Im thinking of changing my Vauxhall Ashtray Sport for a Fiat Bravo TD100 SX. Whats the performance like and what are the realistic fuel consumption figures?

Am I making the right move?

Opinions please

Scoobs

I've got a 99 Brava TD100SX and I get about 47-49 on the motorway, and about 45 round town, although it seems to suffer a bit more if I do lots of short journeys. Performance is 'good' when on the turbo and there is lots of torque when you need it ie when you are moving at a reasonable speed. Its 50-70 feels very lively but I havn't timed it. Make sure you get the red key.
I'm not aware of any 'features'of this engine that need attention, like cambelt failures, and the only issues I've had in 40Kmiles are that the rear washer pipe fell off, but was easy to fix, and the drivers electric window motor failed, again easy to fix but needed a new assembly (£55). Touch wood, it seems very well screwed together, no leaks or rattles and no knobs have fallen off!

Re: Re: Opinions please

Whats the red key do?

Not sure really

No one really knows for sure, not even Fiat, but we do know they cost a lot to replace -even more on the 100TD than the petrol ones!

Its main function is to allow the immobiliser system to learn or unlearn 'slave' (blue) keys. The keys have a little chip insisde them which is interrogated by the immobiliser system and the code has to match a learned code before the engine will start. The red master key allows these codes to be programmed in or out. Under normal circumstances you will never need to use it.
It is also rumoured to allow access to certain undefined diagnostic functions but no-one really knows for sure if thats true or indeed if its actually any use. Don't lose it or you are looking at the thick end of £1500 for the 100TD to replace it from Fiat. Only about £800 if you have the petrol version.
There might be cheaper options around these days, but this won't worry you as long as you have the key!

Re: Not sure really

Cheers mate. Better make sure if I buy the TD100SX the garage gives me the RED key.

0-60 in 10.8secs? Is this possible from a turbo diesel?

My 1995 306DT was fast but not 10.8sec 0-60.