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Sorry if 2003 isnt Retro enough, but I wanted to tap in to the assembled expertise here on RR!
I'm going to look at a Citroen Relay minibus (wheel chair adapted for my Missus). I believe they are the same as the Fiat Ducato and Pug Boxer.
This one is a 2.2 HDi. Given it is a long time since I owned a Cit (an old XUD BX), what should I be looking for?
The potential fly in the ointment is all the keys are missing. A chat with a few automotive locksmiths assure me that this ISNT a vehicle with the dreaded red key! One has offer £210 for two keys, which seems not too bad compared with over £1000 from a main dealer!!
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May 15, 2012 11:38:25 GMT
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When i lost the key for my Peugeot Expert main dealer quoted me £150 for a replacement using the VIN number. Luckilly I found the key but after searching various web sites seem there are people who will give you the code key from the VIN for around £10 so any decent locksmith can then order them at a fraction of main dealer prices.
Paul H
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May 16, 2012 11:57:26 GMT
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Be careful with them,there's definitely a key related immobiliser as we had issues with one when it was in for painting,it was the immobiliser box under the dash and cost a few £££ to fix from memory.I'm not sure if it was our fault it went or just bad luck but the customer paid and sorted it.iirc the key symbol was flashing on the dash and it just kept turning over.
Be very suspicious of cars without keys,usually hide a multitude of sins.gearboxes are common faults on them too along with turbos as well plus their horrible to work on,no room at all.
As stupid as this sounds their awesome vans when running but when not their just a major headache and bits are pricey too. Tread very carefully.
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May 17, 2012 15:45:29 GMT
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We have a 2000 Relay : the 2003 model will essentially be the facelift version.
As you say the Ducato and Boxer are basically the same van, but with each manufacturer fitting their own drivetrain.
We converted it into a campervan, and have used it for 5 years and 20,000 miles now.Our van uses the 2.5D (non-turbo), which needs some work, but as it's a campervan, it's not a problem.
The only issues we've had are a front ball-joint (Citroen being Citroen, there are 2 different types for the 2000 models), and a leaking heater matrix. Changing that was major task, way more complicated than the timing belt I changed myself.
We have 2 key, one of them red/brown, but I'm not sure what problem is being referred to above. The key symbol does light the odd time as soon as the van starts (and stays on until you switch the van off), but it's given no problems, so I haven't investigated further.
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May 17, 2012 21:31:04 GMT
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gearboxes are common faults on them too along with turbos as well plus their horrible to work on,no room at all. If it's anything like the 2.0 HDi engine in my Expert then I agree. Mine is an 03 and off the road due to collapsed clutch bearing support column. It's an engine out job as turbo needs new seals at same time and nightmare for access. Parts are, as you say, dear and although I like the van now wished I'd bought a Transit instead. Paul h |
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May 31, 2012 21:28:59 GMT
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Well, I went to have a look at it. First impression was OMG (to use kiddy speak) but it is BIG! I knew it was a hightop, but goodness it was enormous!
It had done ~190k miles (had the cam belt done at 183k), but the engine and underside looked very clean and in reasonable condition.
On the down side the wheel chair ramp was missing from the back, which is a pain but not the end of the world. However, what has really made be decide against this particular van is that the rear seats (and a wheel chair) are about 30cm lower that the driver and front passenger seats. Consquently you can't see foward out of the rear seats. With three children (and wifey) in the back, that would be something they wouldn't like, especially on a trip across France on hols!
So back to checking ebay and Autotrader!!
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Have you had a look at v-class mercs - there are a fair few available already wheelchair converted - like anything there can be problems but they're not as bad or expensive to run as some folk make out.
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Ignosce mihi cacare necesse est
2012 Fiat Qubo
Sadly currently living a retroless life
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My mate is going to look at a wheelchair adapted Fiat Scudo for me tomorrow. More suitable for my needs as it seats 5 plus driver and wheelchair. It should be cheaper to insure, and certainly cheaper on the ferry to France!
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