We're thinking of selling the gutless petrol Scenic, and my beloved 156 to create space and raise cash to buy a car and cheap caravan to have family holidays around Herefordshire and into Wales.
We like mpv's because of the space.
Ideally we'd get a Touran but they hold their value well.
I'm thinking of a VAG 1.9 tdi and then mapping it. A Seat Altea xl tdi is where I'm looking at the mo.
Any suggestions? Any experience of VAG Tdi's?
Thanks

Another plug for the Mazda Bongo

I've just back and forth to the tip with big trailers full of garden waste.

Then were off camping in it in a few weeks. And I drive it to work.

I am biased though.

Fuel economy isn't great, but you can get a good one for under £4k.

If you do go VAG tdi, the 1.9 is a solid engine. Remap to 174bhp from the PD 130 is common.

I like em. Many say it was the best engine they did and the 2litre replacement not as reliable. However our 2 litre was fine.

The father in-law had an Altea XL 1.9 but was only 105bhp. Gutless. The 2litre 140bhp was far better.

Thanks Toby. How could I forget about the Bongo option ?

It was the 1.9 I was thinking of. I've a feeling the 2 litre is more troublesome than the 1.9, but like you say, it's by no means all of them.

A re-map from 104 bhp to 130, and 250nm to 300 will suit me fine.

Huw, don't rule out the Eurovan2.

It's a proper, full-size MPV and the 2.2HDi is a decent towing truck.

I paid next to nothing (£800) for my 53 plate 807, but there are better, lower mileage ones for not massively more. Some offer leather and SatNav, but even without they are quite well-appointed. I would have preferred either the Citroen or Fiat version aesthetically, but the Pug isn't so bad!

Get a well-looked after one and they are comfy, have plenty of kit and masses of room. We've used ours for trips to the tip, camping gear + 4 adult-sized people to Goodwood, a family holiday to France and carrying around 7 people. Beacause it was so cheap, I'm completely un-precious about it getting a bit grubby, which is very liberating!

There are a few things to watch for, but that's true of anything. Bearing in mind the size, I think 34mpg is ok (higher on a long run). Will be interested to see the difference after a DPF removal and remap.

Just bought a Discovery 2 V8 53 plate for less than half that budget. 7 seater, or 5 plus 2 large dogs, auto for the wife, top spec, easy to work on, a tad thirsty, but you'll forget you have a caravan on the back

We got it for the same reason, going on holiday with family, dogs, and luggage in the UK or near continent.

I tried a Disco (albeit a 2.5TDI) and wondered what all the fuss was about (unless everybody is excited about the tow hook height being adjustable from the suspension). I was so glad to give it back. My old E Class Merc is soooo much better as a tow car - all the torque of the V8 Disco with better fuel economy than the 2.5 Disco. I'd have reccomended the Merc for this thread if the need hadn't been for an MPV

Eurovan 2 and a Disco are a bit big for our non caravanning duties, I'm afraid as the Mrs will use it carting the kids between their mates who live up small lanes and clubs that have parking spaces marked out for power wheel chairs it seems.
Never thought about a gutsy diesel in a saloon before.
Thanks for the replies.
Saw some cheap vans today but they were all too heavy for an Altea to tow. Newer vans seem to be lighter.
Another evening's research is called for.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-VOLVO-S60-D5-S-SE-2-4-DIESEL-FULL-HISTORY-NAUTIC-BLUE-NT-S40-S80-/142084591068?hash=item2114e6cddc:g:vdgAAOSwaB5XryeT

My choice.. not necessarily this one but shows they can do mega miles. Loads or torque for towing and most are well specced.