Need advice on buying, Fiat Marea (2nd Hand)
- Thread starter coolasice
- Start date
Currently reading:
Need advice on buying, Fiat Marea (2nd Hand)
What would you like to know?
If it's cheap and has a history then go for it.
welcome to the forum 
, if its the 20v and done a fair few miles make sure the cambelt has been done, its can cost best part of a grand to get it done on one of them.
, if its the 20v and done a fair few miles make sure the cambelt has been done, its can cost best part of a grand to get it done on one of them.one thing ive noticed about the marea, the 1.6 and 1.8 both do the same mpg. 1.8 elx would probably be a good one to go for
I've driven a 1.8 Bravo and I thought the 1.8 engine was a bit thrashy. I'd go for the 1.6 myself.
MikeGipson
New member
Go for the JTD best by a long way make sure full service history and will be cheapest fun with room you've had for ages
2.0l 20v is a right laugh if you can afford the running costs and insurance. Servicing and repairs is expencive due to high labour costs due to having to drop the engine for most jobs. Cam belt change effectivly an economical write off costing £600-800.
1.8 16v is practically the same engine as the 20v minus the 5th cylinder. Its a good compromise between economy and power. Much cheaper servicing costs as easier access to major components compared to 20v. Fairly quick but needs pushing to get the most out of the 16v lump.
1.6 16v isn't all that economical compared to the 1.8 16v. Not all that quick for a 1.6 but holds its own. 5th gear gives flat performance at motorway speeds due to a long ratio. Fairly nippy through lower gears.
Personally, if you can afford it, I would go for the 20v everytime but out of the 1.6 and 1.8, go for the 1.8.
Cheap and cheerful cars really. Build quality isnt great so check everything works. Electrics seem to suffer in neglected cars. Make sure they all work! Intermittent windows and dials are common. Check for evidence of sunroof leakage as the seals perish.
Fully galvanised body but check for rust on the arch lips and at the front and rear edges of the sills. Also check for rust on the inner edge of the bottom hatch on the weekend model, check around the hatch shut areas for rust too.
Bushes are common to go. make sure there are no clonking or banging noises on bumps. Ride should be nice and smooth with very little harsh bangs, almost muted.
Otherwise just check it over as usual and hope for the best! All engines suffer common niggles but none have any common major problems. Good luck
1.8 16v is practically the same engine as the 20v minus the 5th cylinder. Its a good compromise between economy and power. Much cheaper servicing costs as easier access to major components compared to 20v. Fairly quick but needs pushing to get the most out of the 16v lump.
1.6 16v isn't all that economical compared to the 1.8 16v. Not all that quick for a 1.6 but holds its own. 5th gear gives flat performance at motorway speeds due to a long ratio. Fairly nippy through lower gears.
Personally, if you can afford it, I would go for the 20v everytime but out of the 1.6 and 1.8, go for the 1.8.
Cheap and cheerful cars really. Build quality isnt great so check everything works. Electrics seem to suffer in neglected cars. Make sure they all work! Intermittent windows and dials are common. Check for evidence of sunroof leakage as the seals perish.
Fully galvanised body but check for rust on the arch lips and at the front and rear edges of the sills. Also check for rust on the inner edge of the bottom hatch on the weekend model, check around the hatch shut areas for rust too.
Bushes are common to go. make sure there are no clonking or banging noises on bumps. Ride should be nice and smooth with very little harsh bangs, almost muted.
Otherwise just check it over as usual and hope for the best! All engines suffer common niggles but none have any common major problems. Good luck
Chris and MikeGipson, the original post in this thread was made in December 2004!!!! And Coolasice who was asking about Mareas hasn't been back since...
Lol ah well.
