(G) Want a Stilo for my first car.... - what should I look out for ?

Hi all,

Really like all the stilos here, I was surprised at how affordable the stilo and how different it is to bog standard corsa's or clios (which I was looking at before, cause I didnt know the stilo came out in 1.2l)

But anyways, Ive got plenty to ask, so thats why I have registered up !

Ok, so Im 18 years old, and I have got 3k to spend. maybe up to 3.5k, but thats pushing it.

From looking at insurance costs n all, its going to be best to stick with a 1.2l engine - which I have qouted at 1717 for me...rediculous ! I'm still shopping around in that department for the insurance. anyone got any good advice for me in this area ?

So what 1.2 stilo am I looking at for my budget ?

I've seen a 2002 5 door 1.2 with 55k mileage for sale at 2.5k near me, is that good ? or could I find alot better for my budget ?

I like the 3 and 5 door, but liking the 3 door slightly more !

Cant think of what else to ask just yet

Thanks
ooo-stilo

well, its like nothing else on the road for a guy your age

i was 18 when i got my 115jtd with 1 years ncb, £1300 fully comp

there have been recalls on the car, which can be found using the serach button (and advice from others on this forum ).

other then that, good look with what you choose

Thx for reply

Thats why I really like it, I want to be original and stick out from the crowd ! oh yeah

if you read my other thread, i maybe tempted to sell mine!

http://www.fiatforum.com/stilo/131949-new-car-time.html

Thx mate, but your way to far from me to even consider, I am near london !

thx anyway.


I have been looking at insurance prices,

Odd that a 1.9JTD is very near the same cost of a 1.6 petrol. around 2k

1.2l is cheapest is around 1700,

this is all off money super market comparison thing, dunno if its better to be calling them rather ? (eg: talk to them about more specifics, I wouldnt know what though, im thinking things like pass plus or policy start dates...)

Keep searching... i paid 4k -400 part ex for my 1.6 dynamic with 20k on the clock,

as for insurance, try getting 2nd drivers on the policy, will bring it down,

as for the 1.2, with 55k and 2002 plate will be due a cambelt, see if its been done.... if not try to haggle the price down more,

my car could live in london!

sounds strange, but i got quote figures for all the engines in the stilo, and the JTD came out cheapest for me

Well welcome to the world of Fiat Forum and hopefully soon the world of Stilo ownership. Do a search on here and youll find pleanty of threads about the Stilo and its quirks!

Main ones seem to be, has it had the suspension recall done? Cam belt change? Regular servicing?

If its had that lot done and been looked after the Stilo is no less reliable than most other cars! I love my 1.6 and love driving something a bit different and Italian!

If you do take the plunge get some pics up!

My stilo is an 02 plate (very early )1.2. It was a few months old ex Fiat with 3k on the clock when I got it. There were a lot of niggly problems at first especially in these early ones. Particularly suspension and electrics. Having said this I have had 60k trouble free miles since the warranty ran out apart from a clutch (at 104K and a lower suspension link at the same time) My advice would be to get as late a one as you can afford when all of the problems were ironed out . (We've also got a 54 plate 1.4 and thats been excellent.- but that might be over your budget- and ours it not for sale of course!) Good luck in your search.

It seems to me that Stilo's, a bit like Rover's / Frelanders, they are great cars if you are a bit technically/ mechanically minded and can fix minor things yourself. You get a lot of car for the money, but it is often not trouble free motoring and can be expensive if you take it to a garage for every minor thing.

including main beam bulb changes......factor this into your choice

I got my 1.6 Dynamic just after I turned 19. Brilliant car, value for money is amazing. But as said above, small problems can happen, just make sure you have reserve funds just in case it does happen. Oh, and get RAC cover lol

Sensible idea to get breakdown cover for any car. You just can't avoid component failure no matter how much you service the car.

As for avoiding cars from the north, might be worth the travel to get a cheaper car. I've seen some of the prices for cars selling in London compared to north of Birmingham. For the extra £300 for insurance the JTD is a lot more car for the money. Easier to drive and costs less in fuel and similar road tax afaik.

If you loook round you will get a nice car for that budget.

At Christmas (the best time to buy a car imo) i got :

2004 (although its an 2003 car) 1.2 Stilo 3dr
17,000 miles
Air con
Cd changer etc
for : £2900

from a Vaux main dealer.

Imo this was a good price

Oh yeah and insurance is nice and cheap too - under £250

Andy