Dear friends, hello!
This is my first message. I hope some of you could help me (and dispel my doubts). I am considering buying 2003 Fiat Stilo DYNAMIC 16V ESTATE. (You could see it here http://www.utvdrive.co.uk/car/480334/2003-fiat-stilo-dynamic-16v-estate-ballymoney/). Naturally, I have read some owners' reviews online. Some people are happy with their Stilo, but many people complain about lousy electric installations and high maintenance costs. I am in a great dilemma, not knowing what to think. I need a reliable car that doesn't brake down unnecessarily. I am a traveling missionary man without financial income, so I don't have money to waste on a patchy car. What is your experience with this type of car? Should I go for it, or … ?
Thank you!

Any used car is a gamble. You need to go with your instincts. Mine just flew through it's mot. All I'd had in the last year are a set of tyres and a battery, both of which are nornal wear and tear, and I've done 30,000 miles...

I would say the quality of my Stilo (2006 1.4 5 door) is excellent. It has been totally reliable for 6 years. The dilemma you have is not about quality but whether the car has been maintained properly. A neglected car of that age, whatever the make, is likely to give problems.

Thank you for your comments.
I hope I will be lucky.

yes, as above. EVERY used car is a gamble, in fact, these days every NEW car is a gamble!! The choice im afraid, is down to you. You must arm yourself with information so that when you go to view a car, you know what to look for.

The Stilo, I have found, is high quality-mine is an 05 plate, and in the year I have owned it, its been 100%-but I am a DIY mechanic so I really fuss over my car and get my hands dirty, nevertheless, it hasn't broken down.

Its helpful to read reviews of cars from owners, both positive AND negative, but you will always find those who really knock their car, but blame the entire car badge. I've heard people knock VW, Mazda, Honda...but all cars have issues especially the older they are. What you need to do, is find a low mileage (for the year), car, with a low number of owners and a good service history. THEN, you need to check the car over, and if you aren't sure, get a mechanic friend to do it for you.

I have found that the running costs of these cars, which I believe is very important to you, are low. MPG is great, parts are generally cheap, TAX (here) is low, as is insurance. I wouldn't, however, buy an 03 plate car and expect it to be trouble free, so take your time when choosing the car.

We've had our dynamic 1.6 for 2 years without problems. It has lately started being a little gutless when cold but I think it's something simple. Make sure the gearbox doesn't crunch when changing down to third quickly as I've seen a few that have knackered synchros. Pity you didn't live closer to me you could've bought my 54 plate for £1000.