Hi all,
I've been to test drive a Multiair 1.4 GP today from a 'major' car dealer. I love the look of the car, but I've had a major issue & wanted some advice.
The car has apparently been standing for a while - it was left running for a good 10 minutes to clear the screen as it was -1 when I arrived, but when I started the test drive it was juddery & slow & had no power whatsoever. Coming up to a set of lights I asked the salesman (who knew zip about the car) how stop/start works as I've never had one before. He then pushed the stop/start button & the car promptly died! I started it back up & immediately the Engine Management Light came on & also a multitude of warnings on the dash (ESP etc) along with a yellow triangle with a ! in it. Rather than wait, he told me to try & get it back & by the time we were there it felt like it had gained a bit of power but both warning lights remained on & it just didn't feel right.
They have assured me they will get it looked at & sorted, but I'm now very wary naturally. Is this an issue anyone else has encountered, or should I run very fast in the opposite direction?
Thanks in advance for any help.

Do you *really* need anyone to tell you. I'm not being facetious either.

jimboy said:

Do you *really* need anyone to tell you. I'm not being facetious either.

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I've read a similar thread, but it stated in that that it could be something minor? The reason I was looking at the Multiair is because of their solid rep which is why I was asking. If they come back & say it was a coil (had that before)or something else minor then there's no need to worry right?

Buyers market, there's always another deal round the corner. Perhaps an easy fix, but I can imagine yourself doing a double act with the garage after purchasing the car, & not the one you want.

Obviously I haven't seen the vehicle, but the initial signs don't fill me with the correct emotions, obviously not you either. Your choice, but I know what I'd be doing.....

I do have a back-up plan, but that is 80 miles away & a lot more money. Having had Fiats before I know how good the engines normally are, so I'll probably see what they come back with - sure I can squeeze extra warranty out of them if needs be ?.
If it does turn out to be a complete dog I'll post the details on here so nobody else gets caught out...

Buying from a main dealership should offer you some kind of peace of mind and at least a years warranty outside of the manufacturers warranty. Within the first 6 months anything that goes wrong is assumed to have been faulty at point of sale unless they can prove otherwise.

If in doubt, go for the next one. I went 150 miles to get mine as the nearer dealer with one (still for sale now, I bought on 04/10/14) would not accept my cash offer of £500 less than their asking price. Orange one at Bishops in Aldershot.

P.S. Mine had been sat for a while and used as a demo so the stop start never worked. A new battery under warranty cured it.

austenw90 said:

Buying from a main dealership should offer you some kind of peace of mind and at least a years warranty outside of the manufacturers warranty. Within the first 6 months anything that goes wrong is assumed to have been faulty at point of sale unless they can prove otherwise.

If in doubt, go for the next one. I went 150 miles to get mine as the nearer dealer with one (still for sale now, I bought on 04/10/14) would not accept my cash offer of £500 less than their asking price. Orange one at Bishops in Aldershot.

P.S. Mine had been sat for a while and used as a demo so the stop start never worked. A new battery under warranty cured it.

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Thanks for the info ? I had a similar light come on when I had a Stilo which turned out to be a coil that had died, aside from that I never had any issues so I'm willing to give them a chance to sort it

Tell the dealer change battery for you go for another round and at least half of the problems are gonna fade. This is my opinion. Or just search somwhere else....

<p>They've been in touch today - apparently they're not very happy as it wasn't prepped (head office took the test drive booking) which fits as the car hadn't been valeted when I arrived but I drove it anyway. He said someone was aware of an issue but hadn't logged it on the system as parts were on order & the parts arrived today at the workshop to fix it. So back on Sunday all being well for a second go ?</p>

dant1875 said:

<p>They've been in touch today - apparently they're not very happy as it wasn't prepped (head office took the test drive booking) which fits as the car hadn't been valeted when I arrived but I drove it anyway. He said someone was aware of an issue but hadn't logged it on the system as parts were on order & the parts arrived today at the workshop to fix it. So back on Sunday all being well for a second go ?</p>

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Well... What happened?

Lol, sorry - weekend was manic! He rang on Friday to say it still wasn't ready - said something to do with air con but I'm wondering now if it is the multiair unit as he reckons this weekend now? 2 weeks to repair an air con unit is way over average. In fairness, he did say he wasn't rushing it through just to get it sold (I'd do the same if I'd been embarrassed on a test drive too).

Quick update - I bought it! Took it out on a long test drive & the difference was amazing. Will post some pics once the weather gets better & I can get it all shiny ?

dant1875 said:

Quick update - I bought it! Took it out on a long test drive & the difference was amazing. Will post some pics once the weather gets better & I can get it all shiny ?

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Is it orange?

austenw90 said:

Is it orange?

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No mate - black. It was in Leicester branch of Evans Halshaw.