Old Lady with real class
Aluminium water pump is the hook of engine. It has a tendency to fatigue cracking. I replaced this by new one made of cast iron.
Major problem with Regata is rust, rust and rust.
Very spacious car with low fuel consumption ~5-6dm3/100km. Huge boot ~520dm3. Spare parts are very cheap and easy to buy. I love this car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th October, 2003
Very good
The automatic temperature controlled air cleaner flap is closed all the time and the engine aspires only warm air from the gallery zone.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 31st July, 2003
A good horse for everyday life
- radiator cap
- carburetor
- distributor
- exhaust gasket
- electrical "leack" (a mysterious wire touching the metal somewhere)
- When I bought this car, there was an issue with the carburetor. I understood a bit after that it was due to a problem with the cooling system (with the previous owner). In fact I realized that there was a leak on the radiator cap. Because of that the engine overheated and consequently the exhaust gasket melted and the carburetor was damaged. The carburetor, the radiator cap, the exhaust gasket were replaced. Since that time, it works fine. It will be 18 years old next week. It's a very comfortable car with good performances and very economic when driven gently. I am surprised that this car is not known. It seems that it was not a success despite the good performances. The Ritmo, which is ugly, is much more known.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 7th July, 2003
A very high spec and comfortable car
Nothing really apart from a little rust.
Clutch cable did snap once, but I'm sure that can happen to anyone.
Some problems did arise however, after having the engine steam cleaned. The electronic heating system (which was very unique) started to fuse after it was set to level 5 with the (+) button.
So regretted having it steam cleaned. It should never be done to any engine with a lot of electronics. Especially more modern ones.
A very high specification car. It had most features that would normally only be found on top end models at the time.
It did have a lot of space and you could fit a hell of a lot in the boot. Very comfortable and rare I believe.
Also had a good power output.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th January, 2002
Having owned the exact same model, I too had it steam cleaned and much like yourself regretted it. The heating system also starting to blow on level 5. Best thing to do, never steam clean modern cars with electronics. To date 2003- I haven't seen any car with the same unique heating system. It truly was very unique and must have been expensive to implement. Fiat have come up with more innovative and unique ideas in my opinion then many other cars out there.
A reliable hard-working lady
The water pump failed and the body has some rust, that's why it is being repaired (by me) right now. This includes a full new paint.
This is not my daily car, but it's the one I use to go to my parent's country house because of the space it has.
It is stable and for a 1301 with over a ton weight it runs pretty good.
Another good Fiat product that has been unrecognized.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th January, 2002
At the time (1990's), an unsung super saloon
Rust all over the bodywork, especially the wheel arches.
Timing chain failure @ 160,000 miles (but my fault really for not replacing it as I should have done!).
Consistent steady, but low level oil leaks from the engine.
A great, reliable workhorse.
It could swallow loads of luggage, or take the family on holiday trips in comfort and style.
Petrol economy was good for a car of its size.
The seats are comfortable and the driving position is excellent.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 31st May, 2001
A comfortable and economical performance compact
First changes were at 200.000 km:
Clutch.
Radiator.
Suspension.
Top gasket leaking & changed at 220.000 km.
Electronic ignition blew, left me stranded on the motorway at 270.000 km.
General interior (seats, lining etc) is not at all worn out, it maintains perfectly.
This car is like an armoured tank, very strong. I fell asleep on the motorway doing 110kph - only minor damage to the car, continued driving without stopping slamming against the middle cement separation.
Even if the engine is 1.3 the performance is like a 1.5, excellent in acceleration and recuperation.
This car was very unstable in fast curves, but with the new suspension (Monroe sensatrac) and wider tires I added (before 155/55, now 170/60) the car is glued to the pavement.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th April, 2001
Great all rounder!
Nothing except for loads of rust!
The plastic trim at the bottom of the doors has fallen off due to rust!
Great car! Can be bought for very little now, quite a lot of extra stuff inside that you only find on a more luxury car. If you can live with the rust the engine will last forever and it responds quickly when pushed! The only problem (apart from rust) is it tends to skid out if you take bends too fast, but it is a family saloon after all!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th May, 2000
I agree with the rust, but my main problem is caused by the engine.
Rust the only problem? You must be joking! How about the jumping out of gear? the steering wheel wanting to go every way apart from the one you required? The breakdown every 300 miles? The times it set itself on fire? These things didn't need mechanics, they needed priests!
6th Feb 2008, 08:06
You have insulted one of my all time favorites; how can you say that the Fiat Ritmo is ugly.
With all respect for you. I think it looks fabulous.
Well, it proves that taste and beauty are in the eye of the beholder.
I think the Ritmo is gorgeous.
Greetings, Flo.