Faults:

Exhaust fell off.

Headlamps misted severely in cold/damp weather.

Trim under glove box fell off.

Engine became excessively smoky under hard acceleration.

Fuel gauge erratic.

Uneven tyre wear.

All electrics in passenger door (mirror, window, illumination) packed up due to an electrical short.

Boot leaked.

General Comments:

Bought privately as a one owner, full main dealer historied car. Nothing but trouble from day 1.

I would expect to have to replace the exhaust on a 5 year old car. However, I would not expect £1,000 worth of fuel system work on an 80k diesel engine (2 new injectors and an ECU recode needed) as the engine began to smoke heavily under load from about 6 months in. I also wouldn't expect the constant niggling problems - this was a car that ALWAYS had at least one thing wrong with it.

HLX trim is very generous. Plush velour seats, air-conditioning, CD player, electric windows and mirrors etc. It's still a sharp looking little car as well, and at 2 and a bit k at 5 years old, is a lot of late-ish car for the money. Although it lacks the muscle of a current generation diesel, the 1.9 JTD engine is surprisingly perky, reasonably refined, and returns about 48 mpg in daily use. It's a good drive.

Sadly, several weeks of ownership shows why they're cheap. Total rubbish and never again. Not a patch on a Fiesta or even a Corsa.

Faults:

Gear linkage needed replacing at 52,000 miles.

Radiator fan needs replacing at 70,000 miles.

Rust appearing on roof - although I though these cars were galvanised?

Brakes continue to squeak and do not feel positive, even though Fiat cannot find fault, and charge me each time for cleaning.

Annoying squeaks and rattles coming from the interior while driving.

Sunroof rattles.

There seems to be interaction between the lights, as a warning light comes on when braking with dipped beams.

Remote central locking has packed up.

General Comments:

Lovely car to drive and averages around 48mpg due to its thrifty 1.2 16v engine and 6 speed gear box - which with a power to weight ratio (about 85bhp), gives good performance - although it's certainly not a motorway cruiser.

Good handling in all conditions, although due to the sports suspension, it can be quite tiring to drive on long journeys.

Mechanical build quality and interior plastics are good; however I do get annoying rattles and creaks - vehicle electrics need consideration.

Faults:

From day one there was a squeaking from the rear suspension. i took it back to the dealers about 3 times for this under warranty. it was eventually sorted out, but it still appears from time to time, but I'm not so bothered now its 5 yrs old.

The car has now started to use a bit of oil and when I switch the blowers on there is an oily smell.

General Comments:

The car has been reliable and hasn't let me down. i think it drives well for a small car. it does OK for a 1250 engine. i get 40 to the gallon, but I don't drive it hard.

Faults:

Er not sure where to start. Had usual problems such as door trim coming off, head lights misting up, plastic parts just falling off, drivers seat stuck in one place, windcreen wipers breaking and only driving with one working - then bang! 6 months after buying a 2001 car - the gear-box blows! total re-build, what a peice of c##p. Getting bus to work while this rubbish is fixed, and you don't want to know the cost. Never ever buy a Fiat.

General Comments:

This car is seriously bad - I would hesitate to be a passenger in one again - own one? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA you must be joking. Sure they have killer looks - but don't do it! Don't buy it! It will fall apart before your eyes.