Hey All

Looking into buying a Multipla for the seating arrangement, I wondered if there were any mechanical differences between the mk1 and mk2 models? i.e. Would I be better of spending similar cash on one or the other if mileage and condition were similar?

I defer to your infinite wisdom Thanks for any help!

Fred

I too went for the Multi for the seats (six proper seats, shorter than a Golf, what's not to like?)
The 'odd' look(s) never bothered me, a car's a car as far as I'm concerned, I'm only interested in what they do (or don't do).
Having said that, I've grown to love the look(s) and I reckon the later ones are just dull by comparison.

Not too many differences mechanically, the later ones have a few more electronic gizmos I think(?), and something extra in the exhaust (DPF/Cat).

Welcome to the nut-house by the way

Hey BikeDoc, thanks!

Yeah the old ones are funkier, did I read somewhere the DPF/cat hampers the economy or performance or did I dream it?

Not sure about that, but I'd expect the later engines to be a bit more efficient.

The later versions of 'squarenose' (i.e. facelifted) Multiplas have the Multijet diesel engine. I assume that you're looking for a diesel one? The Multijet has slightly more power - 120hp - is supposedly more efficient and I think has lower emissions, but best to check that elsewhere. The Multijet/DPF set up came in around 2006, so the earliest squarenoses have more in common with the roundnose (115 JTD).

It's the DPF in that lot that's the cause for concern. Best avoided IMHO......

As for the rest of it, there's little to choose between them. Suspension, chassis, brakes all continued virtually unaltered throughout the life of the car with the exception of a brief foray into rear disc brakes (best avoided) around 2002-3. Bear in mind that even the newest Multi will be 4+ years old now, so the condition of any car will be down to how well it's been maintained as much as it's age. The towelling-type seat fabrics on the earlier cars - up to late 2003 - don't wear as well as the later 'crazy paving' type fabric. Some squarenoses had optional leather interiors but they're rare beasts.

Have a read of this little lot for other peoples opinions:

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/owners-reviews/fiat/multipla/estate-2000/

Edit: Emission figures from the Parkers website are a bit weird:
170g/km for the earlier 115 JTD (same in either body shape) = Band H road tax
173g/km for the 120hp Multijet between 1 Feb 2006 and 1st Sept 2008 = Band H road tax
164g/km for the 120hp Multijet from 1st Sept 2008 - 1st Sept 2010 = Band G road tax

Widemouthfrog- I'd prefer a diesel but depends how much the difference in initial cost is really. We're only planning to try one out for a year or two so although the petrol's running costs are higher I'm not that fussed at the moment.

But the info is useful, thanks guys. The figure I have in mind to buy one would be an older model, so if it's a diesel I'm a-thinkin 115JTD.

And yeah I know Fiat fabrics aren't the greatest!! Friend of mine's dad had a Brava and it reminded me of an 80s Renault inside, just waiting to charge you up with static for when you get out and touch the door!

From what you say, go for a 2004 roundnose 115JTD. Only get the top spec (ELX) if you definitely want the twin sunroofs and climate control. Both were standard fit on the roundnose ELX, but were optional extras on the squarenose. The sunroofs are known for leaking, but can be easily fixed. Climate aircon is well worth having, as long as it's working.

I've got a 2004 roundnose 115JTD ELX with the 'crazy paving' fabric. For me, it's the best Multipla . Proper Multipla styling, a flexible, unstressed engine that isn't cursed with a DPF, better seat fabrics and twin sunroofs (which are great at this time of year). You can pick one up for two bob and a conker these days. Just don't buy the first one you look at - an old maxim of mine, but it's stood me in good stead.