Fiat Coupe (1995 - 2000) 20V Turbo 2d (1997/R) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Impoverished but with impeccable taste!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My son loves being dropped at school from the Coupe, and I don't think any car at my work has ever raised such curiosity.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Absolutely. I would again though be very careful about getting the right one, even if it meant scouring the country for six months.

What are you likely to buy next?

That depends on my work, it might have to be a diesel!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,000

When did you buy the car?

October 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Now Coupes are in their twilight years, the received wisdom is 'pay now or pay later'. £3k looks a lot for a 10 year old FIAT, but I looked at it as a £1500 car with £1500 worth of work done on it (cambelt, clutch, thermostat, front wishbones, rear discs and pads, aux belt)

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

After admiring them for thirteen years, I had to get one before they all disappeared off the road.

What was the dealer like?

Top bloke, enthusiast and expert, now sadly no longer dealing with Coupe.

What's it like to drive?

Sadly, it can't compete with something as mundane as say a Ford Focus for handling, particularly over broken or ridged surfaces. However, fantastic urge and willingness in all gears and the kind of engine sounds you just have to have the window down for. And for something so quick and 'old skool', surprisingly happy at low revs round town.

What's it like to park?

Poor steering lock means forward parking is a challenge but good visibility and modest size (in contrast to most modern cars) means no problems if you back in.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Cam variator failed after about a week, which is common on Alfa siblings but almost unheard of in the Coupe. All sorted by the chap I bought from, free of charge. Apart from that, it seems to hate British winters with variously locks, door seals and handbrake freezing!

What's most practical about your car?

Er, perhaps that it's surprisingly happy just pottering around town?

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Refreshingly free of modern gadgetry, which you quickly realise you can very easily live without.