1999 Fiat Marea 155 ELX 20V review from UK and Ireland
"40 percent of list price to buy at 6 months old, for 6000ukp a veritable bargain"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The vehicle was ex-rental and came with no log book or stereo code.
One headlight bulb has blown, apart from that, no faults.
General comments?
This car is quick on paper, the engine makes all the right noises and on accelerating you feel the push at the base of the spine, but unless the road is straight and dry you won't want to push it.
This car will cruise all day on a motorway, but show it a country road and it'll show you a ditch. The engine is shared with the coupe, but the suspension is definitely set for family comfort. Turn in too quick and the front wheels break away far too soon into controlled understeer. In the wet it's at best a half throttle car.
Fuel consumption regularly returns 25-28.
This is an unusual high performance motor that no one will ever look twice at, another unloved big Fiat, but un-deservedly so, far more interesting than a Mondeo or Vectra.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 20V Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 11500 miles |
| Most recent distance | 22500 miles |
| Previous car | Fiat Punto |
| Date of Entry | 17th August, 2001 |