Fiat Bravo 1.9 JTD SX (105bhp) 3d (2001/X) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Bought for half price at 2 years old, but another 2 1/2 years on it has more than halved in value again. So probably a great buy now. Doesn't come with many toys but a very cheap method of transport. Fuel economy is incredible.
Costs
12k service on a diesel is great, but given the cars depreciation, don't bother with main dealer servicing if you have a good local garage. Managed 750 miles on one tank before air flow meter fixed. More like 600 now. Still fantastic.
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On the road
Driving
Firm ride. Brakes seem quick to lock when wet and no ABS makes this quite scary.
Performance
After the air flow meter was replaced the performance was pretty good, but really needs ABS as brakes are either on or off.
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Living with it
Reliability
Rear windscreen motor broke. Air mass/flow meter broke around 30k. Both common problems. The radio volume control has a mind of its own. Try and source parts from eBay or breakers unless you want a mortgage with Fiat. But has never not started.
Image
Insipid blue colour, nasty patterned cloth interior. But if that doesn't bother you then this is a very cheap runaround.
Comfort
Bad seats. 2k round trip to the Med left me with an aching back but probably an optimistic journey in this car. No air conditioning. Engine takes a long time to heat up in the cold. Buy a hat and gloves!
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Security and Service
Security
Who would want to steal this?! Central locking but remote is woeful these days.
Service
Expensive quotes for work. But never used Fiat. Decent local garage carried out the work for half the price.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Engine gives the impression that it will be good for a very long time.
Other
Make sure that you have at least 2k revs before pulling away cold or the engine feels like it is going to jump out of the car.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
No