(G) Going to buy a Stilo

Hi all, I'm new to the forum and can say that already I've found it a great source - already answered some of my questions! :D

I'm going to look at a 2002 1.6 Dynamic 5 door Stilo at the weekend through a private sale. Can anyine tell me whether there is anything a should look out for e.g. know faults, specific areas that wear qick etc.

I'm a bit nervous of buying privately so any thoughts you guys in the know have would be a big help.

Thanks in advance

cmc

hi cmc!
thats the same car i have got,i am sure if you get a good one you will be more than happy with it!
things to watch out for apart from the usual stuff that applys to all cars are electic/gadget related problems.if you read through the posts on the forums you will find that peoples most common complaints seems to be about dodgy gadgets rather than mechanical faults.
i would make yourself aware of all the things that the stilo does (everything short of the washing up:D)so when you go to see the car you can go through them all and make sure they are all o.k. as the costs with these things are high.
p.s. welcome!

stilo 1.6 dynamic 16v

Dont worry cmc you are making a great move buying this wonderfull car and im sure you gonna love it.FIAT has very powerfull and flexible engines like all Italian cars.The root of all electric problems in Stilo is the battery just keep that in mind;)
And be sure that the headlamps are centered and touching both the plastic line under them:)


Dec2002 - 5D 80 Fiat Stilo Dynamic Metal. Loden Green ASR/MSR/Brake Assist - Dual Zone Climate - Comfort Pack

Thanks for the replies guys. The car has done 15,000 miles and is on a March 02 plate (so it should have some warranty left??). The guy wants £5,800 - is this a good price?

I've spoken to him again and have arranged to go and see it tomorrow night. I said assuming it has no faults I'll agree to buy it subject to seeing it in the light on Saturday morning. Needless to say I'm looking forward to it! :D

Cheers

cmc

wow!
same car model!
same date of plate!
same milage!
[8D]
HEY!ITS NOT MY CAR IS IT!!!!!!!
[:0]

stilo 1.6 dynamic 16v

I'm going to look at a pre-registered car, with delivery miles. Its a 1.2 3-door and its for sale at £7488 which from what i've found so far is very competitive.

heh Sly what colour? The one I'm looking at is a navy blue type colour.

no (breaths sigh of relief) , its not my car then!
mine is bordeux old rose (thats maroon to the likes of you and me).
i have seen the blue though (if it is the really deep blue)and was thinking about getting it , but the red one was in a lot better condition so i had that instead!

stilo 1.6 dynamic 16v

Fiat Stilo Hatchback
1.6 16V Dynamic 5d 2002/51
Average mileage: 10,000 miles

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Original Price £ 12795
Dealer Retail £ 6295
Private Good £ 6075
Private Poor £ 4450
Trade £ 5535

just got this off the parkers guide site.

stilo 1.6 dynamic 16v

Hi cmc

Its a great car! Go for it!

Ive got a Stilo 1.6 Dynamic 5dr April 2002 in Crystal Green :D.

What you've got to bare in mind is that, if any faults are present on this car, they'll be mostly covered by the warranty. However, things my car suffered from are:
1. Creaking Rear Suspension - take it over uneven roads and speed humps, and listen out for a creaking noise at the back. FIAT have since fixed this.
2. Drivers Door Node fault - make sure the electric window goes fully up and down with smooth motion, and that the deterrant LED works correctly.
3. Jamming rear door - again another fixed fault. I had 2 Stilos of the same age that did this (unlucky me :(). What you need to do is repeatedly lock and unlock the car (deadlock it also, this is done by pressing the lock button twice quickly; you'll hear a click), and make sure all doors unlock and lock correctly. Both my cars had a defective rear passenger door lock.
4. Airbag Fault - this is a problem that i've never had (TOUCH WOOD), but make sure that the switch on the edge of the dashboard (when you open the passenger door is on), and sit in the seat with the ignition on. A orange light should flash (means it works).

I'm nitpicking really, but hey, it's gotta beeeeeeeeeeeee, perfect!

Stilo 1.6 Dynamic, 5dr, 2002, Crystal Green

This is all good stuff guys - it's much appreciated. I must say I was a bit nervous after reading http://www.fiatforum.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2165 but I've taken everything on board and will get the car a thorough test and if there are any faults straight down to the dealer for a warranty claim.

On the warranty point the car is a March 2002 car so still should have some warranty left assuming it was properly serviced etc. Is there anyway I can find out whether a car still has it's warranty valid? I was thinking of phoning FIAT UK with the registration plate? Anyone any thoughts on how to do this?

Cheers
cmc

Hi everyone

well I've gone and done it. I bought a 1.6 5 door Stilo 17K on the clock it's an April 2002 car and on an 02 plate. I got it for £5,700 which I thought was a decent price. Pick it up on Monday.

One thing though. I'm the third owner and it's first year service was done when the garage sold the car to the current owner it was serviced by a Mcharg Rennie and Lindsay garage (not a Fiat dealership but part of Arnold Clark who have a few Fiat franchises). The stamp was arnold clark on the service book for the first service (next service due April) but it did not say Arnold Clark Fiat or anything. Is this lilely going to cause me problems with the remainder of the warranty becasue they're not a fiat dealer?

Thanks in advance for the help and the forum - very informative:)

cmc