On the way home across country in the wilds of Kent in my Cross Plus I had to wade through some water, (not too deep mind as I had watched another car manage it), after I passed through at slow speed I head a flapping noise from the front of the car!
I got out and inspected to find the plastic sump guard had come adrift almost like a sharks mouth, only held on at the back, I noticed that this appeared to be held onto the car very flimsily with only two screw lug & washers!?
On my wife’s old Panda 4x4 it’s actually made of metal.
Anyone else had issues!?
Fiat Assistance came out & did temp fix!
But they weren’t impressed with workmanship either!! Apparently a permanent fix would be to use cable ties in holes!!

New sump guard had to be fitted, transpires it had been clonked by something heavy& ripped off mountings. I haven’t hit anything!
Water wasn’t that deep and only had car 3 weeks!!
Pays to check over a car more thoroughly before you buy!! [emoji849][emoji848]
Seeking to claim from garage that sold it to me!![emoji34]

Alex4x4 said:

New sump guard had to be fitted, transpires it had been clonked by something heavy& ripped off mountings. I haven’t hit anything!
Water wasn’t that deep and only had car 3 weeks!!
Pays to check over a car more thoroughly before you buy!! [emoji849][emoji848]
Seeking to claim from garage that sold it to me!![emoji34]

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New or used?
If used don't think you have anything to stand on in regards to a claim

chris3234 said:

New or used?
If used don't think you have anything to stand on in regards to a claim

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It'll depend on the terms of sale. If sold as seen, yes he will probably have no claim. However if it's from a FIAT dealership where all the literature and rhetoric mentions "reconditioned" or vehicles being in an excellent condition, he's got a good chance. You may have to be prepared for a fight though.

Unfortunately I speak from some hard fought battle experience.

Ifnit was a structural part of something that effected functality maybe

But something that's basically for looks I don't see it
Especially as they cant really prove they they didn't cause the damage

Be interesting to see what they say

Alex4x4 said:

Bodywork

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Will only pay for the part not the labour or VAT?

Sounds to me that (for what ever reason - previous physical damage or a bodged service where the tray not correctly secured) the tray front edge was dropped and whilst wind would not be an issue trying to scoop up water a 1mph would be a substantial load (100s of kgs) and would be a real damaging issue.

Like this, it has sheared off at the bolts!! Why I never will be able to prove but you may be right re water passing over it, then dislodging it!!

That picture sort of confirms excessive loading but one can't be sure as the "whole" picture, evidence of other impact damage etc. is not available.

I've seen loads of cars on the UK roads with engine under trays hanging down. It only takes a small drop and subsequent water scoop to really stuff one's day.

I inspected my car (MY2018) and there is not even a sump guard mounted !

Does anyone know if it is normal that no undertray is mounted on the 500X now this days ?
I can ask the dealer, but he can tell me what he wants.
I suppose it can not hurt to drive without it except that more dirt gets into the engine from below.
It could also be a form of cutbacks of fiat.

What model? Maybe only fitted on Cross and Cross Plus now? Perhaps?

I have the 500X Cross S-Design 1.4 Multiair DCT6 MY2018.

The dealer told me that the guard will not be factory installed anymore to reduce the production cost by Fiat !
So i have ordered a used one now and will install it by myself.
All the cars i've ever had were equipped with one, this will also be the case here.

First it was a proper spare wheel & jacking kit
Now lower engine bay cover

Next?

Adjustable boot level and storage bays?
Chrome exhaust trim?
Lower quality carpets?
Back to basic normally aspirated 1.4 engine?
Cabin mood lighting?
Print you own owners handbook?

Don't forget the mood selector.
They get rid of this also.
But the price of the car stays the same.
It looks like this now:

s130 said:

First it was a proper spare wheel & jacking kit
Now lower engine bay cover

Next?

Adjustable boot level and storage bays?
Chrome exhaust trim?
Lower quality carpets?
Back to basic normally aspirated 1.4 engine?
Cabin mood lighting?
Print you own owners handbook?

Click to expand...

To be fair most car's don't have spare wheels as standard these days for eco reasons

The SD card slot was removed. I believe one of the methods for locking doors inside has gone. Refrigerated glove box is gone (not that it was any good anyway). In addition to the already lacking spec of the lounge model, it irks. No auto lights/wipers/dimming mirror on a top spec car? My dad first got these on his mid spec Ford 15 years ago. And now the lounge spec is gone too! I'm thinking the rear tinted windows aren't standard on any spec either now.

It's a shame as FIAT originally intended the 500x to be a premium product with all the perks and benefits that go with it.