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Hi we have a 2009 Swift Freestyle 530 5 birth double dinette with a centre washroom; so basically the same van but a dealers special.
We tow with a 1.9 diesel Mondeo saloon (cast iron engine version), it tows beautifully the car barely knows the van is there. I would check on your specific model of Mondeo as there are two versions of ours one version of the saloon is lighter and is nearer 100% towing ratio. However as yours is an estate I would imagine you will have no problem.
We have owned the van for 2 years now and absolutely love it, the front seats are long enough to use as single beds if you don't feel like making up the double on arrival.
The rear double bed with the addition of a poundland memory foam topper is very comfortable. The only issue is that one of you needs to climb over the other to get out of bed. We haven't used the rear bunk. Beds set up very easily.
We found the bathroom perfectly position for us and the shower is really excellent. Water heating is very good, although the pump is a little noisy, this seems standard for most modern Swifts.
Cupboard space is good although I miss the drawers under the wardrobe that our old van had. The front chest of drawers are ok but not deep enough for T-shirts, the rear cupboard do make up for this.
The heating is excellent and can be used to blow hot or cold air (a blessing this week)
Issues we have had
we did get some damp from a failed window seal on the front right (offside) which was repaired under warranty, we also think the seal on the external radio aerial wasn't quite perfect so added some sealant to that.
Our fridge did fail in the first 4 months of our having it, again replaced under the warranty.
The flat front meas you struggle to put a TV on the front window ledge, however it balances nicely on the chest of drawers. The slide out top on the drawers is great.
Tables store really nicely away and the removable drainer and chopping board is a nice feature.
So from our experience I would say go for it we absolutely love the van and find it very comfortable. Check the fridge is working and that you have a full damp check around the window seals especially.
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Topic: caravan adviser
