I haven't been on this site for a long while (since I Was seeking advice on an ex-gf's punto I think), and now I am for me as I just bought a Stilo Abarth, the first Fiat I have ever owned myself.

It got me back 80 miles last night from where I bought it from (private sale) knowing it had some issues, for what I paid I am more than happy, the body is (from what I can see so far) immaculate for an 03 plate.

Here is what I have noted so far, any thoughts/advice/tips/tests etc fire away

- Biggest issue, a not too pleasant mild rotating grunge accompanied by a clacking noise over bumps on the front passenger side. Seller said knackered bush, I said wheel baring/CV joint/caliper or disc issue in my limited understanding of how Fiats are set up. No pulling at any speed, steering straight, and at low speeds it feels like a tiny bit of resistance can be felt once in a rotation when slowly rolling forwards (IE in a traffic jam). After this post I will go out and remove the wheel to have a look.

- I thought a worn cam when I started it as it was clattery sounding (not too bad though) but upon more thought I decided exhaust manifold gasket, its that gentle clatery type sound I am hearing which reminds me of any number of others cars I've had when the gasket (or manifold its self) is leaking a bit. Common issue at all?

- Parking sensors are showing up as failed on the display, sometimes says the alarm has as well but not always. Stick the car in reverse and it makes a lot of bleeping then nothing. Anything worth checking? Or just replace the sensors or control module (I assume there is something like that somewhere)?

- Bonnet release handle snapped - anyone got a spare ?

- Seems the last owner busted the + shifter on the steering column as its not doing anything and feels busted (its just floppy, no clicks etc). I am guessing its a bit of job to replace it/them?

Thats it really! Any thoughts on maintaining anything, especially the selespeed etc please let me know as well as it feels a little sluggish and I wonder about changing the hydrolic fluid though I suspect thats a Fiat only thing like the Vauxhall's similar unit which needs reprogramming afterwards on a tech 2 system and all that stuff (or whatever it is). Oh any any tips on upgrades too, I mean to maintain it not chav it, and same with the audio system - anyway to hook up my phone/mp3 player other than via radio transmission?

Love the car so far, engine pulls well (even if gear changes induce sea sickness), sits nicely on the road (seems a bit prone to body roll, and found a receipt to indicate the suspension has been upgraded with new springs which have lowered it, hasn't helped the body roll though ).

I'll try and down size a couple of pics and add them. Thanks for any help!

Can't comment on everything, but:

1. First suspect for the front noise would be drop links.

2. Clatter sound on start up is (unfortunately) likely to be a knackered Variator (located on the end of the cam to give variable valve timing). Vary similar to this one on an Alfa engine:

http://home.hccnet.nl/jaap.bouma/PhaseVariator.htm

Thanks very much for the reply I will update the post post as the front noise from the suspension is now gone, it was just the plate sat under the bottom of the spring had come loose and was rattling on the tyre .

but now I've done that I can hear a slight worn bush knocking and the exhaust blowing a tiny bit (looks like the original system), brake discs are shot too but alas there are wheel locks and I have no key/socket to fit :bang: So that will go on the priority list.

The clacking is similar to the Alfa in the video but not as loud. There is a cam rattle on start up when cold for about 3 seconds, but although a FSH with about 4k to go before the next one I think its about time to change the oil anyway.

Still not getting on with the sillyspeed though, wouldn't switch to reverse earlier until the 5th attempt at one point yet first time every time at other points in the journey today. But still, drives a whole lot nicer without the rattling and all in all, decent motor for the money