Howdie all...

[TheBigLongy]

Hi, im currently lookin into purchasing a Frontera LWB as my first vehicle.
Yups I know the insurance is gonna be a bit toasty, came in at £679 per year, but im happy to pay that, infact that aint bad really lol.....not for a new driver.

Anyhows, I would like some advice if possible on what to look for.
The main thing is that its a 7 Seater.

The reason im thinking of a Frontera is that i require something that is big enough to get all my gear in when i work tattoo conventions.
As well as general use with the family and ofcourse, not to forget, Carp fishing in both UK and France, so obviously i want something that i can get everything into, without a squeeze.

Was aiming for something in the region of £1000-£3000

Not sure on Petrol or Diesel, your advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance and look forward to your replies.
Chris.

[Alchamist]

Hi and welcome along

As a question, why the 7 seats? It would seem that most of the time the extra seats would be out of the car anyway, what with all the gear!

If you are going to be doing distance and lumping gear around then I would probably suggest the diesel, as they are good work horses. Fuel wise, both petrol and diesel use about the same on the fronty. If you are really lucky, you'll find a 2.8 going, but they are getting very rare these days.

I'm sure there will be a few more opinions coming along soon! Enjoy!

[TheBigLongy]

Thanks for your swifty reply

Reason for the 7 Seats is that im greedy haha, no seriously, i would prefer 7 seats as an option as sometimes i attend conventions and would like the option to take a few mates along.

Whats your thoughts on this one on ebay?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2001-Vauxhall-Fro ... otohosting

I know its not a 5 seater, but do you think the 2.2tdi is worth the dosh or would i still be better lookin at the 2.8?
This one comes in at around £650 to insure lol.

[Alchamist]

I'll let one of the heavy oil boys answer that one, as i'm strictly petrol only at the moment

Does look a nice tidy motor though.

[perfectprincess]

hi and welcome to the world of FOG im sure the guys will be able to help xxpp

[jmc]

Not sure if you can get 7 seaters but I have seen aftermarket extra seats on ebay sometimes which go right at the back facing backwards.This means no room for gear. I put in a child seat sometimes for our youngest who is 6 and strap it down to the hooks on the floor. Not sure how legal this is and my wifes not too keen, but it does mean I can take the family out.
I love my 2.3d which does 35 mpg(mostly) but the lack of power is a bit frustrating at times.I have had no experience of driving any others.Try to get to test different ones Fronteras.If you can get to Bala in May there may be one or two Fronteras to look at! Welcome to f.o.g. and good luck.

[TheBigLongy]

Cheers for the info. I;ve seen a few 7 seaters about, didn't know it was a mod?

Anyhows, i think may will be a nogo for me, got loads of stuff on in may and i dont think i can squeeze anything else in, although, ya never know lol, if its on route and all that

Thats my only worry with a 2.2, will it have the grunt if im off the beaten track? or loaded up with all my gear?

[jmc]

I've never seen a seven seater except on ebay. There are some members in Wales, sir doris for instance.He is very knowledgable and he has a 2.2 petrol. The 2.8 diesel is reputed to be the one out of the diesels to be the most reliable.
Lady frontera is in Swansea with a 2.3.Anywhere near you?

[gregster]

wotcha and welcome to FOG

[Alfie]

Hi and welcome. Hope you find what you're looking for soon. I've got a 2.0l shorty at the moment but I am looking for a 2.8l oiler aswell.

[Roo]

Hi & To The World Of FOG!

Regards Roo

[bobbinsjob]

to FOG.

The 2.2Dti has got plenty of grunt and pulling power and does between 30-35mpg

Dont miss out on the National meet at Bala, 1st Bank Holiday weekend in May
viewtopic.php?f=104&t=22125

[TheBigLongy]

Cheers guys, im still looking. Really dont wanna make a snap purchase so gonna sit about and see whats going in the world of Frontera hehe.

Really liking the idea of the 2.2TDI, so may well be what im heading for.

Do you feel that £3500 is too much for this vehicle?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2001-Vauxhall-Fro ... 240%3A1318

[jmc]

Forgot to add that there is a difference between Fronteras with the swing arm spare wheel carrier and drop down tailgate system, to the ones with a swing door with the spare mounted on it. This means that in order to open the drop down tailgate you have to swing the spare wheel carrier out of the way.I did get used to it and did like the drop down tailgate but ended up taking taking the heavy swing arm off mine, and fitting a swing door with a spare wheel bracket on, from a 2.8 I found in a scrapyard but it took me a long time to do it.
Some of the early 2.4 petrols have swing arm carriers, so this is another thing to consider in your search.Some people have made roof racks for the spare but I want to be able to get into council tips regularly.Others just keep the spare in the back while others dont keep one at all and just carry tyreweld.
Another thing to consider is that some fronteras have rear leaf springs and some have coil springs.I imagine these are lighter than than the leaf springs.
The dashboards are also different .Mine has a nice shelf which I like ,the later ones have slopey ones which means you cant put stuff on them although I suppose you could cut out a section to put a shelf in although theres all the heating ducts to think about.
Its good to take your time about finding the right one. I rushed into buying mine, and if I was doing it again would probably get something different although I love my 2.3 and will probably stick with it.
Truggas website is worth looking at,he took his time finding the right one, 10 months I seem to remember.£3500 seems a lot to spend when there are some 2.3's on ebay going for under £200.My computer wont acces your link so I cant get to see this one.
I've rambled on a bit hope it helps.

[TheBigLongy]

Yea i have noticed a few cheap ones going on ebay and a few other places. It is just that i would prefer something which is in very good condition, with FSH and long MOT. Low mileage also. I really would like to get atleast 3 years of easy running out of it if at all possible, 5 years at a stretch.

What is the legality of that 2001 limited edition? reason i ask is because i thought it was now illegal to have bullbars?

[jmc]

Sorry I dont know about the legal side on bullbars. I still have mine on mainly to keep the spots mounted on something.

[Drift]

This looks a cracker

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1999-VAUXHALL-FRO ... dZViewItem

Bargains are out there

[andysd1]

hi and welcome to FOG