Can you recommend an everyday MPV with folding rear seats that could be used as a camper?

I am looking for an MPV that is economical to run as a daily use car (school run, work, holidays), can be used as an occasional camper or in which the seats fold flat to form a double bed, and the seats fold away to carry stuff as one would in a small van. It doesn't need to be a huge car but versatile in the ways mentioned above. My budget is up to £2000-£2500. What's your opinion on the Toyota Estima, Nissan Serena or Mitsubishi Delica? Also in terms of fuel consumption as a car about town and for longer holiday trips?

Asked on 7 December 2013 by JB, via email

Answered by Honest John

The Nissan Serena diesel is truly horrible. Jerky driveline, painfully slow acceleration, and worse than driving an ancient double decker bus. There are parts problems with Estimas because they are nearly all four-wheel-drive turbodiesel automatics with parts never fitted to UK market cars. The Delica is a Shogun with a van body. Parts are easier, but it’s a bit of a pig to drive and uses a lot of fuel. The best of this bunch was the Mazda Bongo, but you have to tread carefully to get a good one and that too has some quirks and is far from economical. Info: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mazda/bongo-1994/ Your best bet for economy is a Citroen Berlingo Multispace.

Tags: fuel economy mpvs load space rear seats

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