I agree, the C4 Pic based Berly is a superb vehicle, would have been unbeatable had they offered the proper TC auto box from C4 Picasso Lounge model but they didn't.

The only problem for the future is the DPF unless you choose the petrol option...LPG conversion?, plenty of room for a tank where the spare wheel carriers goes and only carry the spare when on longer journeys, would that be an option if you think the Diesel might give issues?

1.6 Diesel as you know needs lots of oil changes giving the makers recommendations a healthy ignoring, and i'd be wary of anything used unless i knew that car had been serviced well.

Landcruisers in good condition are fetching serious money, yes good vehicles but 90/120 series can suffer bad rear axle and localised chassis rust, not helped by owners of new not bothering to wash salt off after winters, 70/80 series pretty well bomproof but getting very old now, unless you found a Japanese direct grey import 70 series which was still being made till last year, which would probably last you forever.

100 series Amazon can cost a fortune to upkeep, electronics such as electric pump on brake master cylinder on some which is well over a 4 figure fix when it plays up, plus hydraulic suspensions which play up anther 4 figure job, again chassis rust, these must be carefully bought indeed.

Expect 25mpg normal dodging about with any LC, 30 mpg on a run at best, worse if you go for a surprisingly rapid petrol version.

Edited by gordonbennet on 13/06/2016 at 07:00

HAd the oil cooler go on mine too. First symptom was drops of oil in coolant, quickly becoming a thick layer. Self diagnosis was CHG so a relatively cheap oil cooler was a relief. Took the thermostat out too though which was another bill.

It was power steering trouble that saw mine off. Opposite to yours though in that it got heavier after first mile or so. If I could have got a clear diagnosis I'd probably have bitten the bullet but I wasn't prepared to do rounds of increasingly expensive parts bingo.

Dealer put it through auction and I traced it via Autotrader being offered by a s/h site in Solihull. He shifted it pretty fast and looks to be still on road. Presumably he sorted the PAS issue but of course he wasn't paying retail for parts and labour. Whoever bought it got a good start as it had recent clutch and exhaust and I'd had valve clearances sorted (camshaft out job) to clear a cold start issue that's common on XUD and derivative engines.

I rather like the Yeti too. If I was forced to replace the Mk3 'lingo it would be on my list but not sure Mrs B would be so keen. Wouldn't need 4*4 though. It hardly ever snows here and caravan's motor mover solves any wet grass on pitch exit type issues.

I thought the oil cooler failure only affected the 1.9 diesel in the 2002-2008 berlingo?

Mine was a 1.9D. Maybe some confusion as we've had both that and a 2013 current shape version. Ran them side by side for a couple of years.