground clearance too, stay religiously on the tarmac! I have now ripped 3 pairs of trousers on the notch on the drivers door pocket bottle holder-it catches the end of your trouser leg! In all an excellent car for the money, the styling grows on you, performance and economy excellent, dealers not the best, but you can feel smug in all that space with a full wallet and happy passengers... other cars look laughably small and pretentious after the Berlingo.

14th Mar 2005, 13:00

We have a 1600 desire model. It is the best family car we have had as compared with the others. Agreed with earlier comments regarding the notch on the drivers door pocket bottle holder which catches the end of your trouser leg, and luckily only one pair of trouser's leg had been ripped so far! The glove compartment door on ours is also warped and will be checking it out with the dealer. So far, only the rear reading light was fused and the rear ventilation system was not working. Otherwise it is great. It towers over a lot of cars.

In reply to 27th Jan 2005, 06:48

13th Apr 2014, 04:41

89.9p a litre.

Oh those were the days!

2004 Citroen Berlingo Multispace Desire HDI

Summary:

It's like a badly dressed, but loyal friend - useless for posing with, but great when it matters!

Faults:

On delivery, glove box lid warped, electric mirror switch upside down, both replaced on 1000 mile service.

Rattling sun visors with Modutop roof, not yet cured, this is an infuriating universal Modutop fault.

Slight leak around nearside door seal.

4100 miles heavy knocking on start up and switch off. Assist attended and tightened engine stabiliser mounting.

General Comments:

Superb value for money,45+mpg and universally liked by passengers. Very easy to live with and surprisingly agile and rewarding if driven hard. Huge boot-lid is good rain shelter.

Great long distance cruiser with air-con, front armrests and good visibility.

Downsides: difficult to reach roof to clean, aerial catches in garage and car parks, boot needs lots of space to open, poor trim quality, air-con option means a 12 week delivery.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd December, 2004

23rd Dec 2004, 11:05

The later version (OCT 2004) of this model has additional rubber grommets added to the sun flaps under the modutop which eliminates the rattle.

My only complaint is that it is a vehicle which can easily be curbed when reversing due the height at back compare to height at front.

It is still a very exiting vehicle to drive with the 2 ltr HDi, now that the engine has loosened up at 1000 miles and economy improved.

Warning: This vehicle can intimidate car drivers who don't expect the level of performance from a "Van", when they try to overtake and find you easily out-accelerating them.

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