The Utility Vehicle - Caddy Maxi Life

[Sway]

The previous family barge (Merc R280) was becoming a royal pain in the backside. Essentially, a reverse tardis. Huge on the outside, tiny on the inside...

So, I wanted more interior space. Other half was less keen.

Ended up with a Caddy Maxi Life. Proper support vehicle for kayaking, biking and camping. Dog should be much happier too.



Came full of crap - rear stock crash bar replaced when the towbar was fitted, etc.

Also, had been used as an airport car for a year by the previous owner - hence grey vinyl fitted one piece 'carpet' and ali rubbing strips in the boot...



Stripped out the third row, and offside rear seat. Also ripped out the grey vinyl to reveal a great condition carpet (cheers PO!).



Well, apart from where spray glue had been used on the footwell storage lids...



However, had to leave a section...

These bolts are just spinning. From what I can see lifting the carpet, I think there's wooden battens running on the floor (don't know how they're fixed) with the bolts running into them. Prising underneath whilst untightening - nothing. Zero movement.

Tips welcomed!!



Ordered a few bits. Wind deflectors:



Also, side repeaters (current ones show the reason why!):



Also, dodo deadmat duo for the rear floor.

Current plans:

Rip out the rubbing strips.

Fit dodo deadmat to rear floor, ply line, cover with altro. This will come to the rear seat mounts, rear interior trim will he scribed to suit, steel edging strip.

Make nearside unit (top to current trim level, storage for Really Useful Boxes and longitudinal bench seat/storage/dog travel box).

Roof rack for canoe (kayak just fits inside!)

Then, I want to get stuck into a 'oem+' type affair, I've never had a 'platform' car before. So Touran dash and doorcards, VW multifunction wheel, higher spec instrument panel, front seats, head unit... All to be done as bits turn up locally.

[RyanDD]

Sway, how has this prgressed?
I'm snooping around a caddy for similar reasons as you have mentioned.

Edit: speeling

[Sway]

It's been a pretty good workhorse to be fair.

Now pushing 200k miles, it has needed the bd injectors doing, and a DSG gearbox rebuild. Very annoying, but I just couldn't see anything else out there that fit the bill that was worth the cost of changing compared to repairing.

Otherwise, the dog loves it. The Mrs finds it easy to drive/park. Bikes/kids/kayaks/SUPs get swallowed easily.

Only irritation really is an 8x4 sheet 'just' doesn't quite fit. It's close enough to be really bloody irritating!

Would I buy another? Probably not - last year we were coming back from Cornwall and SWMBO pointed out how much she like the Transporters. Which is what I originally wanted, but she vetoed...

But, it's been a great car for utilitarian use.

[RyanDD]

Sounds like you're making good use of it.

A transporter, now there's a thought.