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Does anyone own or have experience of owning a Fiat Ducato 206 'Elegance' conversion. We have seen one which is J reg (92) with 55k on the clock. It's for sale at £6995. Looks to be in good nick bodywork wise and comes with a safari room however it is a petrol with no pas. Will be test driving soon but would really appreciate any thoughts on this make.

Thanks

Shazzer

Hallo Shazzer,

No experience with the elegance but I have a Fiat Ducato 2.5 diesel version with 5 speed tranny. I have no problems with it but I am aware of a typical Ducato "glitsch" in the 5th gear. This one will sometimes go shifty (pun intended!)

I agree with mNeil and wouldn't go for a petrol either. A testdrive is okay, but keep your wits and rethink before you decide.

Good Luck!

John Rademaker

Diesel gives you more miles to the gallon (or kilometers to the liter, nowadays) and they are more reliable than petrol engines. Diesel engines are made to perform under stressfuller conditions than petrol. I also chose diesel because of the lower price over petrol. Mind you though, having a dieselengine costs me twice the roadtax in the Netherlands than petrol but as mine is a Motorhome, I get a 75% discount as the gov'ment seems to think I use mine only a ¼ of the year...yeah, right.

You'll also get used to the smell of diesel, too. (I love it...)

Have fun!

John Rademaker

Ever wondered why HGV's all have diesel engines?    They are designed to pull weight (more torque), unlike petrol engines which are better for accelerating (more horsepower). A well looked after diesel engine will easily reach 250,000 miles, you'd be lucky to get 150,000 out of a petrol engine. Unlike John however, we have to pay more for diesel, but the trade-off is the extra miles per gallon so it all balances out in the end.

Personally, I would only have a diesel in a motorhome.

Good luck with the m/home hunt, whatever type you end up with.

Phil

Thanks again...all very helpful stuff. Our basic requirements were for a diesel however thought we would look at this one as it's local. We have plenty of time to look around as plan to buy in April/May.

Shazzer

Remember, the closer to the 'goodweather' and holliday season, the higher the prices.Basic economics.

Good time to buy is the after season; this can save you a good many GBP's. This also is reflected in the camping or site prices.

On the other hand, you probablt want to go anyway so you'll loose that profit on you hollidays and you're none the better off...

Just realise that the search and the decision-period is ever so important for your future holiday experience and should be exhaustingly tried!

Have fun!

John .

Quote: Originally posted by Freebird on 22/02/2005

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On the other hand, you probablt want to go anyway so you'll loose that profit on you hollidays and you're none the better off...

 

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"Can only get easier from here on"

Told you you'd like it! And so right you are. We bought ours in September, camped almost through the winter an have tried everything, from whipping hailstorms (couldn't sleep a wink!) to sweating like &$#@! in the upperbunks.

As Sixwheels said: Ït can only get easier from here on, and better"!

Good hunting!

John Rademaker