1989 Fiat Tipo DGT review from Australia and New Zealand
"A fun car to drive, but very unreliable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Thermostat faulty.
Passenger door lock needed replacing after 116000km.
Passenger seat belt casing cracked and broke.
Gear box started leaking shortly after buying it.
O-Rings needed replacing.
Windscreen washer stopped spraying water - easily fixed by service agent.
Various dashboard lights stopped working.
Headlight warning light shows fault when there isn't one.
HT leads needed replacing.
Side doors started rattling.
Side mirrors broken due to "no-give" when knocked by people walking between cars. The brackets have cracked.
Hard starting.
Diodes within the alternator have failed
twice preventing the battery charging.
Poor battery charging due to voltage
drop across one of the wires.
Battery failed early due to constant
flattening of the battery.
General comments?
Actually, it's a shame it isn't more
reliable because when it does go it runs
smooth and handles very well.
It's an enjoyable car to drive even on
longer distances.
It's quick up steep hills.
It's fast off the mark.
It's very economical.
Very roomy interior.
Unfortunately, very expensive to own
due to the long list of problems, mostly with the engine.
Recommended Reviews:
  | An extremely high performance car with nice looks and very cheap |
| A fun drive, but first car material only! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 2/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 116000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 125000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Nissan Primera |
| Date of Entry | 2nd November, 2003 |