1996 Fiat Brava SX 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A cheap car that can be turned into a high performance automobile

Faults:

Had a small problem with the electric window motor, the cable snapped as I was opening the window when it was frozen.

General Comments:

A very nice, beautiful looking reliable car.

The Fiat mechanics at my garage have always been very helpful, they have helped me to find the required components required to turn the Brava into a 114 brake horsepower beast, which will now do 0-60 miles per hour in about 9 seconds and a top speed of 126 miles per hour.

Top class service, even when my car was scratched during a service, they resprayed the panel and did not charge me for the service I went in for in the first place.

Had no problems with car since I bought it, would recommend it as it would be a great family car to own.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th January, 2002

29th May 2003, 06:16

126 MPH in a Brava? You must be a very brave person indeed, my 1.6 SX was unpleasant enough at the National speed limit (70 MPH, do you remember?)

1996 Fiat Brava SX 1.6 from Israel

Summary:

When she is good, she is very very good, but when she is bad she is murder!!

Faults:

Driver's seat collapsed, had to be replaced.

I am currently on my third battery, as the battery tends to discharge suddenly.

Car overheated and I had to replace the head gasket at 140,000. The fan connects burn out repeatedly.

Alternator failure at 80,000 Km.

Coil (!!) expired at 120,000 Km. I am told this is extremely rare.

Clogged radiator at 145,000 Km.

General Comments:

This car drove like a dream (apart from the suddenly dead batteries) until 120,000 Km, when the troubles started. After more than 20,000 Km. of continuous repairs, I think that the troubles can be traced to the cooling system. The combination of a faulty fan connection and a clogged radiator have caused havoc.

My advice to all owners: Have the radiator cleaned and electrical system and connections checked regularly and you should be OK.

Despite all the problems, this car is excellent value for money, and drives well. I think the biggest problem is the poor dealer service in Israel, who seem to be completely incompetent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th May, 2001

1996 Fiat Brava ELX 1.8 petrol from Malaysia

Summary:

Very good

Faults:

ABS sometimes functioning and sometimes not.

Leaking sunroof, need to replace the rubber.

To replace the air-cond condenser (in the dashboard) you need to dismantle the entire dashboard unit.

General Comments:

Very reliable although in hot climate like Malaysia.

Quite comfortable.

Handling quite good, I think with Eibach springs would be better.

Generally it is a good car to own. It would be better if the spare parts prices were cheaper.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th March, 2001

1996 Fiat Brava SX 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Not very good (Dealers bad), Fiat UK are shocking

Faults:

Injector system failed.

ECU failed.

Rear wiper failed.

No brake light warning system.

Plastic moulding on the tailgate fell off.

Radio doesn't work properly.

Aerial snapped.

Warning light from the key failed.

Exhaust system fell off one day after spending £230 at a main dealer.

Timing belt snapped at 53,000 miles. Replacement should be at 72,000 miles. Fiat would NOT pay any compensation.

Engine has a tinny sound.

General Comments:

For god sake never buy a Fiat. Customer service is nonexistent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th October, 2000

1996 Fiat Brava SX 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

One brake light bulb in 3 years and 40k. The only problem is the clueless idiots employed by Fiat to sell and service their cars, one clown dropped a spanner on the driver side wing resulting in a dent and chipped paint. Of course they said it was there when the car went in. NOT. At the next service they damaged the HT leads and I had to argue for 2 hours to get them to sort it out.

General Comments:

A gem of a car. In Ireland it's £2300 cheaper than a Golf or Corrola and every bit as good, with a higher spec. Loads of space inside, it can take 2 adults and 2 young kids and a fortnights luggage, no problems. The engine has gotten better with age (feels quicker and the economy is getting better all the time).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th April, 1999

20th Feb 2001, 00:59

I don't know how you can compare your car to a VW or even a Skoda for that matter. I owned a Bravo 1.8 HLX for three very unhappy years. It rattled and squeaked from day one, had an oil leak that couldn't be fixed after going back to the dealer many times, had three radio's fitted, leaked water through the passenger door for two years plus many other problems. I bought the car new in 1997 and sold it in 2000 with 20,000 on the clock and guess what I replaced it with, a VW Golf GTi Turbo, and I have never been happier. The car is nearly a year old now and nothing rattles and I haven't seen the dealer since the day I collected it new. I would never buy a Fiat (FIX IT AGAIN TONY) again and wouldn't advise my worst enemy to buy one. Why don't you take a test drive in a Golf and then you can see what I'm talking about.

11th Jan 2002, 06:40

I bought a 1996 Fiat Brava 1.4 SX on 1st October 2001. It was back at the dealer within 3 days for a faulty radio and noisy door hinges, radio still faulty. 4 weeks later it was back at the dealer for investigations into fuel injection problems and radio fault, radio still faulty. 1 week later it was back at the dealer to repair a broken drive-shaft, radio still faulty. All covered thankfully by the extended warranty I bought. I'll be binning the car as soon as I can afford to.

16th Apr 2003, 20:59

Nice stylish car specially for a 18 year old student. got the car it's been 3 weeks and I have already spent £300 on it. remember I'm a student...brava's batteries seem to be born deadflat...I'm on my 2nd.

Started with brake pads, now brake disc's, at the moment with shock leaking problems, not enough power to satisfy my needs.. injectors seem to be about to go as well, soon will have to sell my guests house furniture to pay all the bills, if possible when dealing with brava's problems try to find garage called P.E.T.S..very impressed by the service provided. good luck to all the other FIAT BRAVA'S drivers..