Opinions sought Xantia HDi Vs Blingo HDi

Bananaman · Unread post by **Bananaman** » 12 Nov 2006, 09:17

I have the option of buying the works Blingo Multispace 2.0HDi Forte to replace my Xantia 2.0HDi LX.
The wife wants something we can fit 3 child seats in the back into and the Blingo on a 53 plate is up for £3000
The main pros are:
Slightly reduced length compared with Xant
Cheaper road tax
3 proper seatbets for kids in back
NCAP 4* vs NCAP 2.5* of Xant
Newer (obvioulsy)
Higher up
Larger boot with increased load capacity
Air con - super cold
4 brand new Michelin Energys

Cons (as far as I can see are)
Lower spec trim
No H/P Suspension - might make towing more difficlult
Towing capacity reduced from 1500KGs (Xant) to 1100 kgs
Will cost me £1500 in difference to buy
Will need about £500 to spend on service, graphics removal and touching up paint and fitting towbar
Reduced MPG owing to aerodynamics of a house.
Siemens fuel system - which means I cant use my existing tuning box (bosch)

So whos got experience of both and ferrying a fleet of kids about? And what sort of 5 berth caravans can I find that come in under the 1100Kgs mark?

Richard Gallagher · Unread post by **Richard Gallagher** » 12 Nov 2006, 09:45

I have both and can only really echo what you've already stated. I think one major factor in favour of the Lingo is the size of the boot, another may be that its easier for the kids in the back to see out of, which may reduce the chances of car sickness.

However the Xantia does have it licked when it comes to comfort, particularly on long journeys when the aerodynamics of the Lingo can make hard work of higher speeds. The aerodynamics really play havoc with fuel consumption if the speed creeps beyond 70, apparently

Overall its down to personal needs/preferences.

Bananaman · Unread post by **Bananaman** » 12 Nov 2006, 09:59

Cheers Richard, in an ideal world I would buy the Bling and keep the Xant too, the Xant for towing and distaince work, the bling for lugging the family about - though the downside is this would mean taking two cars on holiday when we have a full compliment of caravan, luggage, wife, children and mother in law too

I think whats swinging it towards the Xant at the moment is towing ability of the Blingo is seroiusly down on the Xantia. I supose the other soloution is a C5 estate - but a good one is beyond my purse at the moment.

I notice you have a Picasso too - whats the towing ability of one of these if you dont mind me asking?

f00lzz · Unread post by **f00lzz** » 12 Nov 2006, 10:14

I have no experience of the blingo but would certainly like one... my current TD is used as a workhorse only and a more 'utilitarian' vehicle with a more practical load space would be an advantage... and of course it's always better I think to have a vehicle thats still in production.

Bananaman · Unread post by **Bananaman** » 12 Nov 2006, 10:26

In some respects Im inclined to agree Ian, though I run a 15 year old cit (My workhore) with no parts or reliability issues, as well as my Xantia. For me the crunch is its towing ability. I have no desire to own a 4x4 and the 400kg difference between the Xantia and the Blingo makes a real difference to me - oh and the HP suspension too - having extensive eperience towing loads with and without HP cars I would go with a car with self leveling suspension any day of the week.
For now Im going to sit tight and let work part chop the blingo, I will look out for a 110bhp C5 I think to replace the Xantia with.

Thanks all for helping me put my mind at rest.

meexi · Unread post by **meexi** » 12 Nov 2006, 11:34

remember that the blingo is higher when i had a loan of one it would not fit in my garage

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 12 Nov 2006, 17:54

An XM estate would probably be your answer, if you can find one and afford to maintain it. to my knowledge there is no roomier, more comfortable or economical (manual diesel) car on the road. Or better tow car.