Fiat Idea (2004 - 2007) 1.4 Eleganza 5d (2005/05) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
It says I was daft to be seduced by all the toys and gadgets this car has, which largely seems to be why it was so troublesome.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They sasw it as little as I did as it was never on the drive, but a courtesy car was.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Never, it is up there with the worst I have ever owned.
What are you likely to buy next?
Almost certainly NOT a Fiat 'oh dear' as it came to be known. Probably a Nissan as the one I had prior to the Fiat never missed a beat in 2.5 years.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£4,595
When did you buy the car?
June 2008
Did you get a good deal and why?
The car had a screen price of £5995 so to get it for £495 seemed a bargain for such a low mileage 3 year old car.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Top of the range, 1 owner from new with just 13k on the clock and full MDSH
What was the dealer like?
Very accomodating initially, always polite, but a little arrogant when things started to go wrong. After a lengthy battle, a full refund was given, but this went on for what seemed forever.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
There was little time spent driving it as it was always in for repair, but it was very good as it is responsive and very comfortable. If the computer was accurate it was also very economical at about 37 mpg urban which is good for a 1.4 litre.
What's it like to park?
Easy with dual PAS and parking sensors, but watch the huge blind spot fom the front 'A' pillars.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Oil leak repaired under warranty. Several other minor, but annoying faults and MAJOR problems with the computer system.
What's most practical about your car?
Didn't get an opportunity to find out as it was always in for repair.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
This car has a plethera of gadgets and equipment such as A/C with climate control, sliding rear seats, reversing sensors, all 4 windows electric and automatic and a very comprehensive on-board computer, but unfortunately this was its downfall.
