1998 Fiat Marea ELX 1.6

Summary:

Am looking for a gun to shoot my car!

Faults:

My transmission gave up at about 70000 km. Patched it with a 'kit' which gave it life for about 50000 km.

Rear lights always caught with moisture until it was growing a small forest of fungi in there. Had to change it with a brand new one and three years later, a new re-forestation exercise has started. Probably can't take the Malaysian humidity.

Cracked front lights. Probably can't take the Malaysian heat.

Sunroof refuses to close tight causing rain water to seep in. Had to super-glue it shut to prevent the car from becoming a fish bowl.

Brakes. Never felt right but still bearable.

Engine heating up. Have to flush the radiator every 3 months or risk breaking down in the middle of KL traffic.

Year: 2008

Transmission dies on me again. Get it fixed with lots of $$$$

Cooling fan switch dies. Engine heats up fast. Changed for another big $$$$ spend. Still engine heats up fast. Fixed the thermostat. Still engine heats up. Service the radiator. Still engine heats up. Water pump is not working.

Now I am told that the gasket is probably blown.

General Comments:

Never really got a chance to drive the car to appreciate what driving a fiat is like.

Feels like its put together with rubber bands with all the breakdowns.

Don't feel its worth for such a well known brand.

Think I will save money if just pay off the remaining loan and junk the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd October, 2008

7th Nov 2009, 05:43

Shame to hear that you have been unhappy with your FIAT. I have had the 1998 1.8 for two and a half years, and I have just had my first problem, which is a leaking radiator, and that's due to corrosion. Hope you get better luck with your next car.