1999 Fiat Marea SX from UK and Ireland - Comments

Door check straps at 30,000 miles.

Boot lock at 31,000 miles.

Upholstery is more worn than it should be.

This is a great car to drive as far as performance and handling goes. Yes, it is a bit bumpy at low speeds, but I do prefer to 'feel' the road. The power steering is effortless and accurate and the engine is very responsive.

I think this is a very stylish car both externally and internally (especially the dashboard).

Down-sides are the upholstery which is wearing out rapidly and is difficult to clean and a few more rattles and squeaks than I'd like. Also the fuel economy is not too impressive especially when the engine is pushed.

Reliability has been very good apart from the niggling problems listed above.

The two dealerships I've encountered aren't too hot on customer service and seem a bit clueless at times!

These cars are very good value compared with equivalents (Mondeo and Vectra) and I'd say they're more fun to drive too.

My 5 year old Marea SX seems fine, and did not cost too much. I agree with review there. However, I find the car very economical for a 1.6. It is worth bearing in mind that any 1.6 engine pushed hard will use lots of fuel!!!

I find the car quick, responsive, has good handling

am very pleased with purchase.

Padraig

Ireland.

Fiat Marea SX 100 1999.

Bought second hand at one year old. Tremendous value as it is much cheaper to buy than equivalent Mondeo etc.

Terrific performance especially at higher speeds. Very reliable and has never failed to start or gone wrong at any time. Extremely comfortable with air conditioning etc.

Some of the peripheral things such as door locks, parts of the bodywork etc are perhaps not of "Rolls Royce" standard, but this is not a problem.

May well buy similar next time.

Update - its 2006 and the car is still going extremely well having covered 82000 miles. Apart from tyres and servicing the only other problem its had is the light behind the mileage counter going - not a major problem. We're still very happy indeed with this car. Only sad bit is its now only worth £800!!!