Fiat Multipla (2000 - 2010) JTD ELX (110bhp) 5d (2001/Y) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

No idea but it being a Fiat is never going to help my image anyway.

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

They mostly think it is ugly but those who have ridden in it are impressed by so much space in such a short vehicle.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No No and No. I have not had a reliable Fiat since my Tempra and they do not seem to be getting any better.

What are you likely to buy next?

There are not really any other cars that can do the six seats and bootspace in a small package like a Multipla does. I am not sure what I would replace it with but it will certainly not be another Fiat.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

January 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

A reasonable deal but we should have held on for a better colour and lower mileage instead of buying the first one we saw.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

A growing family dictated the need for something more practical.

What was the dealer like?

OK

What's it like to drive?

It is reasonably nippy and comfortable. Handling is not bad either. It also tows my caravan nicely.

What's it like to park?

At just less than 4m long it is as easy to parallel park as any city car. However, it is quite wide and can be a problem in car parks.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The more modern the Fiat the less reliable they seem to get. Amongst other things, I have replaced almost the entire front suspension and the gearbox. The rear suspension is next on the list for a rebuild as it is collapsing on the left side. There have been lots of other niggly faults too. The handbrake can be a real pain in the winter as it is very prone to freezing up due to its outboard position which catches anything thrown up by the offside front wheel.

What's most practical about your car?

Six seats with decent leg and headroom whilst having decent bootspace at the same time in a car that is shorter than most superminis. Very good for towing as well. The Multipla is a brilliant concept which suffers from poor execution. It introduced a new method of building cars with a spaceframe chassis but Fiat failed to develop the idea.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The electric folding wing mirrors are a good idea.