“This article will introduce the Fiat Doblo, a stylish car for camping that is expected to appreciate in value!
It’s a fashionable vehicle even when used as a camper van.
We will also discuss why the Doblo is expected to appreciate in value, drawing parallels with the Fiat Multipla, which increased in value after its production ended.”
A stylish car even at the campsite, the Fiat Doblo.
camping car-night view
This time, I will introduce the Fiat Doblo, a stylish car that stands out even at a campsite.
The Italian version of the Renault Kangoo?
“The Renault Kangoo is popular in Japan.
While it is used as a commercial vehicle by gas companies and for postal deliveries in its home country of France, in Japan, it has been embraced by stylish individuals as a general-purpose vehicle.
Consequently, it seems that other companies like Citroen with their Berlingo, Peugeot with their Rifter, and Fiat from Italy with their Doblo have entered the Japanese market, targeting the Kangoo’s audience.
The name ‘Doblo’ is apparently inspired by the Spanish gold coin of the 16th century, the ‘Dobloon.’
The fact that Fiat has historically used names of currencies for their commercial vehicles, perhaps with a wish for increasing financial fortune, indicates that this vehicle has been utilized as a commercial vehicle.”
A car desirable as a camper van.
“The points I focused on for a camper van are its diesel turbo engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, which enable powerful performance even when carrying a lot of luggage, making it a fuel-efficient vehicle.
It also complies with the European emission standard EURO 6.3, significantly improving exhaust gas treatment efficiency, making it an environmentally friendly engine.
With the rear seats folded, the Doblo can secure a vast space of up to 2,126 liters, and the Doblo Maxi up to 2,693 liters.
Additionally, the rear door features a sliding door, which is rare in European cars.
The fact that this feature, standard in Japanese vehicles, is adopted by an Italian brand like Fiat, is noteworthy.
In essence, it’s about being able to carry a lot of luggage and drive powerfully, all in a diesel vehicle that’s economical on fuel.”
camping car-doblo
“It is equipped with a 130ps 1.5L inline 4-cylinder clean diesel turbo engine and combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The 5-seater ‘Doblo’ is priced at 3.99 million yen including tax.
The 7-seater ‘Doblo Maxi’ is priced at 4.29 million yen including tax.
It’s a cost-effective family car.
In Europe, it’s a popular minivan as a sibling vehicle to the Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Rifter.
Its plainness, akin to savoring the natural quality of materials, paradoxically exudes a sense of Italian sophistication.
Significant effort has been put into the texture of frequently touched components such as seats and the leather steering wheel, so it doesn’t feel cheap.
Unfortunately, in Japanese minivans, I have not encountered a genuine leather steering wheel.”
With the Doblo, there’s potential for appreciation in value in the future.
Fiat is a curious company, with the old Multipla having appreciated in value.
As a vehicle from the same Fiat, it’s entirely possible that the Doblo could also appreciate in value, much like the old Multipla did.
A camper van that surpasses the old Multipla.
car interior
fiat Multipla
Multipla designer
Multipla Design
Multipla design
Multipla Secondhand Car
(Photo Credit)
Here are the reasons I predict this car will appreciate in value:
The first-generation Fiat Multipla, once called the world’s ugliest car and even acknowledged by its designer, was sold out in Japan in April 2003 and soared in the used car market after its production ended.
The current highest used car price is 1.3 million yen (as of a 2023 survey).
The second-generation Multipla, with a minor change, featured a more subdued design compared to its predecessor and also sold out.
It is a high-octane fuel vehicle with 11.42 km/L efficiency (6-seater).
This second generation also saw a surge in the used car market after production ended.
With an original new car price of 2.8 million yen, the current highest used car price is 1.6 million yen (as of a 2023 survey).
The Doblo (Maxi) as a camping vehicle.
The Maxi, with its long size, is recommended as the third row of seats can be easily removed and used as chairs at the campsite.
Recommended vehicle models for camping
Camper image
- SUV
- Pickup Truck
- Kei Car
- Minivan
- Station Wagon
Essential elements for a camping vehicle
- Ample cargo space for loading lots of gear
- Drive system (preferably 4WD is optimal)
- Interior space suitable for car camping
- Driving performance and safety
- Design suited for outdoor activities
Vehicle models suitable for camping
TOYOTA/Hilux TOYOTA/Land Cruiser (Land Cruiser) TOYOTA/Land Cruiser Prado TOYOTA/HiAce Wagon TOYOTA/Prius α Jeep/Wrangler Jeep/Renegade Jeep/Cherokee Land Rover/Discovery Land Rover/Range Rover Nissan/Serena Nissan/X-Trail Nissan/NV200 Vanette Mitsubishi/Delica D5 Mitsubishi/Outlander HONDA/Step WGN HONDA/N-BOX HONDA/CR-V HONDA/N-VAN HONDA/Shuttle Suzuki/Jimny Suzuki/Crosby Suzuki/Every Suzuki/Hustler Suzuki/Spacia Gear Daihatsu/Wake Daihatsu/Taft Daihatsu/Tanto SUBARU/Forester SUBARU/Levorg Volkswagen/Amarok Mercedes-Benz/G-Class Citroën/Berlingo Peugeot/Rifter Renault/Kangoo Mazda/Atenza Wagon
My top recommended model is the TOYOTA Land Cruiser 70 series.
The TOYOTA Land Cruiser, since its production start, has surpassed a total of 10 million units sold, making it a legendary vehicle.
Among them, the model known as the 70 series still has a substantial fan base.
In the used car market, well-maintained units are valued between 4 to 5 million yen.
The 70 series, introduced in 1984, is referred to as “Nanamaru” and has gained worldwide support as the king of heavy-duty 4WD.
However, due to stricter regulations on diesel vehicles in Japan, its domestic sales were halted in 2004. Despite this, it continues to be popular and active in overseas countries with less stringent diesel regulations.
Summary
In this discussion, we highlighted the Fiat Doblo as a vehicle suitable for camping and with potential for appreciation in value.
Personally, having owned an Italian car before and being well-acquainted with a Fiat dealer, I fondly recall those memories and decided to mention it here.
While I can’t say I’ve fully experienced Italian cars, I’ve certainly had a variety of experiences with them. One of the first things I noticed about Italian cars was the difference in physical capabilities between Italians and Japanese.
Italian supporter
Riding sports cars like Ferrari, Countach, and Alfa Romeo requires the agility of an athlete.
The physical prowess of Italian soccer players is evident in the World Cup.
Even a Fiat, considered a standard car in Italy, can be challenging to handle with the refined sensibilities of Japanese cars.
I used to drive a manual Grande Punto for several years, often visiting the dealer for frequent breakdowns, where they would inquire about my driving and give me tips.
“Italian cars are a joy to drive and behold,” is my sentiment.
The interior uses genuine materials where people touch, like leather on the Grande Punto’s steering wheel and gear shift.
It lacked commonplace features like a drink holder.
I heard from a Volkswagen dealer that when Japanese customers requested drink holders, the Germans argued that investments should focus on the car’s safety rather than on such accessories.
From a Fiat dealer, I learned of their philosophy: “A car is a machine; defects are normal. If you bought a faulty one, it’s just bad luck. It’s not the manufacturer’s fault.”
This perspective starkly contrasts with the Japanese approach of valuing reliability and issuing recalls.
My reason for highlighting Fiat’s Doblo dates back 20 years when I first saw the old Multipla at a dealership. Its unattractive, frog-like face and clumsy design made me certain it wouldn’t sell, yet it’s now fetching high prices in the used car market.
Remembering the scramble for the Multipla at the end of its production and the current camping boom, I pondered which car I would choose for camping.
First on my list was Suzuki’s Jimny. However, learning about the three-year waiting period for a new one and its status as an investment piece, I gave up on it.
Next, I considered the stylish Renault Kangoo, but its large engine size and reliance on high-octane fuel mean higher maintenance costs.
Then, the Doblo caught my eye.
I was told by a Fiat dealer that their cars are best when replaced every three years (at the vehicle inspection). I agree.
Despite the high repair costs, there’s something irresistible about Fiat cars.
My car history: Nissan Sunny → Mitsubishi Chariot → Volvo 740 Sedan → Mercedes-Benz C200 → Renault Lutecia → Fiat Grande Punto → Suzuki Cappuccino