Fiat Stilo Multiwagon (2003 - 2007) 1.9 JTD Active 5d (AC) (2005/05) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I have a budget and I'm sticking to it.

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

Fiat tried to build a competitor to the Passat and didn't quite pull it off. However, what they did come up with is an excellent second-hand buy that does exactly what it says on the tin.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Probably not, they're not making them any more and my needs are changing in favour of a smaller car.

What are you likely to buy next?

No idea really... if pushed, I'd say a Suzuki Swift or a Mitsubishi Colt.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,499

When did you buy the car?

April 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Bought from a car supermarket, so no haggling. However, they gave me a good part exchange price for my hated Peugeot and that helped.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Escape from the Peugeot from Hell!

What was the dealer like?

No pressure, no hassle.

What's it like to drive?

It's brilliant on motorways, with power to cruise at 70mph or overtake. It's a little more cumbersome on rural roads, where size and soft suspension count against it. Hills are no problem. Not brilliant in snow. Fuel economy round town is approx. 45mpg. On motorway runs I can easily get 55mpg, providing I remember not to get too carried away with how well it goes. If you have a heavy right foot, it will drink fuel. If you're sensible, it won't.

What's it like to park?

City button for super lightweight steering makes it very easy. However, remember to switch it off when driving or tyre wear becomes excessive.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Have owned the car for several years. Have needed work on gear linkage cable. Also new front springs (garage says blame the roads round here more than the car). The CD player has seen better days (probably my fault) and the glovebox door has broken (entirely my fault and I don't think vandalising my own car really counts as a reliability issue). Top tip: use a reputable local independent garage and not the dealer, much cheaper and the standard of work doesn't drop.

What's most practical about your car?

Massive boot, lots of space. The annoying bits: If you open the driver's window in rain or when using screenwash, the wipers push quite a bit of water onto the driver. Ventilation fan could be stronger. Wing mirrors could be a little bigger.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Speed limit warning set to 30mph has definitely kept points off my licence! Fuel economy gauge. The game is now to see how high you can get the average mpg.