(G) Things to look for

I'm thinking of getting a Cinq for my wife, but I'd like some advice on what to look for on them. The only issue I'm aware of is the headgasket, so any other help would be much appreciated.

As the old joke goes,

Sounds like a deal, but we'd need to see the wife first.

I'll get me coat.

Cheers

D

Clutch cable is prone to failing due to poor design but a cheap and easy fix.

Handbrake cables stretch pretty quickly but again a pretty easy fix

Fuel guage readout is crap, but is a cento trait as we are in the same boat and there is no fix for it

Other than the usual things that you would check on any car thats about it

Check the fuel tank isnt leaking/weaping. otherwise you end up rather high after a long drive and a potential fire hazard :P

clutch cables prone to going aswell so always carry a spare....

Trying to think what else ive had to fork out for so far.....

-Be weary of any rust, its a galvanised car and so shouldn't rust, rust may indicate repairs from a crash (not all replacement bodyparts are galvanised).

-Let it warm up and check the fan operates properly and holds the temp down when stationery

-Always ask when it last had a cambelt change

apart from that all the usual stuff, can't htink of ought else right now

Check for rust in the boot - particularly round the arches as they can rust inside (they're only galv. on the outside). Also check for rust around the drivers side window wiper mount. This is another common rust spot and a pain to repair

Check for water in the footwells - this can indicate a leaky sunroof, leaky rear light / tailgate fittings or badly sealing doors, or if you're really unlucky, a leaky windscreen.

Make sure the heater blows out warm air when the engines warm.

If you can take it out for a test drive, make sure theres no knocking/grinding from teh front (passenger side inparticular). This indicates that the rear gearbox mount has gone (again all too common) and parts are too long in demand... Check for similar noises at the rear. This indicates warn suspension bushes. Although cheap to fix, its a barsteward of a job!

Magic, cheers for the replies guys. Will be so very helpful when I start looking!

Yeh, its good over here in the cento section

No one's mentioned look out for leaky tanks, there was a recall on them, but they still leak again eventually.

post #4

My bad

http://www.fiatforum.com/cinquecento...ying-cinq.html