poshnbucks

Here is a little a little corner for you to scribble your moans or advice or questions re all things to do with motoring in Spain which I know is a minefield for some but other may pass on their knowledge etc. I have a 3 litre 4x4 and want one of those vans with windows because apart from drinking diesel I can get everything from the van ie transport 3 dogs every day shopping etc without paying 200 euros a month diesel. But which van to get anyone got one and want to share the negatives. I fancy the new Citroën Berlingo which gives you a choice of manual/Automatic gearbox.

Dxf

Hi

Good idea this thread; BUT beware of one drawback to your plan. The Berlingo is considered a commercial vehicle therefore the ITV periods are different, including the first ITV, from memory three years not four. Also after ten years ITV is six monthly

Davexf

Fred James

I think these types of vehicle are classed as "Vehículo mixto adaptable".

"Automóvil especialmente dispuesto para el transporte, simultáneo o no, de mercancías y personas hasta un máximo de 9, incluido el conductor, y en el que se puede sustituir eventualmente la carga, parcial o totalmente, por personas mediante la adición de asientos."

Apart from the frequent ITV tests they are subject to the same speed limits as commercial vehicles - ie. 100kph max.

I think it may depend on how it is registered in the first place. The best person to answer that would be a Citroen dealer.

Casa Santo Estevo

We have friends who moved from the UK with a RHD Shogun and they have managed to get it Spanish plated and registered as a non commercial so it is only tested every year.
However although this vehicle is exactly the same as a Pajero/Montero they still had to run through the paperwork hoops to register the car as a unique import.

Bri and Katee

If you are looking for a Berlingo also check out the Fiat Doblo, larger vehicle ( by a little bit) inside. better internal fittings, looks more like a car inside than a van.

Will be interested to see how this develops, we are considering this route rather than a standard hatchback car.

Fred James

Even Clarkson quite likes the Berlingo.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/dri...cle4442811.ece

The Renault Kangoo is another option and it has a 4WD option.

Mitzyboy

You wouldn't want to drive around Spain in a Pajero anyway though would you!

jimmbo

I bought a 2005 2lt Berlingo Disire just this last Christmas, it's not the latest shape.

When you start using it, thats when you decide if you made the correct choice. And I highly reccommend it.
Ok, it,s a van with windows but it suits our needs and has good towing abilaty, where it really scores is it's ride quality it just absords pot holes.
The pedals take time to adjust to.
A high driving position and the rear passangers can see forward so they are not closed in, comfy in the back too.


o

jdr

Don`t get a UK one, they are removing a few in Benalmadena again.

Casa Santo Estevo

Nope I would not, but I thought i had seen them here. and thought what a name!

Splatt

Coincidentally enough I just picked up my new 'wheels' yesterday, a ford transit tourneo minibus!
I actually need it for work and couldn't find a reasonable enough van but came across this guy locally who was keen to sell. Only 70000kms, 2 litre diesel the back seats come out easy so the transition from van to bus is simple.
I'm chuffed to bits with it!

I just need to sell the X5 now and get a reasonable car for the missus.

On the subject of driving in Spain I have a word of warning for the uninitiated. Roundabouts.
No-one seems to know the rules of engagement for these tricky bits of road furniture and every day I experience a new manoevre; indicate right, get in right lane, turn left. Indicate left, get in left lane, turn right, across my path.
Stop on roundabout to consult map. Do a complete lap of roundabout in right lane, carry straight on. The mind boggles.

One day I'm going to go around the main roundabout in town on two wheels and in reverse, with my hazards on.
Then, and only then, will I be truly accepted as a local.

Ste.

del.Almendro

There's a Spanish taxi driver in Ayamonte that goes the wrong way around a roundabout when he has an English fare, but only late at night!

poshnbucks

The Terrano 11 4x4 I have is Spanish and all local annual taxes are paid I bought it here in Spain.So as its all up to date in that regard I would trade it in.When we arrived 3 years ago I hired a car then went looking for a 4x4 automatic they were as rare as hens teeth at the time. Mrs P had a Saab convertible before we came here and that was automatic so she would not drive any other. We only need one car I have a Vespa for popping to anywhere local or just out for a soft drink. I didn't know about the van with windows with a free little old lady in the passenger seat but having sat the other week in a friend of mines newish Citroen I think they are the answer. I have a small trailer which I use for cuttings, Rubbish and wood delivery. Fuel etc cheaper and you blend in to the local populas. They now do that model in Automatic. The Fiat van looks a little quirky but gives you more height and appears more space than the Partner or the Citroen....I know both made at the same HQ, I fancy one of those as well. One thing my friend said about his van is if he had the choice he would get one with the one piece rear door as the split doors do effect your rear vision. I notice a dealer not to far away is offering the Ford Van new at 25 per cent discount it looks the same with windows in the side etc. Shame times are hard here on earth Ahhhhhhhhhhhh Those poor car dealers and Estate agents what a shame.................. Not

scampicat

Got stopped in a routine check by the Guardia today - first time ever in 4.5 years! So I just thought that as there is usually confusion about what is acceptable and what is not, I'd share the experience.

1. They made no comment at all about the documents being photocopied and obviously found them acceptable.

2. They also found my husband's UK photocard licence acceptable (original document, not photocopy).

3. Didn't even look at the insurance documents (which are original documents) other than to just look at the Linea Directa wallet they are kept in.

4. Made no comment about the impuesta being out of date (it isn't but I'd forgotten to update the photocopy of the receipt - noticed this as I was taking the document out of the plastic wallet).

5. They DID however say that the ITV was out of date (it isn't - again I'd forgotten to update the copy of the document last time it was ITV'd). They accepted that it was OK because we had the sticker on the windscreen showing April 2010, so they just let us off with a warning to get the document updated.

Updated documents are all in car now!

Hope this helps.

Fred James

A couple of comments.

It is no longer necessary to carry insurance details - it is now on their database and they have online access to it.

Road Tax is a municipal issue, not a police issue.

That probably explains they didn't worry about those items.