Hey all... im new here and just wanted to ask a few questions.

i am currently looking for my second car... my first was ( still is ) a vauxhall nova 1.2 merit. i have been looking on ebay and quite like the fiat bravo. i am looking for a 1.6 as it is the most i can afford ( insurance wise ). but i have a few questions on them. ok here go's...

1, what are these cars like to own? i mean do they have many problems?
2, are they cheap to fix and easy to get spare parts for?
3, what are they like petrol wise ( do they drink it? )
4, what do they handle like.

anything else you can add to the description of this car would be very much appriciated. can you also add good points and bad points about them.

Many Thanks Mr T.morris

1. A few niggly problems but most are well known and the fixes well documented.
2. They're usually very easy to work on, so DIY or get a friendly garage.
3. The 1.6 isn't too bad. Not sure exact MPG.
4. Awesome - they're beautiful to drive.

I'd also suggest finding a JTD. Similar insurance cost, lower running costs and the potential for higher performance

Hello and welcome Terry Come take a look in the Bravo/a section further down the forum for some experiences.

Helz said:

Hello and welcome Terry Come take a look in the Bravo/a section further down the forum for some experiences.

Click to expand...

HERE >> https://www.fiatforum.com/bravo-brava/

p.s. really well done for asking BEFORE buying.

Good stuff here as well:
http://www.fiatboo.co.uk/buy-a-bravo.htm

Dont buy a 1.4.

I own a 1.6 HLX and so far have found it to be a decent car.

1. Most common faults on 1.6 are injectors and sensor problems but if you're handy with a spanner then it's OK.

2. Can easily get cheap spare parts from scrapyard.

3. I drive fairly hard and get about 32MPG, so should be able to get around 34 - 36MPG if you drive a bit steadier.

4. Very nice car to drive with good handling. Should be a big step up from a 1.2 nova.

If you do decide to buy a bravo make sure it has the red key and if it hasn't had one in a while - replace the cam belt.

make usre what ever yoiu buy has had a recent cambelt change if not get that done.
ive got a 1.6
but insurence for the 1.8 is only about £50 more!
so get quotes before you limit yourself.
as said before dont get the 1.4 12v this engine was known for being slow and drinking petrol.
only problems ive had with my car over the past yewar of ownership is the electrics are abit slow.
also it was running very lumpy but this was due to the cowboys that screwed the timing up last cambelt changed. got that sorted out and it runs smooth as you like.

I get about 500 miles per tank of fuel so its not bad, and the 1.6 is quite quick off the mark with 103 horses on tap.

I have a problem with the idle on mine but im sure i will get it sorted

reaper1988 said:

Dont buy a 1.4.

Click to expand...

:yeahthat:

you will see 1.4's selling for very cheap, don't be tempted, they have a big problem

dave said:

1.4 - don't be tempted, they have a big problem

Click to expand...

Yeah the drivers

I love my 1.4 and i'm sticking by it...i've spent that bloody much on repairs i refuse to sell it now

Terry86 said:

1, what are these cars like to own? i mean do they have many problems?
2, are they cheap to fix and easy to get spare parts for?
3, what are they like petrol wise ( do they drink it? )
4, what do they handle like.

Click to expand...

in my opinion:

1. they have the usual fiat niggles, but all are easily fixed by a DIY mechanic using basic tools. with fiatforum behind you you've got all the support you'll ever need. if it can break on a bravo we've fixed it dozens of times.

2. scrapyards are full of them (especially 1.6 models) so parts are easy to get, and cheap. motorfactors can get parts cheap and easy as well. avoid fiat dealerships at all costs.

3. they use a bit more than average, but its acceptable. the 1.6 is only thirsty if you drive it hard.

4. handling isnt as good as 306 or focus, but its still very good. the light steering makes you feel unsafe as you hit a corner at high speed, but the chassis is capable of a lot more than you'd expect. lowered and with decent tyres it comes alive and loves twisy B roads. the stiff chassis gives you confidence.


you'll have a very hard time finding a better car in the bravo price range. there are plenty to choose from so look at as many as possible and find a good one. if you can get a 1.6HLX that would be an excellent choice, the HLX spec is much better than SX.

the 1.6 is surprisingly torquey and pulls well right through the rev range. to be honest my 1.6 wasnt much slower than my 1.8, you can only tell the difference at top end, and it isnt a big difference. the 1.6 is just as happy on the motorway as it is around town, i'd call the engine a very good all rounder, and the gearbox ratios suit it well.