Hi everyone,

I am thinking of getting a pre-facelift Multipla 1.9JTD ELX, but having owned a Fiat Coupé for many years, I thought I'd ask the advice of the experts here on what to look for and look out for.

Are there any known issues to beware of? Things to check on test-driving (beyond the obvious)?

All and any help much appreciated,

Cheers all and Happy New Year,

Jim

Front suspension knocking could be link arms at £15-20 per pair, wishbones at £50-75 per side or the antiroll bar bushes which require a full antiroll bar at £130 (parts only prices)

Difficulty engaging 1st or reverse from a start could be indicative of a worn clutch/pressure plate assembly, this can be costly on Multiplas!

A low sitting clutch pedal (much lower than brake pedal-perhaps half as high as you would expect it to be) is likely to be the spring in the clutch master cylinder.

Airbag warning light (Red) illuminated will mean a trip to the dealers to reset.

Be wary of any car showing an injector warning light (looks like a torch) as there are people on here who have had problems with failing injectors or other parts of the fuel system.

Dont be put off by the list though, even though others are bound to have additions to make to it! The Multi' is a great (if a little quirky!) car.

Thanks TinyUK, that's exactly the kind of info I need. We probably won't be buying until next month, but I'd like to do my research thoroughly.

Mine had a tendency to munch it's way throught front tyres so it's worth checking uneven tyre wear on the front. Could be suspension faults as mentioned in a previous reply but more likely tracking needs to be set to 0 degrees which seems to solve the problem. Look at the front tyres cos if they are worn (mine always wore on the inside) you'll looking at a tracking reset, probably about £30 and two new tyres, about £80 a pair for cheapies.

Not a real problem, but worth haggling over the price if they are worn.

Don't buy GF02 UXB, a silver 110 jtd elx! I am about to trade it in to Thames Fiat at Slough. It's cost me a fortune in the three years I've owned it and I wouldn't recommend anyone buy it. But I love 'em so much I've just bought an '08 facelift Eleganza.

Cheers Pandabloke, thanks for the honest warning! I'd be surprised if a Multipla chews front tyres faster than a 16VT coupé. But I've been surprised before...

One more thing - JTD models around 2001 year were subject to a recall to have the front suspension springs checked/replaced (they rusted with winter salt). Check that this has been done.

Also, check the condition of the handbrake cables under the car, just behind the drivers door area -- there should be conical rubber sleeves over the inner cables where they go into the outer sleeves. Not a real problem, but in winter, water gets into the cables there and freezes, locking the brakes on.

And, check to see that the spare wheel 'hoist' goes up and down. Prone to rusting, and then either won't move at all, or will go down but not back up. Replacement of complete hoist is the only cure.

OK, so that was three! Generally, great cars though.

Pete