Hi,

I am a first time buyer and plan to buy this small family car from a private trader.

Its seems a very nice and comfrt car, but have few questions which i thought would share with this forum for more info.

1. The seller started the engine and kept it on for a while, before we went for a test drive, is this normal (since its diesel) ?

2. Engine seems quite noisy, but when the gas pedal was pressed, it was smooth, is this ok ?

3. What brief visaul inspection i can do under the bonnet to get some indication of the engine maintainance.

4. Since the car is not made any more, any difficulties in getting spare parts, especially in the next couple of years ?

Many thanks in advance and appreciate taking out time to read this thread.

Sincerely,

I think you'll like the Idea. I bought a new one in 2005 (Emotion/Eleganza) with the 100 HP 1.9 Multijet engine.

The interior is comfortable and does have a large volume for its exterior size. Better yet, the seating is flexible but the rear seats were not designed to come out. You may or may not be able to fold the front passenger seatback down to give a longer loading area. That feature was an option.

The suspension is also confortable. Just be aware that more than average body roll is normal and going a little slower on twisty roads is usually an excellent idea. The steering is good but not exceptionally so.

The outside mirrors are too small.


1. He may have let the engine run a while so you could hear that there were no strange noises. Normally you can start if and drive off right then. I prefer to let it idle for up to a minute or more if it's cold outside before moving off. This engine has a timing chain rahter than a belt and it is noisier than usual but that's normal.

2. Yes, diesels are noisy at idle but then settle down when revved. Again, normal.

3. Check all fluid levels and for general cleanliness.

4. Body parts in the UK may be a problem. The car is in fact still in production. You can buy a new one today in most European couintires. Check Fiat's websites such as fiat.fr, fiat.de, fiat.it, etc. The mechanicals are common to the Panda and the Punto so no problems there.

Although some of the interior plasctics are pretty cheap, this is one of Fiat's better cars from a reliability standpoint.

Good luck with it if you decide to buy.
.