Hi, Im thinking of buying a car in the near future and looking alot at the Fiat Coupe. Primarly because of its looks, although the performance is an added advantage! I was wondering if there was anything to be wary of (reliability, maintentnce costs, repair bills etc)
The cars I am looking at are all around £5000 with around 50k miles on the clock.
Any input is greatly appreciated! As would things to look for when viewing the cars.
Thanks
Cambelt - 20v 2l requires engine out, according to fiat though powerfiat can do it along with the waterpump all in for £399 I believe. Get as much history as you can! They are generally good motors, but they can be plagued by silly little things.
Hellraiser.........>
Hi, Thanks for the reply. Someone told me that before actually (about the cambelt) but it definitely sounds like something too look out for. Im looking at one at the moment which has actually had the cambelt replaced recently, so that side of things should be ok. Thanks for the input! Do the engines run ok after, say 50k miles?
The 5cyl 20V engine is a pretty bullet proof engine, as are all Fiat Twin Cam and Mono Cam engines.
As mentioned the cam belt should ideally be changed at 50K miles or 5 years. (Fiat quote 72K miles and 5 years). It is customary and recommended to replace all the pulleys, stretchers and belts when changing the cam belt.
The engine should be good for well over 100K miles if it has been looked after and not abused. I can't comment on Turbo life as mine if a 20V non turbo model.
Things to check for:
1) front engine undertray damed due to contact with high curbs 2) check underside and sill lines for grounding damage 3) proper service history mechanical 4) 3rd and 5th year bodywork inspections by Fiat dealer (in service manual) (The Coupe has a 3 Year Paintwork and 8 Year Corrosion warranty but is subject to 3 & 5 year inspections)Things to accept:
1) Front tyre wear (turbo) 2) Large turning circle (turbo .... often a problem turning into curbed parking bays, takes several stabs) 3) Always insist on lower, non ramp car ferry decks. Going up is easy, coming off is a mjor problem! 4) Pulling out and turning right (UK - left abroad) across a road can cause the front end to ground. Just go slowly and look ahead. e.g. in petrol stations there is often a ramp down to the road and then if the road has a sharp camber then the Coupe's low long overhanging nose can ground out usually on the towing eye. I've yet to see a Coupe that has not yet managed to scrape or bend the eye! 5) Driving with a smile on your face 6) Getting strange / admiring looks 7) Regretting being late to the Coupe part! :-)Nick /////
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