I currently have an estate 406 HDI and need more space.
I do high milage and long distance driving so economy is important.
Would the drag caused by a roof box give lower mileage than say an MPV.
My idea would be to take the seats out of an MPV and use it as a van when I need to move stuff.
The items to move are not large but its more the quantity that needs to be moved.
Also does anyone know if you can get protectors for the rear windows on a MPV ( ie replace the panels like a van).
I would like cruise control, climate control and use also for passengers so I think this rules out a van.
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An MPV with the seats out will have more space than a 406 + roof box. Our C8 has (IIRC) nearly 3,000 litres with the seats out (oh, and for good measure we've got a 700 litre roof box as well).
As for the windows, do you mean wire cages or just a good tint to block out prying eyes?
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Boxsterboy is right provided it is that size or close to that size of MPV and not a C-Max, Picasso, Touran Zafira size which have extra height but not that much extra space over an estate and not as much as an estate with a medium size, say 500ltr box (the capacity of a car boot) If you're always going to have to use a roof box then I'd probably go for a big MPV. A roof box clobbers the fuel consumption especially at higher cruising speeds. Also, with everything in the MPV it's more secure and it's alarmed which is preferable if you park up and leave it unattended overnight. If some of the "stuff" you're carrying is heavy and has to go in the roofbox then it could adversely affect the balance of the car.
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I was thinking of protecting the windows things sliding about if loaded above the window line.
I thought of using a grill ( dog grill) to prevent anything moving forwards but could not find anything on the net for the windows.
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I suppose it depends upon how often you need the capaciousness of an MPV. In my case it is twice a year max, when we go on our holidays to the continent. So I would go for the roof box option as I dont want to live with an MPV the other 49 weeks of the year.
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I was in a similar quandry a few months ago. I do 40,000 private miles each year. I did have a 320d touring but needed more space. I looked at various estates and considered a box on top but ended up getting an S-Max instead. It's doing about 47MPG for me(worked out from brim-brim, not fuel compter claims!!!) so each month it only costs about £20-£30 more in fuel than I was putting in the beemer. Not really a large amount over a 40,000 mile year as I've now got the car that does all I need rather than a car with a carbuncle on it's head.
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Crumbs, when my 320d went back to the lease company it was doing 35mpg, when it was new I only got 41mpg.
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...need the capaciousness of an MPV. In...
what an excellent word.
"capaciousness"
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Aim low, expect nothing & dont be disappointed
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