Certainly not Fiat. ;-)
Chinese car parts are best avoided. Quality control is patchy at best and some brake items down right dangerous. Some are good but there is no way of know which they are. No doubt this will change with time.
Croma Scottish Newbie - Indy Garages?
- Thread starter Bazm
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Croma Scottish Newbie - Indy Garages?
Certainly not Fiat. ;-)
Chinese car parts are best avoided. Quality control is patchy at best and some brake items down right dangerous. Some are good but there is no way of know which they are. No doubt this will change with time.
So I picked up the car on Wednesday and drove it over 200 miles up to Glasgow. I have to say I am quite impressed overall. Good strong engine, relatively smooth and quiet, stable and comfortable enough. I know it's an unfair comparison but the Volvo V70 on a long run is just excellent and it is better than the Croma.
So to for the switch gear. Drivers side switch panel for the windows and mirrors is horrible feeling very cheap, and loose. The security switch for the rear windows is broken. Drivers mirror very difficult to adjust. Not sure if it's mirror or the switch.
Door handles inside feel too fragile, but otherwise, all OK. Even the radio is decent.
What is a bit of a concern though is the stiffness of the manual gearbox. Gear change is not confidence inspiring and has to be done slowly and carefully. Is this normal or something I should worry about? Linkages just need lubricating or, or, or?
Also, that arm rest / hand brake position. Not good. Hopefully the hill assist braking works. Not had opportunity to test it.
Ironically, what looks like a very good blue Eleganza from Motherwell, (not far from here) has just gone up for sale on e-bay. Looks like one owner, full service history etc etc. That would have saved some logistics issues in picking up the car. I suppose anyone in the market for one would have seen it.
As I mentioned earlier I'm going to have a service done, or at least an oil and filter change done ASAP. I checked the oil and it looks like it's over filled, so not comfortable with that.
It's now undergoing it's most critical test now though. First full day with my wife....
So to for the switch gear. Drivers side switch panel for the windows and mirrors is horrible feeling very cheap, and loose. The security switch for the rear windows is broken. Drivers mirror very difficult to adjust. Not sure if it's mirror or the switch.
Door handles inside feel too fragile, but otherwise, all OK. Even the radio is decent.
What is a bit of a concern though is the stiffness of the manual gearbox. Gear change is not confidence inspiring and has to be done slowly and carefully. Is this normal or something I should worry about? Linkages just need lubricating or, or, or?
Also, that arm rest / hand brake position. Not good. Hopefully the hill assist braking works. Not had opportunity to test it.
Ironically, what looks like a very good blue Eleganza from Motherwell, (not far from here) has just gone up for sale on e-bay. Looks like one owner, full service history etc etc. That would have saved some logistics issues in picking up the car. I suppose anyone in the market for one would have seen it.
As I mentioned earlier I'm going to have a service done, or at least an oil and filter change done ASAP. I checked the oil and it looks like it's over filled, so not comfortable with that.
It's now undergoing it's most critical test now though. First full day with my wife....
Not sure what the issue with the gearbox is but something doesn't sound right.
The door handles are a bit poundshop and they do need to be repaired / upgraded with some metal putty stuff and / or an old bank card (seriously.... See threads elsewhere). Getting the door card off seems like a real faff the first time you try it but follow the instructions and you'll be fine. The problem is caused by the combination of cheap plastic and a strong spring - there's only going to be one winner.
Totally agree about the armrest obstructing the handbrake. My wife hates driving mine because of it. I've never been able to find an alternative though.
The door handles are a bit poundshop and they do need to be repaired / upgraded with some metal putty stuff and / or an old bank card (seriously.... See threads elsewhere). Getting the door card off seems like a real faff the first time you try it but follow the instructions and you'll be fine. The problem is caused by the combination of cheap plastic and a strong spring - there's only going to be one winner.
Totally agree about the armrest obstructing the handbrake. My wife hates driving mine because of it. I've never been able to find an alternative though.
Ckem247
Member
Where abouts in Glasgow area you from? I'm from helensburgh lol
Meant to say again if you're getting the oil change done at a garage make sure they can reset the oil change indicator before they start.
The free version of fiatecuscan 1.6 (I think) and a VAG cable of ebay will be able to do it if you're doing it yourself but personally I'd recommend paying for the current version as it makes keeping an eye on the various systems so much easier.
The free version of fiatecuscan 1.6 (I think) and a VAG cable of ebay will be able to do it if you're doing it yourself but personally I'd recommend paying for the current version as it makes keeping an eye on the various systems so much easier.
Have not looked at the multicuscan yet but that's next after winter tyres and the service.
Service at a garage this time due to lack if time. Will be selecting a garage just after the kids school holidays. Want to have everything winterised as much as possible...
Service at a garage this time due to lack if time. Will be selecting a garage just after the kids school holidays. Want to have everything winterised as much as possible...
Hi it might be worth getting the gearbox oil changed as it should have a realy thin red oil, when I changed the oil for some from my car shop (they said itwould be ok) it did upset the gear change!
Will definitely change the gearbox oil. It can't hurt, (assuming we use the correct oil) and it at least eliminates that as a cause. A good check and lubrication of any linkages / cables will help narrow down the problem too. If there is a major gearbox problem I will never hear the last if it....
Hi there are threads on here regarding the gear oil all I can add is that it is red and finding the correct spec is ticky as it is supposedly fitted for the life of the car, but as I found when fixing a cv boot it does need refilling I trusted my car shop and to be honest the gear change has never been the same (notchy obstructive and slow ). The oil for the m32 box is quoted as 09120541
in the Haynes manual for the Vectra or Febi bilstien 32590, It would be well to tell your indie about the gear change and your Hope that the right oil could be the cure.
in the Haynes manual for the Vectra or Febi bilstien 32590, It would be well to tell your indie about the gear change and your Hope that the right oil could be the cure.
Hi Telegraph,
Great advice, thanks. Perhaps the oil was changed in the past and that is why the box is stiff now? I will check with the Garage to make sure they are aware and have the right oil. They are an Alfa Fiat specialist so would hope they do.
Great advice, thanks. Perhaps the oil was changed in the past and that is why the box is stiff now? I will check with the Garage to make sure they are aware and have the right oil. They are an Alfa Fiat specialist so would hope they do.
tarquin1867
Member
I have found in my dealings with Fiat/Alfa dealers that if they will ,on the whole , treat you as a "yer ok mate"and carry on doing what they want! But if you say you have consulted with other owners on line and they have impressed on you that the correct grade of gear lube is "vital"
then they take a little more notice and must know you are a little more "I T K".Sorry if this comes across as being pedantic-- but I am
tarquin1867
Member
I may be totally wrong but -- in the "good old days"a levels/top up check on a car was a task given to the young "hand rag", a saying round here for a young lad who gets his hands dirty doing dirty jobs while the artisan mechanic does the "management!"
From what I have found the old habits die hard and you have very little redress if its not done correctly, specially where a correct grade of lubricant is involved.
From what I have found the old habits die hard and you have very little redress if its not done correctly, specially where a correct grade of lubricant is involved.
Don't know about that garage but I've had more success finding garages / mechanics and asking them to fit / change something specific rather than asking for jobs to be done.
A lot of mechanics only go by what their factor or the main dealer say and that's not always very helpful. A good case in point was when my shocker went. I went to 5 different garages who all went to the same factor who told all 5 that it could be one of 3 different parts and they should just get each one and see which is correct. That didn't inspire confidence so 10 minutes on ebay, correct part sourced and delivered next day instead.
Not every garage is keen to do this as apparently it can make them liable for the part that you supplied but if you can find one that will then it will make life much easier, if not always necessarily cheaper.
A lot of mechanics only go by what their factor or the main dealer say and that's not always very helpful. A good case in point was when my shocker went. I went to 5 different garages who all went to the same factor who told all 5 that it could be one of 3 different parts and they should just get each one and see which is correct. That didn't inspire confidence so 10 minutes on ebay, correct part sourced and delivered next day instead.
Not every garage is keen to do this as apparently it can make them liable for the part that you supplied but if you can find one that will then it will make life much easier, if not always necessarily cheaper.
Time for an update. The car was serviced yesterday and I am happy to say I can wholeheartedly recommend CM Garage in East Kilbride.
Firstly on the service aspect, there was good communication throughout. Unfortunately the courtesy car broke down the day before our appointment so Lynette offered her own car as we were not able to reschedule! That was much appreciated as we had a 5 hour drive last night and wanted to make sure the car was serviced and checked over. If you remember we just bought the car a month ago and I am keen to know if there are any unpleasant surprises waiting for us.
Davey who carried out the work, was very thorough and is clearly interested and very competent. He checked everything that would be checked in an MOT and more such as locating a high frequency squeak to the back seat!
Now to the car. The good news:
After a full service, and a good clean of the EGR valve there is a marked improvement in power delivery across the rev range.
The less good:
Swirl flaps will need some attention.
Turbo should be cleaned out which will improve the smoothness of power delivery even more.
Upper control arm bushes at rear worn.
Front pads down to 30% and discs will need to be replaced when the pads are fully worn.
Flexible pipe to exhaust split and will need to be fixed ASAP.
Squeaky passenger windscreen wiper, and screen wash jets on same side hitting windscreen lower than ideal spot.
As you can see, most of the above is normal wear and tear and not a huge surprise given 75k miles.
CM Garage are putting together an estimate and recommended timing for the repairs. The Flexi pipe will be done with the first priority.
In summary, I'm very happy with the service and thoroughness of the guys at CM and would be happy to entrust the car to them. As for the car, it's running better, and no major issues revealed, so I'm happy.
Firstly on the service aspect, there was good communication throughout. Unfortunately the courtesy car broke down the day before our appointment so Lynette offered her own car as we were not able to reschedule! That was much appreciated as we had a 5 hour drive last night and wanted to make sure the car was serviced and checked over. If you remember we just bought the car a month ago and I am keen to know if there are any unpleasant surprises waiting for us.
Davey who carried out the work, was very thorough and is clearly interested and very competent. He checked everything that would be checked in an MOT and more such as locating a high frequency squeak to the back seat!
Now to the car. The good news:
After a full service, and a good clean of the EGR valve there is a marked improvement in power delivery across the rev range.
The less good:
Swirl flaps will need some attention.
Turbo should be cleaned out which will improve the smoothness of power delivery even more.
Upper control arm bushes at rear worn.
Front pads down to 30% and discs will need to be replaced when the pads are fully worn.
Flexible pipe to exhaust split and will need to be fixed ASAP.
Squeaky passenger windscreen wiper, and screen wash jets on same side hitting windscreen lower than ideal spot.
As you can see, most of the above is normal wear and tear and not a huge surprise given 75k miles.
CM Garage are putting together an estimate and recommended timing for the repairs. The Flexi pipe will be done with the first priority.
In summary, I'm very happy with the service and thoroughness of the guys at CM and would be happy to entrust the car to them. As for the car, it's running better, and no major issues revealed, so I'm happy.
That's good news on the whole.
Not sure about the flexi pipe problem though. There were some posts a while back about it being expensive.
However, I found this on eBay, does anyone know if this is any good?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-CROM...e-Repair-Exhaust-Flexi-pipe-NEW-/181064291596
Not sure about the flexi pipe problem though. There were some posts a while back about it being expensive.
However, I found this on eBay, does anyone know if this is any good?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-CROM...e-Repair-Exhaust-Flexi-pipe-NEW-/181064291596
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