I've just bought a Croma. No real knowledge of Fiats generally but liked the size and looks.
Price seemed OK, but now reading some threads here makes me wonder about reliability and all that.... I've dropped it into a chap I know for a full service tomorrow (it's just on 50k now, service history up to date before that).
So, anything I should be aware of, or sound out the mechanic to check tomorrow?

Also, the boot release only opens from the remote key, not at the actual "handle", and I think i'm missing a bit of trim from above the handbrake - there's a vertical gap in the centre console that looks too large to be by design. Any ideas?

(Oh, and hello! I also own a Fiat Siecento, live in East Mids, name's Rob! Hope to be able to contribute here, and see you round )

what engine?
diesel egrs vales get blocked, but you can blank them off with the free blanking plates in classifieds (maybe listed under stilo)
some say the springs break i changed mine for some fk ones less than 100 delivered http://www.fk-automotive.org.uk/web...p1}{md5/0e6653f0892c9b6860dcf5e8629c6265/md5}

Ah - 1.9 Diesel, manual, on a '06 plate. Dynamique or something, so basic edition (120 bhp??)

Should I mention the EGR valves to the mechanic (and.... what's an EGR )

its just for the eu nutters it dumps exhaust gasses back into the engine, mention it to him he can take it off and clean it, you could also do it your self its not hard, there are threads on it all over the forum, no guide though as forum owner wont give us croma lot a guides section shame really as there is lots of useful how to's in here but you have to search for them

oh you have the 8v engine incase you didn't already know.

most of the niggles you get with a croma posted on here also usually have a fix that some kind member has posted so its not all bad

Boot release: search forum. a long while ago somebody had this problem and devised a fix/repair for the little bit of plastic that broke

Handbrake gap cover: there should be a piece of plastic with horizonal lines across it. A sort of roller blind that usually moves up and down with the handbrake lever. Check it is not stuck in the up position.

Service general: if you are using a good local garage then they should spot the usual Croma failings as a matter or routine - e.g. rear tyre wear, broken springs etc. As your car is now 5 years / 50K miles old then I would get the cam belt changed as well and not wait till the over extended that the handbook recommends

Oil Change: if your car is fitted with a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) then the Oil Service must be reset. Failure to do this will cause you problems in the future. Again the garage should be able to recognise if your car has a DPF when then raise it up. There will be one or two rubber hoses attached to the exhaust middle box section in the center of the car.

EGR: Exhaust Gas Reculation valve - yes they do clog up with earlier ones suffering from sticking solenoid problems. Generally speaking though if it aint broke then don't fix it. If your car drives fine and you don't suffer from power loss or unexpected power drops then the EGR is probably OK. As Dave has mentioned cleaning is not difficult and something that you could probably do yourself when the need arises. For a garage it is a 30 minute job and ideally the gaskets should be replaced. To be honest it is probably better to wait until you have a problem and then look at getting a new replacement valve together with a restrictor/swirl plate.

Thanks - good info chaps.

The handbrake trim thing is above the roller-shutter thing (I have that), and is the vertical trim that should(?) cover a gap in the centre console, just above the handbrake and its roller shutter.
Maybe there isn't one, it just looks like a strangely large gap (about 2" x 4") to not be covered by something - It's just the right size for my 3yr old to jam everything and anything into!!!

No word from the mechanic yet, and he said he'd call if there was any drama.... (although he still has it, going into Day 2 )

Little confused. Can you post a picture of the missing / open area.

NoMeanFiat said:

I've just bought a Croma. No real knowledge of Fiats generally but liked the size and looks.
Price seemed OK, but now reading some threads here makes me wonder about reliability and all that.... I've dropped it into a chap I know for a full service tomorrow (it's just on 50k now, service history up to date before that).
So, anything I should be aware of, or sound out the mechanic to check tomorrow?

Also, the boot release only opens from the remote key, not at the actual "handle", and I think i'm missing a bit of trim from above the handbrake - there's a vertical gap in the centre console that looks too large to be by design. Any ideas?

(Oh, and hello! I also own a Fiat Siecento, live in East Mids, name's Rob! Hope to be able to contribute here, and see you round )

Click to expand...

Bought a 120 croma new in 2006 , done around 60k still have it, regularly maintainded, best car i have had, although cost me a bit lately for springs, timing belt etc, all service items, only real problem was alternator going , cost a few bob that, but have to say after all expense still love the car.

Yes you are missing a piece of plastic there, mine s loose but still there. It should be possible to buy @ dealership but will have to be ordered and cost a few pounds for sure. Since all it is is a piece of plastic I would put anything that will fit instead until finding an original piece.

Hello Nomeanfiat,
Although not the quickest or powerfulist,the 120 8v engine is a gem of an engine.Very reliable and not to complicated.Timing belts are a doddle to fit.Took me 2hrs on my last 120 8v,which was admittedly in a stilo.I even bought the timing tool kit and didnt need it as the marks were already there.Typical fiat diesel-bullet proof.
If anyone needs use of these timing tools,people are more than welcome to borrow or lend mine instead of buying it.It also suits the 5pot.