Hi all,

My father has just purchased a second hand Bravo and is having a few problems. Unfortunately, its the 1.4 which, having done a quick search of this site, does not seem too well regarded. Every mechanic he's spoken to has got a different opinion of what's causing his problems. I was hoping that you guys may be able to help me to help him a little.

Problems, as I understand them, are:

Poor starting (starter motors fails to turn sufficiently to start engine). Has left him stranded a couple of times.

Cutting out whilst driving resulting in no PAS etc (car typically does not restart after this has happened)

Poo fuel consumption and a smell of petrol

I suspect car needs a bloody good service, but any of this issues familiar to regulars?

Any help very much appreciated

those symptoms could be caused by so many things that it is not surprising that you have had several different suggestions.

if the starter motor is having trouble turbing the engine there are a few possibilities, such as a weak battery, dirty battery terminals, a rusty earth strap from gearbox to chassis, dirty connections at the starter motor. the starter motor itself is almost certainly fine if it is turning the engine and the only problem is the speed at which it turns.

cutting out whist driving is usually the crank sensor.

poor fuel consumption is normal on the 1.4, but new plugs and leads often make a big difference.

ignoring the starting issues i would say the smell of fuel poor consumption and cutting out may be something to do with a possible fuel leak on a filter under the car i think they are

and maybe because of the regularity that it has been cranked and cranked to start it again has taken the best out of the battery but you need to check the charging on the battery before making this judgement and as jug says the cabling