1981 Fiat 131 Mirafiori Fuel ingected
Summary:
Stands the test of time
Faults:
The usual wear and tear; after all, the car is 24 years old!
General Comments:
I own a white Fiat 131 Brava 4 door and I'm quite happy with it, I've had no problems and it still runs beautifully to this day. I guess I got the good apple of the bunch.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 26th September, 2005
4th Jan 2006, 00:43
Owned numerous Fiats. That should tell you that I've been pretty happy with them.
Here are a few tips for maintaining those older Fiats;
Engines are bullit-proof provided you service them, most have 5 bearing main cranks - very rare for cars of this genre! That means they revved hard and liked it. Change oil regularly (gearbox & diff oil too!!)
Electrics: Replace fuses at the first instance with the same amperage! Keep electrics dry as possible. Fiat wiring was some of the best quality around...don't be persuaded to replace wiring unless wire is totally destroyed or frayed.
Same goes for spark plug leads. Keep the original OEM Copper ones or replace with Hi-quality Magnacore leads. Avoid silicone ones.
A Tip: When buying an earlier (pre-1990's Fiat) get it rust-proofed. Fish oil all the inner door linings, boot etc.
Do this every 5 years, and you won't have a problem with rust. (Providing it didn't have any to start with...)
Also should mention that lighter coloured ones, eg. White, beige, cream etc rusted less or slower than darker or metallic coloured (navy blue, silver, reds etc). I don't know why.
1st May 2014, 07:19
This could be said of any 1981 car.
27th Sep 2015, 01:43
You couldn't have it in a phone booth because there aren't any anymore.
We could have it in a 7/11 parking lot; you bring yours and I will bring my 81 blue 4 door.
27th Sep 2005, 11:01
If you were to hold a meeting of all the people in N America who bought a 1981 Fiat Brava new--and still own it--you could probably hold it in a phone booth.
That is, if phone booths still existed...