If you wanted a safe, comfortable, and reliable car that is capable and used by farmers and country folk for years, then it's the Subaru. But if it's French and mostly broken and about as luxurious as a shopping trolley, this is Hubnut, after all.
Subaru drinks fuel, and however competent they are, they just don't have the comfort and easy-going nature of a soft French oil-burner. I say that having owned Subarus- Berlingo much more practical
@alfamonk A Peugeot 806 or the Citroën version is still French and diesel, comfortable, and safer. Finding a good one that isn't at Hubnut level of state of repair is another days work.
The Berlingo is a clapped out piece of French crap whereas the Subaru is actually a nice car, so anybody familiar with the channel should understand already why the Forester has to go
The seats are not comfortable on the Subaru, as Ian has already noted, for someone who does a LOT of driving that is an important factor. We took one from this era for a drive and my wife was practically unable to walk after 20 mins or so , it messed up her back something awful. its also quite heavy on the juice compared to the Berlingo. I must admit its crazy to spend 800 quid on a car you don't own. I wouldn't have either of them as first choices but there ya go.
was the decision ever in doubt? The early version Subaru foresters are some of the nicest cars to drive in that the sense of confidence in their handling is amazing, and definitely the one to chose if you live in an area of crappy weather. Subaru's can get a bit spendy on maintenance and suffer from the 4 wheel drive economy hit. Subaru wins on performance and safety. if you want something cheap, boring, but will probably try to kill you by a dramatic mechanical failure then the berlingo. Hubnut home of automotive masochists....
Well, you could say the same thing, without being rude! Some French cars are lovely, just not the image you need for attaching oneself to other drivers bumpers I guess!
So basically, you're selling a low mileage, well cared for, safe, fast, capable off road vehicle that genuinely looks cool, in favour of a broken, worn out, rusty wine-hauler that'll kill you in an accident? That's HubNut!
I had a 2000 1.9 NA diesel Berlingo van for years (200,000 mls) and would happily still have it had the ECM not sh*t itself and economically totalled it. Loved that thing, was my workshop, shelter. cafeteria, tool box, transport, woking clothes wardrobe etc etc etc . A real workmate.
I can see for your uses why the Berlingo makes more sense - you have a family and do loads of long distance driving. It's more comfortable and economical. But that Subaru is a special car in that condition. It would've been almost a shame to subject it to daily family duties. I do hope whoever ends up with it gets loads of enjoyment out of it.
Only practical reason for keeping the French crap as opposed to the well engineered Jap machine is you'll get far more RUclips footage swearing at it as you try fixing it every week. Keep the Subaru and fit a roof box for when you need the extra space.
Slightly longer answer "which one with generate content by failing the owner at the worst time and require endless tinkering" sorry I'm too young to be this cynical
@@torresalex absolutely! Hubnut is informative and entertaining....it is in the business of being informative and entertaining, no complaint there very few people want to read about a car where nothing ever goes wrong and there is no drama whatsoever👍
My choice of car in recent years is made upon the cost of tax and insurance, in which case I would favour the Berlingo. My current daily drive is a 1960 Morris Minor, no mot required, no road tax required, fully comp insurance with recovery is under £100.
It would be interesting to know the total spend on repairs to the Citroen, didn't the rear suspension collapse fairly early on and then there was a recent large expenditure. Pushing 200k miles seems to be be spending a lot on a vehicle that doesn't always run properly and frankly seems on its last legs.
Yes as Ian admitted in recent video > HubNut celebrating the average ~ acquire an average car in below average condition and throw above average amounts of money at it.
I believe he spoke on this already, the money he put into the Berlingo is very nearly the total cost of the car, but this is hubnut and he has a thing for cars nobody else would have kept and that's why we love him and his channel. That Charade 100% was not worth putting an entire engine into but he and his wife loved the thing, all the power too them. if Hubnut was only reasonable, reliable vehicles it would just be an unfun pile of 90s hondas in a barn and what fun is that?
Having recently spent more than twice your cost to rebelt my 1.8 Lynx engine for the second time in my ownership, I understand your respect for a vehicle. Good for _another_ 100,000 miles. I also agree with your choice, taking your circumstances into account.
@@ebutuoyYT £1600, yes. There's a lot needs changing apart from the belt, unfortunately. About £700 in parts, plus oil and filter, plus eight hours labour and then VAT on top. I like the engine, though, so...
Just imagine me starting out as an apprentice in 2006 working on cars for the first time and its Subarus. First ever cambelt was a 2001 twin cam 2.0 NA impreza. Blew my mind but becomes second nature after a while. Key to spark plugs is lots of different length extensions 😂 Washer bottle & battery off one side, air box off other side & theyre not too bad!
1:25 First thing I do when I buy a car with a cambelt, is to swap it out... Unless it is confirmed to be new from when I bought the car. It gets done without question. I can easily do 300 miles in my Mazda it is so nice to drive.
Very wise. Recently changed the belt on my wife's car. The interval was 8 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). It was nowhere near the mileage but over the age. Upon inspection it needed changing! (My car has a chain.) Oh yes...and AVOID Ford EcoBoost and other crappy 'wet-belt' engines.
@@ferrumignis Exactly, like VW 1.4 TSI engines that eat timing chains for lunch. Apparently the new chains are better but I've heard of chains that were replaced considerably more often than belts. My parents' Golf had the chain go out at around 90k km, which was impressive because some of them went below 10k it seems. Full service history so we know it was the original chain. Luckily my dad caught some faint untoward noises and had the chain replaced when it was only mildly stretched but hadn't caused any damage. On the Mitsubishi van the timing belt was several years overdue (I think every eight years or 100k km is recommended and it was at least 10 years old) and on the brink of snapping according to the garage.
Considering future value: A Forester Turbo S is "the next best thing" to the today very valuable classic Impreza WRX:s. "Next best:s" tend to later follow the climb in value. The Berlingo on the other hand is just a very practical car.
One thing i think people tend to overlook with their daily driven family cars is safety. How a car protects its occupants in a major accident should give way more gravity than how soft the suspension is or how frugal it is on fuel or how large the boot is. The safety aspect has always been my priority, then handling and comfort, followed by fuel economy.
@HubNut True, but the two accidents I've involved both fairly bad have happened due to no fault of mine. One occurred whilst stopped at a set of lights, the other a head-on accident on a blind corner at 80kmh. I was in my own lane, the other driver wasn't. Both accidents were in VW golf's. I didn't even have a mark from the seat belt. Both cars were company provided cars. One a mark4 GTI the other a mark6 highline. Needless to say I've brought VWs ever since.
@@mtozzy11 agreed its not always how your driving and some of ians fleet would offer little protection if someone hits him and i sincerely hope that doesnt happen
Great video Ian. Ride comfort is a vital requirement (and a decent seat). Luxury is simple, not some marketing hype. Luxury, in fact, is not about appearing posh, it's about inner peace, which is much harder to achieve. Ergo, a true luxury car is simply one that rides properly. One that floats about and absorbs the short comings of the local council. The roads seem to be in worse shape than ever and since we can't rely on the road menders to deal with the problem, it's up to the car. Shame the Berlingo doesn't have cruise, and perhaps an auto-trans. The Fairmount does, but drinks fuel. Kind regards. Keep up the good work.
The Daihatsus are fun, and quirky, you want HubNut to just become another boring car channel? The YT channel I could have had if I could have chronicled my 12 year relationship with my vintage SAABs. Especially the 2 strokes back in the 1980's~90's, two of those cars were given to me, and they got taken on long trips and adventures that I will treasure for the rest of my days.
Agreed. We are in our seventh year with a 2017 C4 Picasso II 1.6 BlueHDi and it is great. Not quite as practical as a Berlingo, but close and with slightly higher comfort. Our Picasso has now driven 135,000 Km (about 84,000 miles) without any problems.
Family safety is important. More air bags better crash protection. And. Flip side 4x4 for towing on wet grass. Not even counting Japanese reliability. No brainer
@@markc3884 I live in Finland, where we have really rough road surfaces and cold weather ( -20 degrees C ) in the winter. I've never needed four wheel drive, only skill and proper winter tyres. All season tyres are now illegal in Finland in the winter, even on four wheel drive cars, because the rubber compound in those hardens and loses grip in temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius.
@@markc3884 As long you you don't mind spending probably double the amount on fuel, don't mind the ridiculously complex work for ongoing maintenance and don't mind the apparently uncomfortable seats it's a winner.
@@ferrumignis I’ve driven one before - had one as a company car. I didn’t find the seats uncomfortable. Never had any issues with its ‘proven simplistic’ AWD system. And for me, fuel cost isn’t an issue.
I’m with you on a turbo diesel for every day use. Genevieve my Grand Scenic averages 52-55 mpg on a run ( I have seen 59 on one occasion) and drops to between 45 and 47 mpg ‘around town’ so it’s a no brained for me - good decision on keeping Bella.
I've got a 2010 citroen Picasso c3 exclusive and I swear by it. It's very reliable, comfortable, ecomonical and fantastic to drive. A trip in Scotland (10hrs driving in a day) I got out the other side as fresh as getting in earlier. Had it 4 yrs now and have no wish to rid myself of it. They go high miles (mines 84000) and the most mpg I've got was 64 on the a6 to Inverness. Tons of room, I use it as a camper when motor racing, a van for tip runs, kids bikes in it and it's extremely comfortable for a couple of nights sleeping in. Planning a huge trip around the coastline of the whole of the UK next Yr and the Picasso is the weapon of choice. Incredible space inside. The Berlingo choice is a good choice imo.
My daughter has a C3 Picaso but my 2001 Berlingo is more comfortable in my opinion. The Picasso suspension bottoms out a lot faster and Berlingo steering is lighter on the highway.
When we picked up our '96 Volvo turbo 850 wagon the sounds and acceleration was quite addictive, but that car really encouraged some bad driving behavior that could have lost me my driving privileges. But there were some up sides to it. The inside space was huge you could car camp in it with one of those rear hatch opened car-tents, it could tow a 1200# gross trailer, it had a locking automatic transmission and on flat ground with the engine loafing along at 1600 rpm at 48 mph you could squeak out 34 to 41 mpg. The complex electronics and our marine air meant that all the nifty little perks like the climate control ended up being not in control, and switching between economy and sport modes would cause the automatic transmission would go into limp mode, The turbo was also slowly dying and it started to burn oil. We ended up giving it away as fixing all the problems would have been too expensive, We also at the time owned a Chevrolet Spectrum (Isuzu I-Mark) that was as tough as nails, manual everything base budget model with a nice wide ratio 5 speed. The Volvo was a mistake. Your Subaru is in much nicer condition, it's funny how it's interior is almost exactly like our Volvo's
This makes me long for my old Subaru Forester s-turbo, mine was manual but wish i could get my hands on an unmolested one again. Back at the time i took a 2002 Range Rover in payment for some work and was drawn away by the promise of luxury and comfort, a full front subframe replacement, 6 split air suspension bags over 18 months and constant reverting to limp mode, left me regretting the day i made that decision. Several years on and the need to move to an automatic for a medical condition, even the current manual 2010 xc60 does not stop me thinking i would like to get back behind the wheel of one of these, nothing quite like that sound and feel!!
I had a 2000 legacy outback which was probably the best car I’ve ever owned. 2.5 non turbo auto so not quick, but wafty enough. The running costs were astronomical though. As it was at a time when Subaru service intervals were every 6 months! The belt and fluid service cost just under 800 back in 2006.
I've had several Subarus over 15yrs and I totally agree re servicing costs ... but zero bills to fix anything as they never broke down, just consumables.
The Subaru may be thirstier, but is the Berlingo going to continue to cost you for repairs as more bits wear out? Think id be tempted to keep the Subaru for the safety and convenience?
This. I switched back to petrol from diesel recently as I no longer do high mileages. Much less to go wrong. Uses more fuel and road tax is a bit higher but that's offset by much lower service/maintenance costs.
HubNut, I share your admiration for the Berlingo. I currently have two on the drive, an early facelift 2.0hdi van unusually with a hatch rear door and a 1.4 petrol multispace which is mid engine-swap. The latter is like a Swiss Army Knife on wheels, brilliant.
You have lost your mind. As a family man I would be much more concerned with safety of my family over the perceived personal comfort advantage. If I were a betting man I’d say you are selling the Subaru base solely on its superior resale value…
The Berlingo is a past, present and future classic much beloved of anyone around 45 and over. So ubiquitous as to be accurately described as THE Swiss Army Knife of vehicles. I have a large roof basket fitted to mine, a towbar step, roof mounted spotlight bar of some 600W and next up is a winch and bull bars. It actually really suits all of these mods.
My Mother had a hens teeth 1984 Subaru GLF Automatic 4x4 Estate, great car, air con, electric mirrors, all 4 windows, brilliant in the snowy & muddy Welsh lanes, not quick but almost 30 mpg in farmers Moss Green...
Timing change on Subaru is extremely challenging. You did the right thing. We had them as company cars & they are very reliable. The only issue was the small fuel tank. Travelling distances your always at the bowser.
I'd probably make the same decision. But coming at it from a different position. Berlingo rides better, is more practical, more economical and the Subaru is worth more, end of the day, as a tool to do a job, the Berlingo is better, even though as a 'car' the Subaru is better. But for what you use both for, i think the Subaru is too 'nice', it's a lovely low mileage example, do you really want to hammer it towing things, run it in muddly welsh lanes etc?, wouldn't want to use that as a workhorse, which Bella is.
I had a not dissimilar decision to make a couple of years back. V6 E46 coupe vs C4 Picasso. The BMW looked lovely, drove brilliantly and was a lovely place to be. However, it was getting old, and always seemed on the verge of some little (or not so little) problem. Little problems typically costing a grand or more each time... I really loved that car tho. The Citroen was newer, full service history, low mileage, economical, comfortable and well specced. And utterly unremarkable. I kept the Citroen and I still think it was the right decision, but I still miss the E46. The Citroen has so far not missed a beat tho.
had an e46 bought for 1k with 120k on the clock ( an inline 6 BTW) never gave me any trouble over 6 years, just 150 quid on a handbrake service (always rubbish on bms)
For me, it would not be a dilemma, Subaru is the winner. I had citroens and peugeots in my life, and it always ended up in utter misery (reliability issues)… and also the sound the subaru makes, my God, amazing!
To me, it's like a lot of products in life, on one side, you're buying affordable and "just works", on the other side, you're buying the brand-name brags, kind of like the android versus iphone thing, some of us just want things to work rather than showing off a logo... :)
Ian it's all down to peace of mind not only are you continuing to keep the car well maintained but by doing so you are safeguarding the resale valuge and as for the berlingo better the devil you know .....
Well not to mention that Ian did a successful fuel additive tuneup on the Berlingo's engine problems. I mean how many gasoline cars can you do that with? This is in the realm of near magic.
@@tauncfester3022Given it's still way underpowered, it's not sorted. The fuel additive was a temporary bodge, but the engine still clearly isn't happy.
Firstly, I really hate the sound of a subaaaru, always sounds like its got a dead plug, and secondly they are a headache to maintain in the long run - its a matter of time before the headgaskets will blow, which is almost an engine out problem to fix, heavy on petrol due to being an all time 4wd. So, support the decision to keep the old french clunk box !
Trouble is, some on here are of the “it’s a scooby” image type, they’re hardly different any more, and generally found stuck to other drivers tailgates! Don’t particularly like the sound either! Cue the haters!😂
My previous daily was a spicy Volvo V70, now I have a lightly peppered Fiat Doblo (T-Jet engine with the torque-limit removed). I got rid of the V70 after less than 3 years, the Doblo is over 8 years in my possession despite having a temperament and the stiff van suspension, but it's incredibly practical in a reasonably compact footprint. The car I liked driving the most was a pretty basic Volvo 740 with a 2.3 liter engine that was better at drinking than at driving, a slushbox automatic that smoothed out the tiny bit of kick that engine had, and a suspension not much stiffer than that of my 2CV, but that made it a very relaxing and comfortable car to drive with vague but predictable handling. When I combine the good properties of that 740 with my current Doblo, I'm not surprised at all you like Bella the Berlingo so much. A lot of power can be fun, but most of the time it's just frustrating. Comfort is definitely where it's at.
I think it's tough one for you and you know it more than ever :)) As someone wrote below....Subaru is a bit far from Hubnut as such...and a bit more expensive to run but that's about it. She's a survivor...in almost mint condition. Rustproofing and you run it for years. Citroen on the other hand ....needs fixing issues, but cheaper to run, a bit "rough "( hence fully utilitarian)....well choice is yours hahah :) I kind of feel what the choice will be writing this while watching....not knowing what the decision will be. 🙃
Because it’s Ian, and time has showed he will always pick the unpopular option that happens to work for him. When has he ever liked fast cars in the fleet?
Ian was offered the Subaru as towing vehicle for Bob at a time when no other HubNut vehicle was available ~ with an option to flip if not suitable. It was not suggested as a do-it-all family vehicle ~ this seems to have crept into the equation since journey back to Wales. Subaru has better and higher towing capacity but is it a better family car ~ for Ian's needs at least ?
Some people just underestimate the value of comfort. My son has a BMW M235i. Great fun for a few miles but so uncomfortable. Whereas my Berlingo? Well that’s what I would choose for almost every journey. Comfort economy and a decent sound system are my automotive priorities 😊
Timing belt paranoia is old fashioned. Belts themselves rarely actually break it's usually a water pump that causes an early or emergency replacement. I nearly lost a 16v psa engine due to poor fitting of the belt before me, it had rubbed badly on covers and was just caught but that was fitter error not designed in. The berlingo is the one to keep, absolutely the right choice. Clearly the best choice would be a slightly later, higher spec berlingo with air conditioning, electric things etc lol
Totally agree. I’ve had a couple of fords where the belt interval is 100k/10 years. Even when I’ve changed them they haven’t been cracked/showing obviously signs of about to letting go. But fine - everyone keep paying to change them at 4-6 years and 60k miles if you want!
Both cars tick the right boxes. I had a Subaru as a company car and I loved driving it. The Berlingo is amazing and looks in great shape for the mileage. The Berlingo is the Hubnut kind of car.
I've had 1st gen Berlingo (facelifted) for 12 years from new. Still have fond memories of it. This year I've changed from current gen Berrlingo to Subaru Outback and still miss the practicality sometimes. Luckily no problems with ride comfort on current outback.
Safety, age, 4x4 when towing handles the weight better generally (and I love high miles French stuff ) Subaru has to be a winner. Family in the car towing in the rain an ancient 2wd converted van with poor crash safety when a better option exists has to be a no brainer if you want to forgive yourself after an accident. Don't get me wrong I own a TVR and my son and I go out a lot but that is akin to being a pillion on a motorbike or in a 60's classic sunny days and not everyday. In 30 years of driving a Volvo had saved my wife from serious injury and a Range Rover the entire family when we hit standing water on a dark motorway with a 2t twin axle van and that had stability control. Rare but I can't agree on this one.
I'm with you, Ian. I would choose the Berlingo as well, for the following reasons: * Better suspension/ride comfort * Better seat comfort, * I too prefer the high driving position * I prefer manual trasnmission * I like the rear sliding doors * I love the massive headroom * I prefer the styling on the Berlingo. Although I personally would have chosen a facelifted Berlingo Multispace because I'd want air con and greater safety in the unfortunate event of a crash.
The more videos i see with the Berlingo, the more i kinda want one... but i much prefer the ones with the van-style double doors at the back rather than an enormous hatchback thing.
I'm trying, I'm really trying, but how can you get so passionate about these vehicles they are the equivalent of beige as far as I'm concerned. Love the passion and will carry on watching as I love the fact you love these vehicles maybe I will understand one day
I think that's the whole point of Hubnut. Appreciation for the cars that usually get absolutely zero appreciation from most. Beige is definitely the colour for it. It's far from my favourite colour, but the more colours you see, the better.
Because they really are not! Now a golf, or a Focus- very definition of “beige”, but som love them, takes all sorts! Not everyone wants to follow the herd.
It's a British thing ...loving a thing which obviously crap, which no one can see the reasons for your obsession, and which will ultimately fail you and crush your hopes at the last. Kinda Like the nation football team.
A very honest and interesting review. Subarus are exceedingly well built and well engineered but sadly do lack comfort and practicality. It's horses for courses and you've chosen your horse Ian, based on the course you ride. There may also be an element of what you've already invested in that horse but.......... Berlingo wins hands down here!
The timing belt on one of these is a doddle. Of all cars I’ve done, Subarus are the easiest due to loads of access. Hopefully you used a gates belt and Japanese tensioners/pulleys? As far as I’m aware the gates kits use Chinese bearings which are known to fail!
I’ve got a 2001 Forester base model as my daily here in Australia. Mine is the 5 speed. You just don’t see them here in unfiddled condition. They’ve all been dropped 4 inches with the sik rims and a 3 inch exhaust. I think they might be one of the best “jack of all trades” of all time, plus it was built right around when Subaru was still the most idiosyncratic brand you could buy here. A title they no longer hold anymore, sadly. Ps. Be careful with that little cubby on top of the dash, they’re prone to shattering into smithereens at the slightest slam!
I would love to do a comparison with that Audi A4 avant 2.0 tdi that you met going the other way. For my needs, I'd keep the Subaru. For yours, it is the Berlingo every time. 50mpg vs 33mpg - which equates to maybe 40mpg/22mpg when towing. With the number of miles you do every year, that is a lot of money you are saving. Although I'd sell both and get a newer/better Berlingo. Hopefully in the meantime, the cash will go on finally refurbing the injectors. You should easily get that money back on the Forester. Selling it without the belt change would be more difficult, and lead to a lot of people trying to beat you into the ground on price. Maybe do a 2-for-1 sale and throw in the Pajero Junior, which seems to have stalled and is going nowhere.
Agreed. Diesel wins. Also the less electric powered accessories the less to go wrong Berlingo wins. And leather seats no, just no. Subarus are also notorious for cylinder head leaks -£££ to fix.
I had a Berlingo Multispace (06) and it's the 2nd best car I've owned My Dacia Logan MCV is my no. 1 car. 10 years ownership from new and no problems at all.
I reckon that is a sound choice given what you use Bella for. Subaru needs to go to someone who wants to keep the mileage down and the quality up. Whilst it would be a lovely tow vehicle, it would be pretty expensive on fuel and insurance compared to the Berlingo.
@@35dononeill I had a strange thing with my "Betty" wagon yesterday. I went for a cruise along the local motorway and it is telling me it getting 9L/100 k which is the lowest i have ever had. I suspect i may have had a brake not disengaging completely but I it is something i will keep track of. It could also be something wrong with the gauge as I am not so sure that a Falcon six should give that level of economy at 100kph freeway speed. For Ian's choice I would go based on availability of spares. If Berlingo spares are plentiful and cheap then I might go with that - otherwise I would keep the Subbie and maybe get different rate springs fitted. For comfort and ease of towing Bob I would be saying hell the expense and use Betty.
Your final comment hit home with me...I bought a 2017 Honda CR-V EX 2.0 AWD auto and it's the dullest thing I've ever driven.. literally no joy to be had as a daily driver. It'll be moving on soon.
@@deanstyles2567 Cool and thanks. I don't remember ever getting under 10 so maybe I have had a problem for a long time. Might have to check the calipers when the weather fines up just in case.
I don't have a Berlingo, although it would suit me well. I have a Peugeot Expert 1.6 hdi ex wheel chair vehicle, very handy for my work (moving ebikes around) and also can simultaneously be a 5 seater when needed. It's like a Berlingo on steriods
I have noticed that as I age, comfort is increasingly important. Practicality as well. When I was younger I tolerated things that I won't now. Is that just a function of age or an increase in wisdom? Not sure. Anyway, it looks like you are focusing on the right things. Keeping the fun car, that wrecks your back, doesn't seem like the wise choice. I hope you have many enjoyable years with the Berlingo.
Right decision, I really like the Subaru. But Bella is a better all rounder, maybe use any proceeds from the forrester to sort a few jobs on Bella, injectors probably! She’s due some
I think you've made the wrong decision. The Suburu is unique to the channel, and a rare thing of beauty! The Berlingo is a van with windows. I respect you've spent a lot on the Berlingo recently and it tows the fold up, but you've got other cars equally as impractical such as the Australian fuel guzzling thing. You've got them 2 blue roller skates you could sell and let Mrs Hubnut take the Mini Pajero... its not like youre going to be doing 300 miles every day or towing the fold up every day! - and there are seats you could swap out! - keep the Scooby! you also stated that if you sold the scooby, you'd be paying out a sizeable donation to a charity (youve already spent nearly £800 on it! -Putting that aside! keep up the great channel!
Making me want a Berlingo! I believe you can about fit a small motorcycle in the back especially if you get hold of an ex mobility one with with the wheelchair ramp.
You were right to replace the belt. It was one of the 1st jobs I did with my jalopy. If it fails, goodbye engine, goodbye car. Why not sell them both, & buy a newer Peugeot or citroen.
Well anyone who knows the channel already knew the outcome. Ian always chooses comfort over anything exciting. Totally understand the decision and given the mpg still be cheaper to fix the Berlingo
It does make sense. The Subaru really wasn't competing with the Berlingo for daily driver status, not with that fuel consumption. She was competing with the Ford Fairmont for the fun powerful car position in the fleet. And we all know that wasn't even going to be a contest.
Citroen obviously. Economy, comfort and practicality. Besides, you've already ironed out some of the problems it had so enjoy the fruits of your investment. The Subaru is brilliant, BTW
You are deciding with your head WHAT car to keep, NOT by emotions and what the main media TELL you. That's why you are selling the Subaru over the Berlingo. The Berlingo is a better car for YOUR needs. End of.
To be fair decent seats and economy trumps a lot of other considerations. And seating position is a very personal choice... I'm 6 foot 6 with back issues and my 2006 Toyota Verso is one of the very few cars that won't hurt after a days driving. Plus the rear folds flat to the floor, super practical.
The Berlingo has buckets of charm and utility, speed and power isn’t everything and that’s not even considering economy and home maintenance potential. Go with your heart!
I'd wager the Berlingo also wins on practicality: Bella is a car, van, a 2 litre diesel lugger with great fuel economy and I suspect worth somewhat less than the great condition low mileage full service history Forrester. Bella also fits nicely into the Hubnut fleet. regarding the Subaru, why can't all wipers be this good? "oh, another car" "this is the busiest road in the world, what's going on?" - here's a man who's got used to living out in the country 😀
I timed the 0-60mph of the Forester only took 7 seconds not bad at all for such a huge car considering a Fiat 500 Abarth takes the same time and is a lot lighter.
I don’t like the Berlingo…never have 😂 BUT it’s so Hubnut so it’s right for it to stay. That the whole point - loving something that everyone else overlooks and doesn’t get. Fair play
The problem with timing belts is that whilst they are on the car it's hard to tell the actual condition of them - it's not until you have taken it off that you can really check it for cracking. And if you have gone to all the trouble of removing it, you could argue that it makes sense to change it. (On the understanding that there are no cheap Chinese bearings in the new kit). Anyway, the Subaru is the nicer car - and if you live in rural Wales no doubt the better option when it comes to winter. But, more expensive to run, and i know from experience that subframes and other components underneath do like to rust in spectacular fashion.
My wife had a reliable Yaris, but when her sister moved abroad and offered her a Peugeot 207 SW, she got excited about the bigger boot and space. I wasn’t keen, but said, 'Your car, your choice.' By day two, the power steering module failed "Common fault" which Peugeot knows about, and sent us quote of £750. After many emails, they fixed it for free. Soon after, the boot wouldn’t open, headlight sockets kept melting, it needed new wheel bearings at 75k, developed an oil leak. etc The Peugeot was cheap to tax, run, and insure, but maintenance cost and the amount of headaches it has caused us made us decide not to think of owning another, ever again.
Totally understandable choice, but I feel the Subaru is a more interesting car for viewers on the channel, I would possibly think about moving another car on the fleet on, but possibly the Subaru holds more value? Keep up the good work 👍
To be fair I recently swapped an A6 quattro Avant for a c3 Picasso and I couldn't be happier. We do long distance camping trips and our latest trip was down to lake Como. I had 0 back ache unlike in the Audi and we spent basically nothing on fuel. Little french box cars for the win I say!
As you've asked .. on paper the Subaru is clearly the better option IMO, 4x4 in Wales, low mileage, great history, bought well, looks pretty well put together (maybe needs a roofbox). The Citroen looks tired and creaky all round. But the Subaru's bad seats would put me off it, I had a Jeep GC 5.7 on LPG which on paper was perfect for me given I don't cover many miles, but the seats were appalling, and the general ambience inside (grey plastic everywhere) was torrid. Made a great sound though and was a lot of fun in a straight line. Personally I'd get rid of the Sub, Berlingo, AU and get a V70/850 for family/distance duties, and keep oddball tiddlers that are prone to breaking #content for the local potter about.
I commented on your recent post , the Subaru is very cool, but for practical reasons and economical I’d choose the Citroen, but all the same the Subaru is incredibly cool 😎
I was once given a Honda Civic and got rid of a Peugeot 106 after I was tempted by air conditioning and a quieter smoother ride. The Honda was a dreadful car and I always regretted giving away the older and more pedestrian Peugeot 106.
If you wanted a safe, comfortable, and reliable car that is capable and used by farmers and country folk for years, then it's the Subaru. But if it's French and mostly broken and about as luxurious as a shopping trolley, this is Hubnut, after all.
I like both😊
Sell both and get a newer Berlingo?
Subaru drinks fuel, and however competent they are, they just don't have the comfort and easy-going nature of a soft French oil-burner. I say that having owned Subarus- Berlingo much more practical
@@alfamonk I think a more modern Berlingo: airbags, NCAP rating that isn't in the toilet, but still French in it's mannerisms.
@alfamonk
A Peugeot 806 or the Citroën version is still French and diesel, comfortable, and safer. Finding a good one that isn't at Hubnut level of state of repair is another days work.
The Berlingo is a clapped out piece of French crap whereas the Subaru is actually a nice car, so anybody familiar with the channel should understand already why the Forester has to go
The seats are not comfortable on the Subaru, as Ian has already noted, for someone who does a LOT of driving that is an important factor. We took one from this era for a drive and my wife was practically unable to walk after 20 mins or so , it messed up her back something awful. its also quite heavy on the juice compared to the Berlingo. I must admit its crazy to spend 800 quid on a car you don't own. I wouldn't have either of them as first choices but there ya go.
was the decision ever in doubt?
The early version Subaru foresters are some of the nicest cars to drive in that the sense of confidence in their handling is amazing, and definitely the one to chose if you live in an area of crappy weather. Subaru's can get a bit spendy on maintenance and suffer from the 4 wheel drive economy hit. Subaru wins on performance and safety. if you want something cheap, boring, but will probably try to kill you by a dramatic mechanical failure then the berlingo.
Hubnut home of automotive masochists....
Well, you could say the same thing, without being rude! Some French cars are lovely, just not the image you need for attaching oneself to other drivers bumpers I guess!
@@dangavel1283 I think your wife might be a bit of a drama queen mate 😂
🤣🤣
So basically, you're selling a low mileage, well cared for, safe, fast, capable off road vehicle that genuinely looks cool, in favour of a broken, worn out, rusty wine-hauler that'll kill you in an accident? That's HubNut!
I had a 2000 1.9 NA diesel Berlingo van for years (200,000 mls) and would happily still have it had the ECM not sh*t itself and economically totalled it. Loved that thing, was my workshop, shelter. cafeteria, tool box, transport, woking clothes wardrobe etc etc etc . A real workmate.
I can see for your uses why the Berlingo makes more sense - you have a family and do loads of long distance driving. It's more comfortable and economical.
But that Subaru is a special car in that condition. It would've been almost a shame to subject it to daily family duties. I do hope whoever ends up with it gets loads of enjoyment out of it.
I would keep the subaru
I would have the Forester hands down.
Same
i'd keep them both
nah, money pit and fuel economy is shocking
Only practical reason for keeping the French crap as opposed to the well engineered Jap machine is you'll get far more RUclips footage swearing at it as you try fixing it every week. Keep the Subaru and fit a roof box for when you need the extra space.
You don't have to lock and unlock the Subaru for the immobilizer. Just press the key button once in the ign II position it over rides it.
It's Hubnut. Short answer is always "Which one is a Citroen?".
Slightly longer answer "which one with generate content by failing the owner at the worst time and require endless tinkering" sorry I'm too young to be this cynical
I find that to be a perfectly valid reason
@@torresalex absolutely! Hubnut is informative and entertaining....it is in the business of being informative and entertaining, no complaint there very few people want to read about a car where nothing ever goes wrong and there is no drama whatsoever👍
My choice of car in recent years is made upon the cost of tax and insurance, in which case I would favour the Berlingo. My current daily drive is a 1960 Morris Minor, no mot required, no road tax required, fully comp insurance with recovery is under £100.
Ian, I agree with your choice to stay with the Berlingo. I drive a 1999 Forester (USA model), 25 MPG is about the best it can do (USA gallon).
A very Hubnut decision, the Subaru is a lovely quality car, next level to the Berlingo in my humble!
It would be interesting to know the total spend on repairs to the Citroen, didn't the rear suspension collapse fairly early on and then there was a recent large expenditure. Pushing 200k miles seems to be be spending a lot on a vehicle that doesn't always run properly and frankly seems on its last legs.
yep its a poor example and had plenty spent on it
Yes as Ian admitted in recent video > HubNut celebrating the average ~ acquire an average car in below average condition and throw above average amounts of money at it.
I believe he spoke on this already, the money he put into the Berlingo is very nearly the total cost of the car, but this is hubnut and he has a thing for cars nobody else would have kept and that's why we love him and his channel.
That Charade 100% was not worth putting an entire engine into but he and his wife loved the thing, all the power too them.
if Hubnut was only reasonable, reliable vehicles it would just be an unfun pile of 90s hondas in a barn and what fun is that?
@@deepbludreamsexactly! Some people miss the point.
I always worry about my car until I watch all your issues.
Having recently spent more than twice your cost to rebelt my 1.8 Lynx engine for the second time in my ownership, I understand your respect for a vehicle. Good for _another_ 100,000 miles. I also agree with your choice, taking your circumstances into account.
£1500?! Was that for a wetbelt?
@@ebutuoyYT £1600, yes. There's a lot needs changing apart from the belt, unfortunately. About £700 in parts, plus oil and filter, plus eight hours labour and then VAT on top. I like the engine, though, so...
Just imagine me starting out as an apprentice in 2006 working on cars for the first time and its Subarus. First ever cambelt was a 2001 twin cam 2.0 NA impreza. Blew my mind but becomes second nature after a while. Key to spark plugs is lots of different length extensions 😂 Washer bottle & battery off one side, air box off other side & theyre not too bad!
Everything speaks in favor of keeping the Citroen, because the Subaru is solid, strong, low mileage, Japanese reliability, good pulling power etc...
1:25 First thing I do when I buy a car with a cambelt, is to swap it out... Unless it is confirmed to be new from when I bought the car. It gets done without question.
I can easily do 300 miles in my Mazda it is so nice to drive.
I buy chain driven engined car
Very wise. Recently changed the belt on my wife's car. The interval was 8 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). It was nowhere near the mileage but over the age. Upon inspection it needed changing! (My car has a chain.)
Oh yes...and AVOID Ford EcoBoost and other crappy 'wet-belt' engines.
@@arfanmedni7294 Chains are no guarantee of reliability these days. Manufacturers seem to have forgotten how to make reliable chain drives.
@@ferrumignis Exactly, like VW 1.4 TSI engines that eat timing chains for lunch. Apparently the new chains are better but I've heard of chains that were replaced considerably more often than belts. My parents' Golf had the chain go out at around 90k km, which was impressive because some of them went below 10k it seems. Full service history so we know it was the original chain. Luckily my dad caught some faint untoward noises and had the chain replaced when it was only mildly stretched but hadn't caused any damage.
On the Mitsubishi van the timing belt was several years overdue (I think every eight years or 100k km is recommended and it was at least 10 years old) and on the brink of snapping according to the garage.
Considering future value:
A Forester Turbo S is "the next best thing" to the today very valuable classic Impreza WRX:s. "Next best:s" tend to later follow the climb in value.
The Berlingo on the other hand is just a very practical car.
One thing i think people tend to overlook with their daily driven family cars is safety. How a car protects its occupants in a major accident should give way more gravity than how soft the suspension is or how frugal it is on fuel or how large the boot is. The safety aspect has always been my priority, then handling and comfort, followed by fuel economy.
Safety is a tricky one. No point driving a safe car if you're going to drive it in an unsafe manner. Most of our cars are unsafe to most people.
@HubNut True, but the two accidents I've involved both fairly bad have happened due to no fault of mine. One occurred whilst stopped at a set of lights, the other a head-on accident on a blind corner at 80kmh. I was in my own lane, the other driver wasn't. Both accidents were in VW golf's. I didn't even have a mark from the seat belt. Both cars were company provided cars. One a mark4 GTI the other a mark6 highline. Needless to say I've brought VWs ever since.
@@mtozzy11 agreed its not always how your driving and some of ians fleet would offer little protection if someone hits him and i sincerely hope that doesnt happen
I hit a moose about 2 years ago going 80 kmh. If i wasn’t sitting in my volvo i would be probably dead now
Great video Ian. Ride comfort is a vital requirement (and a decent seat). Luxury is simple, not some marketing hype. Luxury, in fact, is not about appearing posh, it's about inner peace, which is much harder to achieve. Ergo, a true luxury car is simply one that rides properly. One that floats about and absorbs the short comings of the local council. The roads seem to be in worse shape than ever and since we can't rely on the road menders to deal with the problem, it's up to the car. Shame the Berlingo doesn't have cruise, and perhaps an auto-trans. The Fairmount does, but drinks fuel. Kind regards. Keep up the good work.
Keep the Forester and Get rid of both Daihatsu's
The Daihatsus are fun, and quirky, you want HubNut to just become another boring car channel? The YT channel I could have had if I could have chronicled my 12 year relationship with my vintage SAABs. Especially the 2 strokes back in the 1980's~90's, two of those cars were given to me, and they got taken on long trips and adventures that I will treasure for the rest of my days.
@@tauncfester3022 the kenari is fine the charade is pure scrap
@@davidjack825I’d keep the charade ive the Kenari it looks nicer.
@@tauncfester3022 those daihatsus 3 cylinder engines, unless you've change the oil ever 2000 miles, will ALWAYS burn oil
@@Grimwriggler Then it's a good thing I always change my oil every 2000 miles on all of my cars then?
Citroën diesels are brilliant , i had a 1.6 hdi Xsara Picasso for 4 years , so i do understand your choice
Agreed. We are in our seventh year with a 2017 C4 Picasso II 1.6 BlueHDi and it is great. Not quite as practical as a Berlingo, but close and with slightly higher comfort. Our Picasso has now driven 135,000 Km (about 84,000 miles) without any problems.
Family safety is important. More air bags better crash protection. And. Flip side 4x4 for towing on wet grass. Not even counting Japanese reliability. No brainer
appears not in hubnut world charade kenari and berlingo are seriously lacking in safety areas
Agreed - in a place with the potential for rough Winter weather, I’d take the Subie.
@@markc3884 I live in Finland, where we have really rough road surfaces and cold weather ( -20 degrees C ) in the winter. I've never needed four wheel drive, only skill and proper winter tyres. All season tyres are now illegal in Finland in the winter, even on four wheel drive cars, because the rubber compound in those hardens and loses grip in temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius.
@@markc3884 As long you you don't mind spending probably double the amount on fuel, don't mind the ridiculously complex work for ongoing maintenance and don't mind the apparently uncomfortable seats it's a winner.
@@ferrumignis I’ve driven one before - had one as a company car. I didn’t find the seats uncomfortable. Never had any issues with its ‘proven simplistic’ AWD system. And for me, fuel cost isn’t an issue.
I’m with you on a turbo diesel for every day use. Genevieve my Grand Scenic averages 52-55 mpg on a run ( I have seen 59 on one occasion) and drops to between 45 and 47 mpg ‘around town’ so it’s a no brained for me - good decision on keeping Bella.
It always strikes me that Bella is hanging on but how much life is really left it in
I've got a 2010 citroen Picasso c3 exclusive and I swear by it. It's very reliable, comfortable, ecomonical and fantastic to drive. A trip in Scotland (10hrs driving in a day) I got out the other side as fresh as getting in earlier. Had it 4 yrs now and have no wish to rid myself of it. They go high miles (mines 84000) and the most mpg I've got was 64 on the a6 to Inverness. Tons of room, I use it as a camper when motor racing, a van for tip runs, kids bikes in it and it's extremely comfortable for a couple of nights sleeping in. Planning a huge trip around the coastline of the whole of the UK next Yr and the Picasso is the weapon of choice. Incredible space inside. The Berlingo choice is a good choice imo.
My daughter has a C3 Picaso but my 2001 Berlingo is more comfortable in my opinion.
The Picasso suspension bottoms out a lot faster and Berlingo steering is lighter on the highway.
84000 is not high mileage!! Haven't you seen 'Pass the Picasso'?😂
That was my point! I know 84000 isnt high, I was making the point that they go up to high mileage and was just stating what mine was on.
Absolutely brilliant video ian ❤👍 I guess comfort always comes first but still both great cars brilliant
When we picked up our '96 Volvo turbo 850 wagon the sounds and acceleration was quite addictive, but that car really encouraged some bad driving behavior that could have lost me my driving privileges.
But there were some up sides to it. The inside space was huge you could car camp in it with one of those rear hatch opened car-tents, it could tow a 1200# gross trailer, it had a locking automatic transmission and on flat ground with the engine loafing along at 1600 rpm at 48 mph you could squeak out 34 to 41 mpg. The complex electronics and our marine air meant that all the nifty little perks like the climate control ended up being not in control, and switching between economy and sport modes would cause the automatic transmission would go into limp mode, The turbo was also slowly dying and it started to burn oil. We ended up giving it away as fixing all the problems would have been too expensive, We also at the time owned a Chevrolet Spectrum (Isuzu I-Mark) that was as tough as nails, manual everything base budget model with a nice wide ratio 5 speed. The Volvo was a mistake. Your Subaru is in much nicer condition, it's funny how it's interior is almost exactly like our Volvo's
This makes me long for my old Subaru Forester s-turbo, mine was manual but wish i could get my hands on an unmolested one again. Back at the time i took a 2002 Range Rover in payment for some work and was drawn away by the promise of luxury and comfort, a full front subframe replacement, 6 split air suspension bags over 18 months and constant reverting to limp mode, left me regretting the day i made that decision. Several years on and the need to move to an automatic for a medical condition, even the current manual 2010 xc60 does not stop me thinking i would like to get back behind the wheel of one of these, nothing quite like that sound and feel!!
An intelligent person would keep both and get rid of the AU.😮 I also support the suggestion of getting rid of one or two of those Daihatsus.
I had a 2000 legacy outback which was probably the best car I’ve ever owned. 2.5 non turbo auto so not quick, but wafty enough. The running costs were astronomical though. As it was at a time when Subaru service intervals were every 6 months! The belt and fluid service cost just under 800 back in 2006.
I've had several Subarus over 15yrs and I totally agree re servicing costs ... but zero bills to fix anything as they never broke down, just consumables.
The Subaru may be thirstier, but is the Berlingo going to continue to cost you for repairs as more bits wear out? Think id be tempted to keep the Subaru for the safety and convenience?
This. I switched back to petrol from diesel recently as I no longer do high mileages. Much less to go wrong. Uses more fuel and road tax is a bit higher but that's offset by much lower service/maintenance costs.
HubNut, I share your admiration for the Berlingo. I currently have two on the drive, an early facelift 2.0hdi van unusually with a hatch rear door and a 1.4 petrol multispace which is mid engine-swap. The latter is like a Swiss Army Knife on wheels, brilliant.
You have lost your mind. As a family man I would be much more concerned with safety of my family over the perceived personal comfort advantage. If I were a betting man I’d say you are selling the Subaru base solely on its superior resale value…
The Berlingo is a past, present and future classic much beloved of anyone around 45 and over. So ubiquitous as to be accurately described as THE Swiss Army Knife of vehicles. I have a large roof basket fitted to mine, a towbar step, roof mounted spotlight bar of some 600W and next up is a winch and bull bars. It actually really suits all of these mods.
As the obsessive owner of a different PSA van with seats in the back, I'm 100% with you on the Berlingo.
My Mother had a hens teeth 1984 Subaru GLF Automatic 4x4 Estate, great car, air con, electric mirrors, all 4 windows, brilliant in the snowy & muddy Welsh lanes, not quick but almost 30 mpg in farmers Moss Green...
Timing change on Subaru is extremely challenging. You did the right thing. We had them as company cars & they are very reliable. The only issue was the small fuel tank. Travelling distances your always at the bowser.
I'd probably make the same decision. But coming at it from a different position. Berlingo rides better, is more practical, more economical and the Subaru is worth more, end of the day, as a tool to do a job, the Berlingo is better, even though as a 'car' the Subaru is better. But for what you use both for, i think the Subaru is too 'nice', it's a lovely low mileage example, do you really want to hammer it towing things, run it in muddly welsh lanes etc?, wouldn't want to use that as a workhorse, which Bella is.
I've known people who owned Subarus, and all of them tell me that the car was unreliable. Enough said.
I had a not dissimilar decision to make a couple of years back. V6 E46 coupe vs C4 Picasso.
The BMW looked lovely, drove brilliantly and was a lovely place to be. However, it was getting old, and always seemed on the verge of some little (or not so little) problem. Little problems typically costing a grand or more each time... I really loved that car tho.
The Citroen was newer, full service history, low mileage, economical, comfortable and well specced. And utterly unremarkable.
I kept the Citroen and I still think it was the right decision, but I still miss the E46. The Citroen has so far not missed a beat tho.
had an e46 bought for 1k with 120k on the clock ( an inline 6 BTW) never gave me any trouble over 6 years, just 150 quid on a handbrake service (always rubbish on bms)
For me, it would not be a dilemma, Subaru is the winner. I had citroens and peugeots in my life, and it always ended up in utter misery (reliability issues)… and also the sound the subaru makes, my God, amazing!
To me, it's like a lot of products in life, on one side, you're buying affordable and "just works", on the other side, you're buying the brand-name brags, kind of like the android versus iphone thing, some of us just want things to work rather than showing off a logo... :)
Ian it's all down to peace of mind not only are you continuing to keep the car well maintained but by doing so you are safeguarding the resale valuge and as for the berlingo better the devil you know .....
resale value of bella will be peanuts
Well not to mention that Ian did a successful fuel additive tuneup on the Berlingo's engine problems. I mean how many gasoline cars can you do that with? This is in the realm of near magic.
@@tauncfester3022Given it's still way underpowered, it's not sorted. The fuel additive was a temporary bodge, but the engine still clearly isn't happy.
Firstly, I really hate the sound of a subaaaru, always sounds like its got a dead plug, and secondly they are a headache to maintain in the long run - its a matter of time before the headgaskets will blow, which is almost an engine out problem to fix, heavy on petrol due to being an all time 4wd. So, support the decision to keep the old french clunk box !
Trouble is, some on here are of the “it’s a scooby” image type, they’re hardly different any more, and generally found stuck to other drivers tailgates! Don’t particularly like the sound either! Cue the haters!😂
My previous daily was a spicy Volvo V70, now I have a lightly peppered Fiat Doblo (T-Jet engine with the torque-limit removed). I got rid of the V70 after less than 3 years, the Doblo is over 8 years in my possession despite having a temperament and the stiff van suspension, but it's incredibly practical in a reasonably compact footprint.
The car I liked driving the most was a pretty basic Volvo 740 with a 2.3 liter engine that was better at drinking than at driving, a slushbox automatic that smoothed out the tiny bit of kick that engine had, and a suspension not much stiffer than that of my 2CV, but that made it a very relaxing and comfortable car to drive with vague but predictable handling.
When I combine the good properties of that 740 with my current Doblo, I'm not surprised at all you like Bella the Berlingo so much.
A lot of power can be fun, but most of the time it's just frustrating. Comfort is definitely where it's at.
I think it's tough one for you and you know it more than ever :)) As someone wrote below....Subaru is a bit far from Hubnut as such...and a bit more expensive to run but that's about it. She's a survivor...in almost mint condition. Rustproofing and you run it for years. Citroen on the other hand ....needs fixing issues, but cheaper to run, a bit "rough "( hence fully utilitarian)....well choice is yours hahah :) I kind of feel what the choice will be writing this while watching....not knowing what the decision will be. 🙃
Why does the thumbnail ask "Which one will I keep?" when the title just tells us anyway?
Because I'm not good at clickbait. It's not really about suspense but my explanation of why.
Because it’s Ian, and time has showed he will always pick the unpopular option that happens to work for him. When has he ever liked fast cars in the fleet?
Ian was offered the Subaru as towing vehicle for Bob at a time when no other HubNut vehicle was available ~ with an option to flip if not suitable. It was not suggested as a do-it-all family vehicle ~ this seems to have crept into the equation since journey back to Wales. Subaru has better and higher towing capacity but is it a better family car ~ for Ian's needs at least ?
@@commentmachine1 All cars are fast...if the alternative is walking. Cheers!
@@phillipevans9414 take a taxi in Bankok rush hour and say that!
Some people just underestimate the value of comfort. My son has a BMW M235i. Great fun for a few miles but so uncomfortable. Whereas my Berlingo? Well that’s what I would choose for almost every journey. Comfort economy and a decent sound system are my automotive priorities 😊
Timing belt paranoia is old fashioned. Belts themselves rarely actually break it's usually a water pump that causes an early or emergency replacement. I nearly lost a 16v psa engine due to poor fitting of the belt before me, it had rubbed badly on covers and was just caught but that was fitter error not designed in. The berlingo is the one to keep, absolutely the right choice. Clearly the best choice would be a slightly later, higher spec berlingo with air conditioning, electric things etc lol
Totally agree. I’ve had a couple of fords where the belt interval is 100k/10 years. Even when I’ve changed them they haven’t been cracked/showing obviously signs of about to letting go. But fine - everyone keep paying to change them at 4-6 years and 60k miles if you want!
Both cars tick the right boxes. I had a Subaru as a company car and I loved driving it. The Berlingo is amazing and looks in great shape for the mileage. The Berlingo is the Hubnut kind of car.
You're doing the right thing: apart from anything else, the fuel consumption of that Subaru is ridiculous - my 3-litre BMW could easily better it.
I've had 1st gen Berlingo (facelifted) for 12 years from new. Still have fond memories of it. This year I've changed from current gen Berrlingo to Subaru Outback and still miss the practicality sometimes. Luckily no problems with ride comfort on current outback.
Safety, age, 4x4 when towing handles the weight better generally (and I love high miles French stuff ) Subaru has to be a winner.
Family in the car towing in the rain an ancient 2wd converted van with poor crash safety when a better option exists has to be a no brainer if you want to forgive yourself after an accident.
Don't get me wrong I own a TVR and my son and I go out a lot but that is akin to being a pillion on a motorbike or in a 60's classic sunny days and not everyday.
In 30 years of driving a Volvo had saved my wife from serious injury and a Range Rover the entire family when we hit standing water on a dark motorway with a 2t twin axle van and that had stability control.
Rare but I can't agree on this one.
I'm with you, Ian. I would choose the Berlingo as well, for the following reasons:
* Better suspension/ride comfort
* Better seat comfort,
* I too prefer the high driving position
* I prefer manual trasnmission
* I like the rear sliding doors
* I love the massive headroom
* I prefer the styling on the Berlingo.
Although I personally would have chosen a facelifted Berlingo Multispace because I'd want air con and greater safety in the unfortunate event of a crash.
The more videos i see with the Berlingo, the more i kinda want one... but i much prefer the ones with the van-style double doors at the back rather than an enormous hatchback thing.
Yes, they were only sold here with double doors very briefly, right at the end of production and only on the base model.
@@HubNut Ah, that explains why they seem to be rarer than unicorn poop!
Nice comparison between these two cars. Surprisingly good looking timing belt after all this time but well done replacing it for such a nice car.
I'm trying, I'm really trying, but how can you get so passionate about these vehicles they are the equivalent of beige as far as I'm concerned. Love the passion and will carry on watching as I love the fact you love these vehicles maybe I will understand one day
I think that's the whole point of Hubnut. Appreciation for the cars that usually get absolutely zero appreciation from most. Beige is definitely the colour for it. It's far from my favourite colour, but the more colours you see, the better.
Because they really are not! Now a golf, or a Focus- very definition of “beige”, but som love them, takes all sorts! Not everyone wants to follow the herd.
It's a British thing ...loving a thing which obviously crap, which no one can see the reasons for your obsession, and which will ultimately fail you and crush your hopes at the last.
Kinda Like the nation football team.
A very honest and interesting review. Subarus are exceedingly well built and well engineered but sadly do lack comfort and practicality. It's horses for courses and you've chosen your horse Ian, based on the course you ride. There may also be an element of what you've already invested in that horse but.......... Berlingo wins hands down here!
simple way to decide wales winter, that forester is perfect
The timing belt on one of these is a doddle. Of all cars I’ve done, Subarus are the easiest due to loads of access. Hopefully you used a gates belt and Japanese tensioners/pulleys? As far as I’m aware the gates kits use Chinese bearings which are known to fail!
I’ve got a 2001 Forester base model as my daily here in Australia. Mine is the 5 speed.
You just don’t see them here in unfiddled condition. They’ve all been dropped 4 inches with the sik rims and a 3 inch exhaust.
I think they might be one of the best “jack of all trades” of all time, plus it was built right around when Subaru was still the most idiosyncratic brand you could buy here. A title they no longer hold anymore, sadly.
Ps. Be careful with that little cubby on top of the dash, they’re prone to shattering into smithereens at the slightest slam!
I would love to do a comparison with that Audi A4 avant 2.0 tdi that you met going the other way. For my needs, I'd keep the Subaru. For yours, it is the Berlingo every time. 50mpg vs 33mpg - which equates to maybe 40mpg/22mpg when towing. With the number of miles you do every year, that is a lot of money you are saving. Although I'd sell both and get a newer/better Berlingo. Hopefully in the meantime, the cash will go on finally refurbing the injectors. You should easily get that money back on the Forester. Selling it without the belt change would be more difficult, and lead to a lot of people trying to beat you into the ground on price. Maybe do a 2-for-1 sale and throw in the Pajero Junior, which seems to have stalled and is going nowhere.
Agreed. Diesel wins. Also the less electric powered accessories the less to go wrong Berlingo wins. And leather seats no, just no. Subarus are also notorious for cylinder head leaks -£££ to fix.
keep the Subaru .
I had an early 3 door Berlingo with a massive sunroof. My favourite car ever.
I had a Berlingo Multispace (06) and it's the 2nd best car I've owned My Dacia Logan MCV is my no. 1 car. 10 years ownership from new and no problems at all.
CITROEN FOREVER ❤
I reckon that is a sound choice given what you use Bella for. Subaru needs to go to someone who wants to keep the mileage down and the quality up. Whilst it would be a lovely tow vehicle, it would be pretty expensive on fuel and insurance compared to the Berlingo.
And you already have a high fuel gusiler which tows quite
@@35dononeill I had a strange thing with my "Betty" wagon yesterday. I went for a cruise along the local motorway and it is telling me it getting 9L/100 k which is the lowest i have ever had. I suspect i may have had a brake not disengaging completely but I it is something i will keep track of. It could also be something wrong with the gauge as I am not so sure that a Falcon six should give that level of economy at 100kph freeway speed.
For Ian's choice I would go based on availability of spares. If Berlingo spares are plentiful and cheap then I might go with that - otherwise I would keep the Subbie and maybe get different rate springs fitted. For comfort and ease of towing Bob I would be saying hell the expense and use Betty.
Your final comment hit home with me...I bought a 2017 Honda CR-V EX 2.0 AWD auto and it's the dullest thing I've ever driven.. literally no joy to be had as a daily driver. It'll be moving on soon.
@@ianmontgomery7534 I've got a BA sedan and I've had fuel economy in the 8s on a run.
@@deanstyles2567 Cool and thanks. I don't remember ever getting under 10 so maybe I have had a problem for a long time. Might have to check the calipers when the weather fines up just in case.
I don't have a Berlingo, although it would suit me well. I have a Peugeot Expert 1.6 hdi ex wheel chair vehicle, very handy for my work (moving ebikes around) and also can simultaneously be a 5 seater when needed. It's like a Berlingo on steriods
The right decision for the right reasons
Long live Queen Bella and all who sail in her ❤
I have noticed that as I age, comfort is increasingly important. Practicality as well. When I was younger I tolerated things that I won't now. Is that just a function of age or an increase in wisdom? Not sure. Anyway, it looks like you are focusing on the right things. Keeping the fun car, that wrecks your back, doesn't seem like the wise choice. I hope you have many enjoyable years with the Berlingo.
Right decision, I really like the Subaru. But Bella is a better all rounder, maybe use any proceeds from the forrester to sort a few jobs on Bella, injectors probably! She’s due some
No, shove the Berlingo in an auction. Keep the Scooby
I think you've made the wrong decision. The Suburu is unique to the channel, and a rare thing of beauty! The Berlingo is a van with windows. I respect you've spent a lot on the Berlingo recently and it tows the fold up, but you've got other cars equally as impractical such as the Australian fuel guzzling thing. You've got them 2 blue roller skates you could sell and let Mrs Hubnut take the Mini Pajero... its not like youre going to be doing 300 miles every day or towing the fold up every day! - and there are seats you could swap out! - keep the Scooby! you also stated that if you sold the scooby, you'd be paying out a sizeable donation to a charity (youve already spent nearly £800 on it! -Putting that aside! keep up the great channel!
Making me want a Berlingo! I believe you can about fit a small motorcycle in the back especially if you get hold of an ex mobility one with with the wheelchair ramp.
You were right to replace the belt. It was one of the 1st jobs I did with my jalopy. If it fails, goodbye engine, goodbye car.
Why not sell them both, & buy a newer Peugeot or citroen.
In Australia, it's Subaru.
Eurocrap just doesn't make economic sense.
You only live once! Keep the Subaru. A few extra MPG will not matter at the end correct!🤠
it's not miles per gallon that counts its smiles per gallon that matters
The parts are more important. The Subura is hard to find, You have made the right decision.
Fair and reasonable decision, Ian.
I'm with you Ian, also maintenance and running costs would sway my decision as well!
Well anyone who knows the channel already knew the outcome. Ian always chooses comfort over anything exciting. Totally understand the decision and given the mpg still be cheaper to fix the Berlingo
It does make sense. The Subaru really wasn't competing with the Berlingo for daily driver status, not with that fuel consumption. She was competing with the Ford Fairmont for the fun powerful car position in the fleet. And we all know that wasn't even going to be a contest.
Citroen obviously. Economy, comfort and practicality. Besides, you've already ironed out some of the problems it had so enjoy the fruits of your investment. The Subaru is brilliant, BTW
You are deciding with your head WHAT car to keep, NOT by emotions and what the main media TELL you.
That's why you are selling the Subaru over the Berlingo.
The Berlingo is a better car for YOUR needs. End of.
To be fair decent seats and economy trumps a lot of other considerations. And seating position is a very personal choice... I'm 6 foot 6 with back issues and my 2006 Toyota Verso is one of the very few cars that won't hurt after a days driving. Plus the rear folds flat to the floor, super practical.
The Berlingo has buckets of charm and utility, speed and power isn’t everything and that’s not even considering economy and home maintenance potential. Go with your heart!
Think I’d get rid of both and use the proceeds on a newer safer berlingo.
I'd wager the Berlingo also wins on practicality: Bella is a car, van, a 2 litre diesel lugger with great fuel economy and I suspect worth somewhat less than the great condition low mileage full service history Forrester. Bella also fits nicely into the Hubnut fleet.
regarding the Subaru, why can't all wipers be this good?
"oh, another car" "this is the busiest road in the world, what's going on?" - here's a man who's got used to living out in the country 😀
I timed the 0-60mph of the Forester only took 7 seconds not bad at all for such a huge car considering a Fiat 500 Abarth takes the same time and is a lot lighter.
I don’t like the Berlingo…never have 😂 BUT it’s so Hubnut so it’s right for it to stay. That the whole point - loving something that everyone else overlooks and doesn’t get. Fair play
The problem with timing belts is that whilst they are on the car it's hard to tell the actual condition of them - it's not until you have taken it off that you can really check it for cracking. And if you have gone to all the trouble of removing it, you could argue that it makes sense to change it. (On the understanding that there are no cheap Chinese bearings in the new kit). Anyway, the Subaru is the nicer car - and if you live in rural Wales no doubt the better option when it comes to winter. But, more expensive to run, and i know from experience that subframes and other components underneath do like to rust in spectacular fashion.
My wife had a reliable Yaris, but when her sister moved abroad and offered her a Peugeot 207 SW, she got excited about the bigger boot and space. I wasn’t keen, but said, 'Your car, your choice.'
By day two, the power steering module failed "Common fault" which Peugeot knows about, and sent us quote of £750. After many emails, they fixed it for free. Soon after, the boot wouldn’t open, headlight sockets kept melting, it needed new wheel bearings at 75k, developed an oil leak. etc
The Peugeot was cheap to tax, run, and insure, but maintenance cost and the amount of headaches it has caused us made us decide not to think of owning another, ever again.
Totally understandable choice, but I feel the Subaru is a more interesting car for viewers on the channel, I would possibly think about moving another car on the fleet on, but possibly the Subaru holds more value? Keep up the good work 👍
I had a Japanese import Forester which was basically a jacked up WRX. It was so much fun.
To be fair I recently swapped an A6 quattro Avant for a c3 Picasso and I couldn't be happier.
We do long distance camping trips and our latest trip was down to lake Como. I had 0 back ache unlike in the Audi and we spent basically nothing on fuel.
Little french box cars for the win I say!
i love them both but i prefere manuals so I agree with you Shame the bright switch doesn't brighten up your day when your down
A surprising yet unsurprising decision. For me the Subaru is a keeper without question, but I understand the Hub Nut reasoning! 😊
As you've asked .. on paper the Subaru is clearly the better option IMO, 4x4 in Wales, low mileage, great history, bought well, looks pretty well put together (maybe needs a roofbox). The Citroen looks tired and creaky all round. But the Subaru's bad seats would put me off it, I had a Jeep GC 5.7 on LPG which on paper was perfect for me given I don't cover many miles, but the seats were appalling, and the general ambience inside (grey plastic everywhere) was torrid. Made a great sound though and was a lot of fun in a straight line. Personally I'd get rid of the Sub, Berlingo, AU and get a V70/850 for family/distance duties, and keep oddball tiddlers that are prone to breaking #content for the local potter about.
I commented on your recent post , the Subaru is very cool, but for practical reasons and economical I’d choose the Citroen, but all the same the Subaru is incredibly cool 😎
I was once given a Honda Civic and got rid of a Peugeot 106 after I was tempted by air conditioning and a quieter smoother ride. The Honda was a dreadful car and I always regretted giving away the older and more pedestrian Peugeot 106.