What Large Car?

[Vectis]

Well the old van's failed it's MOT miserably and will cost more to patch up than she's actually worth.

Currently considering options but looking at the amount of gear I typically carry, and having gotten away with borrowing a Laguna Estate last time the van needed some work done, I'm pretty sure a large estate type car will suffice. Especially as I have another small car sitting on the drive which hardly gets used (no, not the Barchetta :p ).

So... before I go on my travels, I thought I'd take opinions on peaches & lemons in the "large car for shifting gear" sector. Bear in mind that the budget isn't immense so it won't be the current models.

Ta
:beer1:

[ppentertainments]

i use a citroen c5 and am very impressed. the self levelling suspension makes it ideal for carrying weight and it is very spacious.

[nisfo]

Galaxy/Sharan/Alhambra, all the same car and are actually all VW parts. So easy to come by and not too expensive.

The beauty of it is each rear seat comes out, so with them all removed you have a small van. I can comfortably get my setup in the back with just one of the rear seats removed. and still keep the middle row of seats free.

I have the Galaxy, the boot height is ideal for lifting heavy gear. No struggling or strained backs.

Mk1 versions can be picked up in good condition for around £300. Look them up for different engine sizes, I think they start at 1.9 diesel.

[Sapphire Disco]

My Mondeo estate has been a great car my full show just about fits in, it's also been great when I have been camping and it's good for moving things around you can fit a sofa in the back.

I have been looking recently and have come to the conclusion it's either another newer Mondeo or the only other car I would go for is a Nissan X Trial 4X4 considering recent weather conditions.

[DJWilson]

I use a Mondeo at the moment, which my gear fits into perfectly also 2nd that about the Galaxy, a nice roomy car, ideal for mobiles.

[Megamix]

I've got a 1.9TDi Skoda Octavia Estate - I believe its one of the largest capacity in its class - I bought a Skoda after seeing the numerous Police forces have them plus a lot of Taxi drivers have them - and seeing so many good reviews -diesel does 55-60 to the gallon too. Inexpensive, reliable and very good value (a lot of the parts are VW/Audi)

[NKR]

I did post a thread on here a while ago that outlined the dangers of heavy objects in the event of a crash.

Carrying kit in a car could kill you. I have a larger trailer as my next purchase to get the powerdrives out of the shogun.

Just a thought, but DJ gear travelling at 30mph from the rear of your car will kill you.

[discomobiledj]

I have a Megane Scenic which is HUGE inside. Seats in or out.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I did post a thread on here a while ago that outlined the dangers of heavy objects in the event of a crash.

Carrying kit in a car could kill you. I have a larger trailer as my next purchase to get the powerdrives out of the shogun.

Just a thought, but DJ gear travelling at 30mph from the rear of your car will kill you.

As it could if a trailer becomes unhitched or if you don't have a bulkhead in a van.

[Corabar Steve]

What about middle ground? The window van version of this with no back seats & a bulkhead (you can get a bulkhead with a tunnel section to slot your stands through)? Still seats 5 + room for your kit http://www.peugeot.co.uk/showroom/peugeot-van-range/peugeot-expert/ Not much bigger (footprint wise( as a largish car, (Angela's Corolla is about the same length & width) but with added load space. It's basically a tall estate.

I have a police spec version of the old model
Follow the link (click the arrow) for this quote & you'll see the area that I put my kit in. The Micromax fits in the mid section (you can see through the gap in the bulkhead) fully assembled (minus the overhead & uprights obviously) If I took it apart, all my kit would fit in the rear section behind the bulkhead


As mine is police spec, it only has 2 front & 2 rear seats, the standard ones have 3 front, 2 mid & 3 rear. The ones with a bulkhead (where mine is) have the rear 3 seats removed.


EDIT: You may want to re-read the entire thread that quote comes from. It's a few van / car threads merged into one.

[DJWilson]

What about a taxi van? The ones with 7 passenger seats, both sides slide open and there loads of space in the middle.

Family during the day, disco at night in the middle.

[Corabar Steve]

Most van based taxis I've seen are Peugeot Expert window vans (as per my previous post)

[Babybob]

:beer1: I've got a Zafira, I bought it for the disco gear but i've now bought a tent and go camping (when we have the weather), all the family and camping kit fit in nicely.

A very versatile car and quite cheap to buy and run (except tax).

[NKR]

As it could if a trailer becomes unhitched or if you don't have a bulkhead in a van.

I was just pointing out a safety issue with using a car if you have an accident with a full load on board.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I was just pointing out a safety issue with using a car if you have an accident with a full load on board.

Yes and I am pointing out that the same could happen with other modes of transport.

[DJWilson]

Most van based taxis I've seen are Peugeot Expert window vans (as per my previous post)


We are lumbered with the good old transits and skodas lol.

[NKR]

Yes and I am pointing out that the same could happen with other modes of transport.

Very true, but it is something to bear in mind when choosing that transport.

I would suggest a trailer is still significantly safer than having gear stuck behind you in a car (so long as the trailer is packed to prevent spears penetrating the trailer body and entering the car in the event of a crash)

[flatliners]

Well the old van's failed it's MOT miserably and will cost more to patch up than she's actually worth.

Currently considering options but looking at the amount of gear I typically carry, and having gotten away with borrowing a Laguna Estate last time the van needed some work done, I'm pretty sure a large estate type car will suffice. Especially as I have another small car sitting on the drive which hardly gets used (no, not the Barchetta :p ).

So... before I go on my travels, I thought I'd take opinions on peaches & lemons in the "large car for shifting gear" sector. Bear in mind that the budget isn't immense so it won't be the current models.

Ta
:beer1:

well vectis like me you are getting on a bit so get a volvo

[Babybob]

Yes and I am pointing out that the same could happen with other modes of transport.

But the OP wanted to know about cars and not any other form of transport....;)

[nisfo]

But a trailer could be the cause of a crash if not loaded, hitched and towed correctly. Many are unaware there are towing courses out there, this makes the towing driver a risk to everyone else. Rather than the driver at risk from kit.
In normal circumstances heavy kit would be loaded on the floor in a car, I secure it all with a load net.

We could argue the toss over safety all day. But this thread is about a vehicle.


Anyway back to topic....lol
If you do have large heavy kit. Think of a vehicle with lashing points ;)

[Vectis]

Chaps

Thanks for the feedback so far. I have considered the safety aspect, and decided that given my typical gig is less than 6 miles away and we have no high-speed roads, that it's an acceptable one although I shall of course take precautions when packing.

I'm leaning towards the MPV type vehicle - Galaxy etc. rather than your traditional estate as it would meet my needs better (and they're generally cheaper having had chance now to have a quick mooch around autotrader etc.).

So... what I'm really after now is any ownership woes or happy stories with these types of vehicles. For example, did anyone buy the 1.6 and it won't go up hills filled with kit? Or does a specific model have above-average faults or major failures? That type of thing :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

But the OP wanted to know about cars and not any other form of transport....;)

What would someone use to tow a trailer with then?

[soundtracker]

What would someone use to tow a trailer with then?

A Donkey obviously! You never been to Merthyr?:p

[nisfo]

I have a 2.3 PETROL Galaxy, would have gone for a VW Sharan ideally.
But it can tow without any stress even up hill.

Last year I drove down to Reading to collect 5000 vinyl singles and 1500 LP's, Not sure if I was massively overweight but my galaxy drove as though I had no weight at all. Nice steering, so you can spin round using your little finger....lol

When you remove the seats you can tie down to the seat fixing points.

Only problem I have had mechanical/electrical was the alternator fuse box, replaced it for £25 and it's been fine since.

As I said before, majority of the parts are VW. And 100% obtainable.

Most have rear privacy glass. I also cover my kit with a black cover, less obvious that you have any kit in the car.

The do have quite large rear doors, great for getting kit in and out. Not so good when your rear passengers have to jump in/out when in a busy car park.

On my model each grab handle has a small map reading light, I plan to put them on a master switch, handy for the dark pack aways.

I can think of one major issue.....That is where do you store the seats when removed, they aren't small or stackable!!
Can't think of anymore at minute, baby just started blurting for a feed....lol

[Babybob]

What would someone use to tow a trailer with then?

Apart from my donkey then yes a car but the OP did say he was looking for a large estate type car to put his gear in.

I must say I have never thought about the safety aspect that NKR has mentioned but I will definately keep it in mind in the future.

:)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Apart from my donkey then yes a car but the OP did say he was looking for a large estate type car to put his gear in.



I know that. Then someone mentioned the safety aspect and I was just saying that other forms of transport could be as dangerous.

Why do I have to spell everything out to some people....

[Babybob]

The Zafira has a problem with the coil pack sometimes (petrol) and can cause some jumpiness and it will need replacing. Costs about £100 for a new coil pack.
The 1.6 is a bit sluggish but I knew that before I bought it, it does the job well and you will have no problems with performance on the Isle.

:beer1:

[Babybob]

I know that. Then someone mentioned the safety aspect and I was just saying that other forms of transport could be as dangerous.

Why do I have to spell everything out to some people....

You don't have to SPELL anything out to me fella, are you implying that i'm thick. :confused:
The OP clearly stated he wanted a large car so when NKR gave some excellent advice regarding a large car he was picked up on it and a trailer and van were thrown into the equation thus taking this particular thread well off topic.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

You don't have to SPELL anything out to me fella, are you implying that i'm thick. :confused:


I never imply anything. I don't have to.

[Babybob]

I never imply anything. I don't have to.


If I had replied with that comment I would have been in trouble eh...tut tut.
:p

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

If I had replied with that comment I would have been in trouble eh...tut tut.
:p

Why? I was telling the truth.

Back on topic please, as you seem to be taking it off topic now, something you were complaining about me doing a moment ago.

One of my DJs who is also a mechanic has a Galaxy and it does fit all his kit in easily and seems to be fairly reliable.

[NKR]

If you aren't going very far then try a Shogun Sport. The suspension is built for a hammering so won't mind kit being carried it it. It also has four lashing rings fitted in the rear compartment.

I used to use ours for a medium sized rig and its probably as big as Galaxy. 55 plate one should be about £8,000 with average mileage on. Not the most economical on juice, but beats the pants off getting to marquees in fields!!!!

[yourdj]

i can get all of my gear in a subaru impreza wagon!

Not too cheap too run but very reliable and you dont really have to go far do you?

actually what about a hover craft or something. that way you would save on the ferry tickets.

[Twinspin]

Ford Galaxy
Seat Alabamaha
VW Sharan
Kia Sedona
Citroen C4

A box trailer might be an idea and cheaper as well but im not sure if you have a car to tow one. I have a 6x4 Conway glidalor box trailer with a roller shutter door on the back.

Or one like Darren had... a bit ago (Lynton Loadtrekker was it Darren?) same size but a different make to the conway.

a box trailer could be had for around £600 - £1000 and it would save the car getting scratched inside through taking gear in and out. Inside a box trailer it wouldnt be a problem.

[funksoulbrother]

I've had both a Galaxy and an Alhambra both exactly the same, BUT I prefered the Seat for two reasons. Insurance, checking out the groups Seat is lower than Galaxy or Sharan. Spare parts, Seat cheaper than Galaxy or Sharan.

Given the choice go for the 1.9 diesel if possible, great pulling power and good fuel economy, steer clear of the V6 petrol unless your an arab sheik with an oil well in your back garden.

With all of them, both rear and middle rows of seats are easy to get out, once you get used to them, they even stamp left and right on a plate on the base of the seat. Only drawback is that they are quite heavy and you do have to have somewhere dry to store them when they are out of the car.

Only other problems that I experienced with the Galaxy was with the battery, went through 2 in 18 months, until told by the RAC man that the battery Ford put in was not man enough to cope with the electronic load of the vehicle. Ford, of course denied this and said it was the first time that they had experienced this problem. Once we upgraded to the next size up, had no problems.

The other problem, well not problem really just knowing what to do, the winch system which stows the spare wheel under the vehicle. If you get a puncture, change wheel (doh), put wheel with flat tyre back on to winch system and stow back under vehicle. Don't do as I did, put wheel in back of car and wind loose wire back up, it completely tangles the winch mechanism up and you are left with a bill for a new tyre PLUS £100 for a new winch.

Hope this is of some use, my current favoured mode of transporting me and the gear is now a Grand Cherokee with a trailer (complete with safety wire), it's like sitting in my armchair. It's completely safe as long as you drive safely:cool: ;)

[spin mobile disco]

I use a peugeot partner car. The seats fold flat in 5 seconds the mpg is pretty good and the load space is amazing. ANd its shorter than an estate but with the same or more cubic capacity. The ciroen berlingo is almost identicle as well.

[OllieJames]

I use my Dad's Merc. estate. Which is alright, but I need a van badly!

They're too expensive though, and the insurance is ridiculous.

[NKR]

Ford Galaxy
Seat Alabamaha
VW Sharan
Kia Sedona
Citroen C4

A box trailer might be an idea and cheaper as well but im not sure if you have a car to tow one. I have a 6x4 Conway glidalor box trailer with a roller shutter door on the back.

Or one like Darren had... a bit ago (Lynton Loadtrekker was it Darren?) same size but a different make to the conway.

a box trailer could be had for around £600 - £1000 and it would save the car getting scratched inside through taking gear in and out. Inside a box trailer it wouldnt be a problem.

Conway Glidealong 6x4 here too, but not big enough so to be replaced with an ifor williams BV85 as soon as I can.

[DJWilson]

I use my Dad's Merc. estate. Which is alright, but I need a van badly!

They're too expensive though, and the insurance is ridiculous.



Thought about getting a robin reliant? :D

[gaza]

Well the old van's failed it's MOT miserably and will cost more to patch up than she's actually worth.

Currently considering options but looking at the amount of gear I typically carry, and having gotten away with borrowing a Laguna Estate last time the van needed some work done, I'm pretty sure a large estate type car will suffice. Especially as I have another small car sitting on the drive which hardly gets used (no, not the Barchetta :p ).

So... before I go on my travels, I thought I'd take opinions on peaches & lemons in the "large car for shifting gear" sector. Bear in mind that the budget isn't immense so it won't be the current models.

Ta
:beer1:

Vectis, do you mind me asking what your budget is for the car.

[Corabar Steve]

Thought about getting a robin reliant? :D
That would be a Reliant Robin then.

Why do so many people have dificulty with that one?

It's not an Escort Ford, or an Allegro Austin, or a Beetle Volkeswagen (yes I am refering to the new ones, I know what was formerly known as a Beetle is actually a Volkswagen Type 1) or a Corolla Toyota, so why do so many people put the model before the manufacturer on the good old Robin?

Anyways.....

:offtopic: :ontopic:

[Vectis]

Vectis, do you mind me asking what your budget is for the car.

Depends on a couple of things, like if I can get anything for the old van.

Probably £3k - £4k tops. Ideally closer to 3.

[gaza]

Depends on a couple of things, like if I can get anything for the old van.

Probably £3k - £4k tops. Ideally closer to 3.


Vectis, have you been looking on Ebay for one, because i am selling my Renault Espace and i had an email via Ebay from some one in your neck of the woods.

[Twinspin]

Conway Glidealong 6x4 here too, but not big enough so to be replaced with an ifor williams BV85 as soon as I can.

I get all my kit in mine subs tops, console cases, lights ultimax framework
backup cd wallets ultimax shelves. does the job fine.

Those ifor williams BV85 are a nice trailer though.

[Vectis]

Vectis, have you been looking on Ebay for one, because i am selling my Renault Espace and i had an email via Ebay from some one in your neck of the woods.

Nope. Wouldn't consider a Renault; had too many go wrong in my time.




Those ifor williams BV85 are a nice trailer though.

Also tried a trailer and didn't get along with it, so not going there again either. Thanks anyway!

[gaza]

Nope. Wouldn't consider a Renault; had too many go wrong in my time.




Also tried a trailer and didn't get along with it, so not going there again either. Thanks anyway!



Wise man.

[Excalibur]

While I'd have no reservations about using a box trailer ( I've spent nearly forty years driving vehicles with trailers on ) if you're not happy with one, then the best option is undoubtedly a van with a bulkhead, of whatever size. Partner, Astra,Astramax, Kangoo, C15, Connect, Escort or whatever. ( Mind you, I'd go for a Transit on multiple counts. One, it's bulletproof. Two, if you get an ex-BT or similar, it's laden with extras. Three, you can't beat a bit of extra space. Four, Vectis only travels 800 yards toi most gigs, so economy is of little consequence. )

[Dance FX]

We use my minibus for Phills rig now but we used to use my old Zafira.

Everything fitted in (including the deckstandbooth) the seats all fold away so no need to remove and store them. It's been a real work horse and is still going strong at 95k miles. It's a 1.8 auto and no problem with hills.

Daryl uses an old Suzuki super carry and for such a tiny van it fits all the kit in it with room to spare :eek: 1L engine and fits in half a parking space LOL

[Vectis]

Well having spent some time researching on Honest John, scouring the local rag and touring the various car dealers I've got my eye on a Toyota Previa 2.4GS manual petrol. Mileage is a bit higher than I'd hoped for within my budget, so I'm mid-barter. It's an 8-seater with tinted rear glass and the two rows of seats come out completely so shedloads of room back there. Tax and insurance remarkably reasonable.

Other than that I didn't really turn much up worth having to be honest. Might have to get on a boat! :eek:

[Megamix]

I had the Japanese Import version of the Previa - the Estima - solid car (in all respects), juicy - but that’s to be expected (it was 4x4) but for gear it would be ideal - never spent much on it.

[Vectis]

Deal Done :) Pick up my Previa next Saturday.