1990 Fiat Tipo DGT review from UK and Ireland

Failed digital dashboard at 8,000 miles. Replaced under warranty.

Snapped cam belt at 80,000 miles resulting in one bent valve. Suspect that the main dealer didn't change it at the scheduled service.

Crank sensor failed at 100,000 miles.

Rear wiper stopped working at 120,000 miles.

Central locking failed at 150,000 miles. Disconnected as couldn't lock the car.

Rear window winder plastic cogs worn out at around 150,000 on both sides so can't raise the glass.

Starter motor failed at 180,000 miles.

Alternator failed at 200,000 miles.

Repeated cracked exhaust manifold and down-pipes.

Various clutches, exhaust parts, batteries and other semi-consumables have been replaced.

Lots of rust on rear sub-chassis. While the bodywork is largely intact, seventeen British winters has slowly corroded the underside.

I bought this car new in 1990. It was the first car I ever owned - company cars before that.

It has served us remarkably well for nearly eighteen years both as an only car and then latterly as a second. It has let us down only three times in over 216,000 miles.

New, the car was by far the best choice on the market at the time. The alternatives were the Astra, Escort, Renault 19, Rover 216. The only car even approaching its practicality and drive-ability was the Golf. But the Fiat was much more innovative.

I did most of the servicing on the car from when it was about four years old and used mobile mechanics for the trickier stuff.

The gearbox and engine are original and are in remarkably good nick for their age.

So it's sad that I'm taking the car to the breakers today. The rust underneath has eaten away at the rear sub-chassis and bodywork and, while repairable, it would cost far too much to put right.

To our beloved Tipo - thank you.