The future may be Doblo-shaped.
Following an irritating conversation with the insurance, in which I established that my decision to remove my rear seats, put in a dog guard and insert a piece of wood to level the floor over the footwells is considered an "unacceptable modification" and invalidates the insurance. I have duly replaced the seats while I address this.
According to the insurers, the only way round this - for me to set up my Berlingo (or any car) how I want it, to cope with the demands of 7 large dogs - is for me to pay an "approved garage" to do the modifications for me.
As my Berlingo has features that irritate me; small, pop-out type side windows and a full tailgate, to name two; I think I would be best served doing what needs doing to it fault-wise (fuel guage, seatbelt, driver's seat are the main issues) and selling it. Then I can get myself a slightly bigger van/car type MPV with the features I want before I pay someone to modify it.
So, with some money on the way, I am on the lookout for something, and at the moment at least, I am very taken by the Fiat Doblo: available for a decent price similar to my Berlingo, with sliding side windows that seem to be a bit bigger, and doors at the back (much better for dogs, trust me). Also the boot loooks to be marginally bigger. It's cute, too.
Watch this space.
