2002 Fiat Ducato reviews

Fiat Ducato Ducato 14, 2.8D 2002

I bought my 2002 Fiat Ducaton 14 Long Wheel Base/High Roof from a private seller in Belfast in 2009. It is the 2.8D non-turbo version. It has a mileage of less than 70,000 and had two previous owners. I converted it to a camper for which it is really suitable. I managed to squeeze a shower/toilet, fridge; couch which folds into a double bed, cooker etc and lots of overhead storage. I removed the bulkhead panel between the cab and interior and installed two swivel seats. One of the great things about the Ducato is that it is widely used for this purpose and parts are easily obtainable. The engine is strong but slow. I took it to Cornwall last year and the long hauls on the hills there were a nightmare. Given a second chance I’d insist on a turbo diesel version. The Ducato drives easily, gear changes are smooth and steering very comfortable by virtue of the large steering wheel. Being a car driver I had no problem manouvring the Ducato in any car park I encountered with the extra length never being an issue. The big door mirrors give an excellent view and reversing is easy. I’ve read of complaints of "juddering" when reversing up an incline but to be honest I’ve not experienced any of this. There is a small stain of water appearing in the passenger footwell but without taking off the dashboard I can’t ascertain whether its rainwater or a leak somewhere in the heater matrix assembly. It is small an irritating but the water level in the system seems to be unaffected. The van is basic having no electric windows, cruise control, air conditioning but to be honest it gives less to worry about malfunctioning particularly in an old van. A frined of mine recently replace the electric window switch on her Toyota Avensis at a cost in excess of ?300! God bless the simple window winders in the Ducato, 8 years old and still working. The body work still holds it’s own in that the only signs of rust (and only surface rust at that) are on the underside of the steel crossmembers under the van, due I imagine to the salting of the roads of Northern Ireland due to their colder climate than here in the "deep south" of Wexford in the Sunny South East. In conclusion have a good look before you buy but be confident that the Fiat Dealerships in Ireland are very helpful, even to DIY mechanics :)