1997 Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo review from UK and Ireland

2001, Nothing other than service.

2002, Car started stuttering under acceleration, dealer plugged it into the computer couldn't find problem, did service and everything was fine again (I was told at a later date by a Fiat Coupe specialist in Manchester that they have a bad habit of cooking their plugs and leads. If I knew this in 02 instead of 05, life with the coupe would have been better). Year spend was £170.

2003, Brake discs warped and replaced, passenger side wishbone replaced, car stuttering again, stops after being serviced. Reversed into outside my house by some xxxx leaving me with a dirty towbar dent on the bonnet, off to the body shop to repair, not happy, but at least getting the car bonnet sprayed gets rid of the stone chips. Year spend was £830.

2004, Timing belt service, air conditioning and brake discs again, £1500+ spent (ouch), other than that, still driving well.

2005, White smoke when car is running stationary, dealers can't tell me what wrong again! (a bad case of computer says no). Told it's possibly stem seals and it would cost approximately £800 to remove the head and investigate before even fixing the problem. After some Internet research, contacted someone who has had a bit of Coupe Turbo experience. Diagnosed the problem as the turbo. Booked the car in, problem solved at £550 for a new turbo.

Passenger wishbone again and brake discs warped again, and a few bushes replaced. Year spend £1050 (big spend, but the car feels and drives perfect).

Fantastic drivers car, massive top end and very good to look at. Power is effortless with masssive torque and a fantastic engine growl.

Handling is good all round and the Brembo brakes stop you in your tracks.

Inside is really quite roomy with a good sized boot and so well finished, dash switchgear etc.

The seats are not as sporting as expected, but comfy.

I owned the car for 5 years and can honestly say it has been my favorite all rounder to date (never let me down, bar the James Bond style smoke screens left behind when the turbo was on its way out). May well buy one to keep in the garage as an appreaciating classic/weekend toy if, I can persuade my wife we need to extend the garage to add another car to the vtec engined Mini and the Integrale already there.