Hi
I am looking at a 1.9 16V Multijet Eleganza Cromer tomorrow at a local garage.
It is a 06 plate with 33K on the clock and 1 previous local owner.
The only thing that bothers me is, although it has FSH it is not by a main dealer and there is no mention of a cambelt change. Should this bother me and should the belt be replaced at 33K?
I've already read the sticky about buying, but is there anything else obvious I should look for?
Thanks in anticipation.

It should have had at least one cambelt change due to its age. Personally, as long as the dates and mileage match up ok, then a service history from a non dealer is fine. TBH the prices FIAT charge and the poor service most of them offer, you're prob better off with a small independent. Get the dealer to do the cambelt (inc tensioners and water pump) inc in the price or a substantial discount - and get it done straight away.

AO - its a Croma - Cromer is where my Nan and Grandad used to go on holiday

Joking aside, whereabouts are you based - there are several FIAT/ALFA specialists around the country who do the full belts, tensioners, pulleys, waterpump for a fraction of the Dealer price - although the latter is what you want to get a price on and quote that to the Seller while bargaining

Hi AO,
First things first - how much is it listed for? Cromas didn't sell well and resale prices are very soft for the amount of car you get.
Secondly, if it's got the big glass sunroof check that it opens and closes OK. Make sure that it closes as you are driving along.
Thirdly, EGR. These things are the bane of our lives and although yours has only done 33k you should budget for it to be changed. The part costs about £70 and takes 20 - 30 minutes to remove the old one and refit the new one. If you feek any lumpiness or stuttering (kangaroo petrol) as you go past 2k revs it's most likely that that's the problem.
The external boot catch is fragile so make sure it works. Don't be fobbed off with "it's a security feature". There is such a thing in the on board computer but if you scroll through the menu you can rule that out.
Next check that the rear wash wipe works - it's poorly designed and they corrode from the inside.
Ditto the wing mirrors which are prone to delamination.
After that drive it at a steady 40 mph and see if there's any wheel vibration. It might be wheel balance / alignment or it might be the drive shafts.
Other than that it should go and stop very well, they handle nicely and are very comfortable to drive for long periods of time.
Let us know how you get on.

That's an incredibly low mileage - possibly the lowest mileage diesel Croma in the UK? People normally only buy a diesel if they're planning on doing loads of miles. It might be a very good buy, but I'd be suspicious of clocking. Check its full history of MOTs to get the mileage every year of its life, check everything makes sense.

https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history-vehicle

You do get genuine low mileage diesels but they're as rare as hen's teeth.

The price is the all-important factor. It's low-mileage but don't forget it will be approaching 7 years old. Have a good look underneath for rust.

As said above, I wouldn't be bothered about the service history being non-Fiat. In fact that's probably a good thing from my bitter experience with dealers.

And all the other wise words from everyone else too. If the timing belt is original then it will be about as flexible as wood by now. I'd also check the details of what was done at each service - if they're not checking against the schedule then were they also changing the fuel filter and air filter for example? Perhaps they were just doing a quick oil change.

Thanks for the info everyone.
I'm just on my way to look at it.
It's on for £4,250 - does that seem reasonable?
I have already looked at the history and certain the mileage is genuine.

Sounds too much to me, but it's hard to value as it's old but low mileage. Try some online valuation websites to see what they say it's worth. I'd bet the dealer's paid about £2-3k for it.

I'd be inclined to offer much less - £3k, take it or leave it, leave your phone number and walk away - offered on the basis that any servicing issues are remedied, e.g. new timing belt if needed and a new MOT. I'd doubt anyone else will buy it, the dealer should give in eventually.

It depends how quickly you need to make your mind up I suppose.

I agree that £4250 seems a lot even with the low mileage. I'd suggest looking to knock at least £1k off provided the timing belt and egr have been changed and it drives smoothly enough.

Or bid £2850 and get them changed yourself