Fiat versus Ford
We have had 2 Motorhomes on a Fiat base and been really pleased with them. We are now looking to change again and have found what we are looking for but on a Ford base....has anybody had both and preferred one or the other or has anyone heard of any snags or problems with a Ford. Thanks in advance
Comments
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We have had a Pug based motorcaravan and it was reliable but a bit firm ride on long journeys
Also have tried a Ford based Devon PVC and the ride was much "softer" which with the cheaper running cost? it may be our next choice may even have same engine as Pug because Ford make /made engines at Dagenham for some Pugs
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If you look at most of the trade reviews of large vans top of the pile is often VW Crafter, MB Sprinter is next and then somewhere below that is Ford Transit and somewhere below that Fiat Ducato - Citroen & Peugeot tend to be lower down the list. That said, some reviews reverse that order! Apparently the Fiat cab is wider, so accommodates rotating cab seats better. Some say Fords are more powerful, comfortable, reliable and cheaper to fix when things go wrong. My only experience with a Ford based van was a hired MH in New Zealand and it flew. My 150bhp Euro6 doesn’t feel as lively. Fiat haven’t got a good reputation for reliability with some “Fix It Again Tony”, but as Fiat have the lions share of the motorhome market so statistically more people will experience problems with that base vehicle. At the end of the day, they’re all competent vans, so chose what offers the best specification for your needs e.g. engine & gearbox options. The only van to avoid is LDV which most trade reviewers agree aren’t good.
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I am sure the choice of which base vehicle is used is decided on cost. If a manufacturer changes base vehicles, as AT has with its Tribute range moving to Ford, I am sure it must be due to cost as both Fiat and Peugeot are well proven so why change? Some manufacturers like AS do offer a choice. Sorry doesn't really help with your question.
David
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Thanks for the comments, it is a Tribute we have seen hence the question but also seen an Autotrail now which is back to Fiat which we are used to ....decisions, decisions ....exciting and nerve racking at the same time, even though it’s 3rd time around and we know exactly what we want ...
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The new Tributes do look rather nice. They seem to have a lower profile than standard AT coachbuilts.
David
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If you choose the Ford look carefully at the engine options on offer. I am no motorhomer but I drive a Land Rover Freelander wiith a Ford engine - and my brake horsepower and torque figures in the Freelander are way above those of the standard engine offered in the Tribute Motorhome. You might need the power of an upgrade !
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They do offer more powerful engines but that option is often the choice of those wanting an automatic gearbox. Having said that the upgrade to the next more powerful engine is around £1000 so in the scheme of things not a lot to add to the price of a new motorhome. Some dealers may even offer it as a standard as an extra selling point.
David
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I tried three times to put a couple of links regarding security issues for Fiats and Ford. Each attempt failed.
Search about security and you will find the Ford motorhomes are or were more prone to being stolen. Comfort Insurance issued warnings and insisted on beefed up security for existing customers and, if my memory is right, was not taken on new Ford owners.
Suggest you get insurance quotes.
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Evening
Thing is ED, vehicles are as easy to "steal" now as they were back in the days when your average cortina was accessible with a screwdriver. Technology works both ways, now crooks have gadgets to drive away keyless cars in seconds. I have a friend with an audi r8. She couldn't believe one evening when we sat on the drive in the drivers seat with the engine running while she sat indoors with the keys in the handbag. Very easily done. (don't ask!!)
I have a Peugeot boxer motorhome with no security other than the factory fit immobiliser. I'm not that attached to it and keep no personal items inside so if it gets nicked then I look at it as time to go for a new one.
To the op, I'd sooner stay with a peugeot than a ford, personal preference as I've had 3 motorhomes on the sevel base with minimal issues whereas back in the real world when I was white van man I went through 6 ford transits in 3 years
JK
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There have been various things in the media re key-less vehicles of various flavour having been nicked using modern tech, but for cars with keys, the answer is break into the house for them, as happened to a lad at work with his Go-faster Civic. I know that Merc have started making their keys 'go to sleep' after a short while of inactivity to help prevent people getting into their mate's cars on the drive & start them. 😉
But Ford vs Fiat? My preference would always be NOT the Fiat. And going off the faults the Citroen that EmilysMum has, I'll steer clear of French too (though PSA now own Vaxhall & I had a string of Vauxhalls in the past)
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