USED Peugeot Partner Combi MPV (01 - 08)

It's very like the Citroen Berlingo - that's because they are essentially the same car.

Both share the same 'van with windows' look, and offer an astonishing 624 litres of space in the boot, as well as room for five passengers. Both also offer a drive which is surprisingly unlike a van's - sure-footed with comfortably supple suspension.

The high sides mean it kicks up wind noise and leans a lot in corners, but you don't buy one of these to tear up the racetracks.

We'd avoid the 1.9 diesel, which is really noisy, but the other engines aren't too bad unless you work them very hard.

The upright seating position will suit some, and visibility is excellent, but it's not ideal for long journeys. Sliding doors mean access to the rear is simple, and it's reasonably comfortable for three in the back. Where the Combi shines is on the way to the tip or on holidays, thanks to the enormous loadbay.

The Combi range has used a variety of engines during its history, culminating in 2006 in a sole option, a 1.6 HDi. which replaced the 2.0-litre turbodiesel used previously.

When it was launched, the car was available with either a 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol or a 70bhp 1.9-litre diesel. A 1.6 Escapade model was introduced when the car had a minor face-lift in early 2003. This has raised suspension, foglights and a skid plate to protect the engine, but it's no off-roader.

As far as we're concerned, the best are the 2.0-litre diesel or the 1.4-litre petrol, which is almost as economic as the 1.9 diesel, but much quieter and quicker.

Remote central locking is standard on every model, as is a driver's airbag and a radio cassette player. Revised models got electric front windows, a single CD player and a passenger airbag.

Quicksilver models were discontinued in 2002, but include fixed glass roof panels, rear roof air vents, aeroplane-style overhead lockers and metallic paint.

As the Combi is based on a commercial vehicle, parts shouldn't cost too much when it comes to repair (fleets wouldn't buy them if they did). It has more equipment than a Citroen Berlingo, so will cost a little more.

Running costs aren't too bad, either, and servicing is cheaper than for the Citroen Berlingo. Data from Warranty Direct suggests that Peugeot's repair costs are below average, too.

There's little to choose between the 1.4 and 1.6 petrols and 1.9 diesel for fuel economy - all sit close to the 40mpg mark. Much more frugal is the 2.0-litre diesel which achieves close to 50mpg on average.

The 1.6 Escapade and diesels are in group 5 for insurance, the 1.4 in group 4, reflecting the fact that this isn't your typical boy racer/stolen to order car. Residual values might not match those of the Citroen but should be respectable - these cars have proven popular.

The Partner Combi is built for tough use, and chances are it will have had some, whether from kids, dogs, or those trips to the tip. Look out for scuffs around the load bay and rips in the upholstery. Some of the plastics don't feel of the highest quality, so they may have suffered some wear, or even given up altogether. The glovebox lid, for example, is a weak point.

The mechanical parts are tough, though, and proven in other Peugeot vehicles, but you're still best off looking for an example with a full service history.

The rear suspension is likely to need work after 50,000 miles, as the car may have suffered some pivot wear. Another age-related fault to watch out for is that the sliding doors can start to stick.

In 2002 a recall of some diesels attended to water getting into the operating circuit, which affected engine and brake performance.