Hi, my mate has a 1991 (J reg) Talbot Express hitop bought it this summer, we gave it a good going over during the last few months and he's currently in Spain 2 weeks in on a months break. he,s really enjoing it. One problem bungee broke and he lost his exhaust tailpipe on the M 25 but he managed to drive to a repairer (noisily) the rest of the journey down there was no problem took 2 days.
Obviously get continental breakdown/recovery insurance so you get your van transported home in worst case--I think Talbot is the same as either Citroen or Fiat so minor mechanical repairs should be no problem in France--main thing is to go all over van checking hoses & electrics-have yer belts been changed?--maybe put new brushes in alternator etc--
Not quite sure whether it's a question or a statement?
Hi, it is a question. Are the parts easier to get in France, nothing has gone wrong in a year and a half of ownership (touch wood) and yes we have got breakdown cover in Europe.
Our K reg Talbot thinks nothing doing round 5000 plus mile trips twice or three times a year.
Last trip in September was complete West coast of France then along the Pyranees through Andorra across to Perpignan,
Down to Alicante and around the Spanish coast to Malaga and then home via Madrid to San Sebastian and back along West coast of France and home.
We do this with no problems at all so far.
Brenda
Hi. we have been to france in our old talbot express van 2 years ago, if you can trust the van to take you around this country then its no differant over in france, as you have ins/cover go for it. our first trip into france was to san malo on the ferry then down to the loire at Nante for 3 days then back up the coast stopping for a few days at differant resorts on the way. and back from san malo, after 2 weeks. a good starter trip..ellroy.
I think any journey is a question of maintenance and luck as their is no inherent reason why vehicles of any age should not be capable of such a trip.
I used my old Talbot for over 10,000 miles last year including one trip of 4,000mile in a month with no problems and yet I have seen several new motorhomes stranded by mechanical failure.
Just because a vehicle is getting on a bit doesn't make them any more unreliable if they are well maintained and I speak as someone that drove a 1925 Bulnose Morris to Iceland on a camping trip some years ago.
We have covered over 1,000 miles in 4 days in Scotland this winter so if it can do that with no problems then it should do France. I think it has been on the continent with previous owners.
Our old 'D' reg. Talbot Express did two good trips to France - each trip exceeded 3.5k. My wife was worried until she realised our engine was a Peugot and spares were readily available everywhere! Take the above advice from others seriously - especially the re-patriation insurance and servicing and you'll LOVE IT! Have fun and enjoy the driving, the quality of the roads, the food and the wine! Good luck!