General Fiat Bravo 1.2

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General Fiat Bravo 1.2

skiipper

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Hey guys, im new to these forums -- so first off, hey everyone! =D
Anywho, im coming up to my driving test, and i need a run-a-bout. I have a 1.2 Corsa C, but my sister uses that for college every weekday, 9 - 5.
Ive been looking around at many different cars and i think a Fiat bravo is the car for me. I'd idealy go for the 1.4 but i've heard they're a juggernaught of engine problems. I want a car with a bit of a kick and good performance modification prospects, is a Bravo 1.2 16v worth going for?
Any advice or experiences would be very helpful,
Thanks guys! ^______^
 
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the 1.2 is faster than the 1.4, it uses less petrol, is cheaper to insure, and is far more reliable, the only downside is the 1.2 models are newer so they will cost slightly more, but all the range are absolute bargains and its a very under rated car, 99% of the haters havent even sat in one so dont listen to the fiat reliability nonsense.

in terms of performance and modding, neither is particularly great. the 1.4 does 0-60 in 13.4secs, the 1.2 does it in 12.1secs, with a decent induction kit, exhaust, and remap you would probably get the 1.2 down to 11secs, but you could save the money you'd spend on those mods to pay for the extra insurance a 1.6 model would cost you, the 1.6 does 0-60 in 10.6secs and has a nice torque curve so its good enough to be considered nippy, plus you can get the HLX spec on the 1.6 model which is far better than the usual sx spec. if you can afford the insurance i highly recommened the 1.6HLX instead of a 1.2SX.
 
Thats great, thanks for the advice.
The only thing is, for a first car [other than the corsa i share with my mum and sister] i think the 1.2 would be the best option.
Whats the most desirable 1.2 model?
Cheers
 
there were some special editions on the 1.2 model;

forza is same as SX

formula is same as SX but you also get Alloy wheels, CD player, Electric mirrors, Front fog lights & Remote locking.

trofeo is same as SX but you also get CD Multichanger, Electric mirrors, Front fog lights & Side airbags.

the 1.2 is a great choice as a first car.
 
Hey again, ive been looking on autotrader and the majority of the bravos have a mileage between 70,000 and 100,000 miles. Is there any engine wear and tear or any general things to look out for when buying?
Cheers! :)
 
thats something ive noticed... my bravo has a higher milage than my seicento.. and the bravo is younger!

lets think mine is ok 75k atm.. and its had headgaset go twice (2nd time only cos the first time it wasnt fixed properly) a clutch, and a gearbox. along with litle things like bent valves cos the cam has slipped etcetc ..

70k-100k is a long time.. so if you go view some of these cars.. just listen out for any knocking or tapping from around the engine.. find out when the belts were last changed etc etc... pretty much like any car. i dunno if the 1.2 has any common faults.. like injectors on a 1.6. but i know 1.2's do love to eat gear boxes!
 
I would sooner have a well maintained 75k mile car than a 40k mile car that was a not as well cared for.

If engines are serviced regularly then there is no reason for problems. On higher mile cars ensure componants that do wear have been changed
 
mileage isnt that critical, modern cars can all easily do 200k if well looked after, what is more impotnat is service history. you want to buy a car with a well documented history from new, a car that has been well looked after, a car with evidence that anything that needed replacing has been replaced.

my alfa is on 95k, its still running mint and has years of reliable service left. i looked at cars with half the mileage costing a lot more that were crap in comparison and needed a lot of money spending on things like exhaust, brakes, radiator, tyres etc etc. i would always chose a higher milege well serviced car over a lower milege badly serviced car.
 
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