1995 Fiat Tempra SLX 2.0 from Argentina

Summary:

Italian perfection

Faults:

I've only replaced bulbs and done the normal service.

General Comments:

This is a true Italian piece of art. I find the design of the car after 10 years to be attractive, plus it has everything I like from European vehicles:In-headlight low beams, side blinkers, black trims on bumpers and side guards, big and tall trunks. It is simply beautiful.

The engine is small, it is a 2 liter vehicle, but driving up hills and mountains performance is amazing; I think the car was made for mountain driving.

I would definitely buy another Fiat, or any other European vehicle for that matter if they are just as reliable as my Tempra.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th December, 2004

15th Aug 2005, 02:41

The writer of this obviously likes his Fiat very much, but I read this to learn about the car (I'm thinking of buying one) and find that, among the superlatives, mainly the information is about fittings that are 'normal' in Europe. (I do know, having lived next door to this writer, in Paraguay, that many standard fittings are NOT included in South American countries e.g. heaters, etc.)

The only useful comment, really, was that it is good on mountain roads. For me this could be pertinent as I live now in Southern Spain, where there are many steep mountain roads.

More information regarding performance, faults, actual running costs, etc.,would have been much more useful.

Bob Fretwell (Spain)

24th Jan 2008, 22:12

I'm looking at a Tempra myself, but I know a LOT about Fiats. as a general rule they are mechanically robust a well maintained motor will do 300000 + ks no problem. Bodies post 1990 are all galvanised so rust is no longer an issue. They are not without their share of electrical woes due, in most part to poor earthings. Build quality varies, but is hugely improved on more recent models. from a design and engineering point of view these cars are fantastic, and that's the thing that always keeps me coming back to Fiat. They are that little bit special, and have bags of character that you won't find in a toyota. True you have to forgive the occasional foibles, but if you're a little bit handy and don't need to rely on the generally poor dealerships then I say you won't find a much better all round car - Style economy and practicality - ALL for much less than most other equivalent cars. Its the best kept secret. DOH!

1995 Fiat Tempra S 1.6i.e from Finland

Summary:

A car that requires a hard hand and foot

Faults:

Paint work is bad, already in 40000 km and two years. It seems to be too soft paint.

Exhaust pipes (all), exhaust gas recycling valve and rear shock absorbers changed at 90000 km.

General Comments:

This car is "blowing in the wind", it is very sensitive to hard winds of any direction.

Suspension is too soft.

Powerful it is, but not easy to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th July, 2002

10th Oct 2002, 16:34

In the car you can feel the wind as it interacts with the car, especially with strong sidewinds and if you pass big trucks on the highway. That is unavoidable for a car this size and weight I believe.

The matter of suspension is a matter of taste. My Tempra's suspension is just good for sporty driving, but not too rigid for comfortable driving. I do not deem the suspension too soft. But my front shock absorbers are quite new.

1995 Fiat Tempra S 1.6 ie from Finland

Summary:

Roomy and economical family car

Faults:

Radiator replaced after the one year warranty period. Probably because of a manufacturing error. This was due to the request of the dealer and only half of expense was for me to pay.

Exhaust system fully replaced due to corrosion.

Some suspension parts replaced. All dampers replaced.

Otherwise normal periodical maintenance. This included an expensive change of the timing belt.

Cold starts below -25 C temperatures are not reliable enough (for me), even when car was new.

Seat upholstery did wear out, but after all it was under heavy use because of a dog.

General Comments:

Good reliable basic car, giving good accommodation also for backseat passengers, and huge trunk space.

Car has good handling characteristics, even in winter conditions.

Cheap to buy, economical to maintain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th September, 2001

29th May 2003, 07:45

What do you think about radiator problems? Tempra has a very hot engine, about 100°C (normal traffic), 105° (traffic jams), it makes damages to the radiator!!! The temperature bulb cans be replaced for Alfa Romeo 155 temperature bulb!

Sorry about my poor English!

Leonardo Maretti (Brasil)