Micro camper / daily driver choices? (1 Viewer)

[lifeofbrian]

Hi all. I'd like to replace my current car with a micro camper. This will be my only vehicle, it will be my daily commute (50 miles) so it will have to be no bigger than small van/mpv size, economical and reliable. If every mechanic I've ever known didn't tell me never to buy a used French car, the Peugeot Partner or similar would be perfect. My dad also had a used/nearly new 307 that he spent literally over a thousand a year to keep on the road. So I think French and also Italian vehicles are probably off limits. But never say never.

I was thinking Vauxhall Zafira, but would that have enough headroom for me (6ft) to sit upright on a sofa bed? It will be used for no more than the odd night away, and regular trips for my hobby(rc racing) so would still look like a regular car on the outside.

I'd like a vehicle with a single rear door that opens upwards, and probably a diesel, but the Zafira 1.6 is pretty economical. I'd like to know what else is out there and is good for my needs. Any tips?

 

[138go]

Do some research on Google. You will be surprised what you can find.

A Zaphira is hardly a micro camper it’s just an estate car. All you can do with that is stick a mattress in the back. It will be freezing cold in winter as it’s just a steel box with a lot of glass. Estate cars do not have any insulation in the floors, doors or roof to keep them warm in the winter months.

..

 

[Spriddler]

I had a 1.6 petrol Zafira estate. I'm 5' 7" and considered using it just for weekend camps but couldn't lay flat in it with the rear seats down.
I previously had three Bedford Bambis which were great but slow. They're getting very long in the tooth - rust problems mainly. Very few half-decent ones about now.
I also had two Romahomes (1.9 Citroen diesel based) which were brilliant and very reliable and economical.
You might consider the Mazda Bongo camper suitable.

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[Reallyretired]

I wouldn't get to bothered about buying a second hand French vehicle, after all most motorhomes are on the Fiat/Peugeot van chassis/engine and most on the road are second or more hand.

 

[Puddleduck]

What about a Toyota Hiace / Townace / Estima (or whatever they call them now) conversion?

 

[SpeedyDux]

I had a 1.6 petrol Zafira estate. I'm 5' 7" and considered using it just for weekend camps but couldn't lay flat in it with the rear seats down.
I previously had three Bedford Bambis which were great but slow. They're getting very long in the tooth - rust problems mainly. Very few half-decent ones about now.
I also had two Romahomes (1.9 Citroen diesel based) which were brilliant and very reliable and economical.
You might consider the Mazda Bongo camper suitable.

Bongos are the right size to be a daily driver, but not so good for a 50 mile commute due to heavy fuel consumption. On their forum you will see that 30mpg is typical which is pretty awful for a diesel nowadays. You can get petrol Bongos which could be OK if you have to drive into one of the new Low Emission Zones to get to work. I would be looking at a newer Romahome.

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[xgx]

Check out the near bullet proof Berlingo, especially the builds featured on Youtube ...

 

[Badknee]

Check out the near bullet proof Berlingo, especially the builds featured on Youtube ...

I think the ones I’ve seen are very clever the way the space in them has been used.

 

[Spriddler]

I've never been in or driven the Bongo but didn't like the beds in the lifting roof design. I believe that access to the cupboards/storage is restricted when the downstairs 'rock 'n roll' bed is made up.
I averaged only 32mpg with my 1.6 petrol Zafira (had it 7 years, regularly serviced) and I'm not a racer by any means.

@lifeofbrian
Have you browsed the 'Small motorhomes' section on here?

https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/forums/small_motorhome/

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[Nasher]

For me, bongos are a good vehicle, but they were never officially imported & are very long in the tooth these days. So no longer a good choice

A few years back, I would also be wary of French cars, but if you look at things like the JD power surveys, you will find that Citroën/puegeot have improved whist vw/Mercedes have got worse in recent years

As I've posted before, I chose a Peugeot over a VW or Mercedes due to rust issues on the German offerings

That said, the ubiquitous VW T5 is a good choice as a camper as they are very popular, but hardly a micro camper

As, others have said look at the Berlingos & get a mechanic with more up to date views

 

[Zigisla]

My wife has the Peugeot Partner Tepee and it has been a dream to own and drive. Good high driving position, good space and very reliable - That's blown it. Extra large load carrying for her work as a mobile blinds fitter.

 

[Suvvi]

Nissan nv200 could be a fair shout for your requirements...

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[tacr2man]

Vauxhall vivaro are not that big


or bit smaller

 

[audlin]

I 've had a Nissan NV 200 converted and love it. I have the van back doors but you can have the car version with upward opening converted

 

[SpeedyDux]

Vauxhall vivaro are not that big


or bit smaller

The Caddy is not that much smaller than a SWB T4 or T5 camper. On the outside, anyhow. Inside they are chalk and cheese.

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[deleted-member02]

I run both Vivaro Sportive and Vito Sport X at work.
Both are a lovely drive and make excellent daily drivers, Vivaro gets mid thirties mpg, Vito around 30mpg but is 3.0 auto

 

[Northernraider]

Vivaro, primastar good sized vans easy to drive great economy and not bad for space.
Vw t4 camper.
Those would be my choices
I used to say second hand French cars were crap too but I've had 5 Renault kangoo vans a good few clios and Peugeots and never really had bother with any off them.

I've had 2 zafiras though and I wouldn't have another ....in fact I wouldn't have another Vauxhall...everyone I've owned had electrical problems and they are famous for engine management faults