Hi everybody!

We are changing my wife's Punto for a Croma 1.9 diesel (150 CV), the Emotion model (probably the model names are different in the UK) with the full extra package (leather, GPS, heated seats, parking sensors, rain and light sensors, 18'' wheels etc.).

I'd like to have your opinion about this car. Are the Croma owners of this forum happy with their car? Is it reliable? Does it have any particular problems?

My wife's 2004 Punto reached 127,000 km with out any problems at all and I also had a Stilo 1.8 that I loved which I changed when it reached 80,000 km for an Alfa Romeo GT 3.2 V6. One feature that I don't like in the Alfa is the rain sensor. Basically, the wind-screen wipers never work on intermittent and it is completely random how the sensor activates them. At the garage they told me that there is nothing they can do, because this generation of sensors was not very good (my Alfa is built in 2004). They said that the ones that the latest FIATs and Alfas have are better. Any experience with that?

Thanks,

Greg

Hi Greg

I am based in Italy with a U.K RH/Drive Croma Prestigio 2.2 Petrol.

I could write a chapter for What Car and probably have a whole programe of TopGear in the U.K dedicated to the faults and problems I have had with my Croma.

As far as the rain sensors my Croma's wipers would jam when I used the intermittent setting Fiat changed the wiper Motor, but the problem was still present. in the end Fiat changed the sensor or Switch in the leaver/Console that seems to have sorted out the problem.
A part from that the wipers work very well and seem to kick-in as when they are needed, as it rains more the faster they go!!!!

Check the wear on the rear tyres as many of us have had problems.
I know that the Diesel model had a problem with the alternator not charging the battery so check that out.
Apart from that read up on others comments who own the 1.9TD

Ciao

Calamaty SAm

I have just changed my Bravo 1.9 Jtd for a Croma 1.9 jtdm 150bhp. I have only had the car a week so far, but it's a great car to drive. I've found it very comfortable on long journeys and the boot space it great. The handbrake location can be a bit tricky but the rest of the car makes up for it.