1989 Autobianchi Y10 Fire from Italy - Comments

Quite often, the computer broke down, resulting in weird behaviour in the electric system (especially flashing direction lights). Also, the radiator misbehaved causing me to burn the engine (it was partly my fault though).

Overall, however, I have mistreated it for 10 years and only spent about $5,000 in repairs and maintenance.

Quite a nice little car if you're on a budget. The FIAT engine delivers (90 mph on a good road, at least while it was new). It also has quite a number of options making it more comfortable. The basic model is a bit too spartan though.

I own the same car and have also neglected mine, but it's still perfect!

Considering the age (built in 1986), my Y10 is a reliable companion.

I own a Y10 '96 "igloo" with the 1108 FIRE engine. My car has electric windows, air conditioning, quite equipped. The electric instalation has never broke down but the only problem it developed is that if you don't use at least 97 octane fuel, the engines knocks. I tried to get it fixed but a few garages here in Argentina has the BOSCH Monomotronic SPI scanner so I keep using high octane fuel as a temporal solution. Despite this fact, this wonderful fast car (155 km/h, 0-100Km/h in 14 seconds.) has given me nothing but greats moments. It is easy to park and you just "flow" in the city traffic.

The only complain about it is that this year some interior plastics started doing some noises which I am trying to quiet down with some minor adjustments with a screwdrivers and a lot of patience.

I almost forgot to mention that although it runs on gasoline it is as economic as a diesel car, but without that vibrating and noising sensation.

I 'd like to add that my car went to the mechanic no more that 3 times in all these years and It has never left me on foot. Very cheap to maintain, also.

Remember that the nominal compression ratio is 10.5 to 1. Nothing but the best available fuel will do, unless you modify the cylinder head to a lower compression ratio.