Item: Used Citroën Berlingo Multispace 1999 - 2002
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Estate

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition, featuring paintwork-protecting ‘Airbumps’ and eschewing the sporty looks favoured by most rivals.

Indeed, Citroën tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from small hatchbacks (such as the C1 and C3) to big, family-friendly seven-seaters (the Spacetourer and Grand C4 Spacetourer).

The C3 Aircross SUV is another of its popular models, while a larger C5 Aircross is planned.

CITROEN

BERLINGO MULTISPACE

There's definitely no disguising those van origins, but it's versatile, and good value, too

Used Citroën Berlingo Multispace 1999 - 2002

Citroen is renowned for offering generous discounts on its new, and that keeps values of its models low on the used market, so if you're looking for a cheaper alternative to an MPV it makes a lot of sense.

Fuel bills depend on your choice of engine - the 1.6 petrol, for example, will manage less than 40mpg on average, but the thirstiest is the 1.4 at 37.7mpg. Best of all is the 2.0-litre diesel, which achieves just under 50mpg.

Insurance groups start at 4 for the 1.4 petrol, but none are higher than group 5. However, servicing costs on a Berlingo tend to be slightly higher than for close rival the Renault Kangoo.

Data from warranty provider Warranty Direct indicates that Citroen repair costs are among the lowest on average for cars more than three years old, although around half of all the Citroens on their books needed attention.

There's definitely no disguising those van origins, but it's versatile, and good value, too


A face-lift in 2002 updated the Berlingo's looks and improved equipment levels. But, on these models, equipment levels are low, and you'll need to hunt for a model with ABS brakes and a passenger airbag, which were part of an optional safety pack when the car was new.

Engine choices include 1.4-, 1.6- or 1.8-litre petrols, and 1.9- and 2.0-litre diesels. The 1.4 petrol can feel underpowered, so the 1.6 is a better bet, especially as the 1.8-litre unit was discontinued in March 2001, making it tricky to find. If you want a diesel, avoid the noisy 1.9, and track down a 2.0-litre model instead. Standard Forte trim includes remote central locking, a driver's airbag, electric front windows and a radio cassette player. Air-conditioning has always been optional, but it's a very worthwhile option to track down.

Later models also come in XTR trim, which adds aluminium roof rails. If practicality is a priority, (and, why else would you buy a Berlingo?), try to find a model with some of the clever storage solutions, such as huge overhead lockers, which were optional when the car was new.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all the family and their paraphernalia</li> <li>Comfortable ride for everyone inside</li> <li>Seats with plenty of adjustment and versatility of layout</li> <li>Engine that can cope with a full load of people and luggage</li> <li>Excellent efficiency to avoid big fuel bills</li></ul>

Practicality is king in the MPV market, which has taken a hit as buyers have turned towards trendier SUVs. There are still plenty of decent offerings to suit most budgets, though, with Citroën fielding a particularly strong line-up. The French manufacturer’s Berlingo offers bags of space for not much money and you can easily haggle off thousands of extra pounds in discounts, too.

Citroën also scores with the larger Grand C4 Spacetourer, which offers seven seats, lots of oddment space and appealing running costs for something so large. A similarly priced and even better option is the Volkswagen Touran. Meanwhile, if you prefer a premium badge, there's always the BMW 2 Series Active and Gran Tourers or Mercedes B-Class and V-Class.

But for something sizeable that's still decent to drive, we’d recommend you check out the Ford Galaxy, which can offer three rows of seats and decent luggage space at the same time. It’s not that much pricier than the smaller S-Max.

These are real workhorses, and are sometimes put to hard use - so check for damage around the load area. It's tough enough mechanically, but make sure that the gears and clutch operate smoothly. And, check that rear seats fold and latch back in position correctly.

Some owners have had the external spare wheel beneath the car stolen, but Citroen sells a kit to combat this. Our latest customer satisfaction survey with JD Power and Associates revealed that while owners were happy with fuel economy, both the levels of service and charges from their dealer disappointed them.

On the test drive, make sure you check the rear suspension, as it may need work after 50,000 miles. Likewise, check the screen washers work properly, as the fuse can blow if they are used when frozen.

It's a versatile car that drives surprisingly well. Naturally, that tall body leans a little in corners, but the power steering and excellent visibility make for an easy drive.

Five adults will have no trouble getting on board thanks to the big front doors and rear sliding doors, however they may find the seats aren't particularly supportive, and there's no height adjustment on the driver's seat.

Those five can bring their holiday luggage, too, and the Berlingo will cope admirably with surfboards, dogs or furniture. There are big door pockets, nets and hooks to help secure the load, and an optional trolley to help you transport it.

The petrol-engined models need working very hard if you're overtaking with a load on board, and the 1.9-litre diesel is noisy at high revs. And, avoid models with a full-length sunroof, as that will kick up some noise, too.

Used Citroën Berlingo Multispace 1999 - 2002 review

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Alternatives

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