General About to buy a 2001 1.6 SX

[Angua2]

Hiyas.

Partner & I are hoping to be happy new owners of a Y-Reg 1.6 SX Weekend in metallic red. It's in super condition - inside & out - and drives a treat.

Partner was on phone to insurance to change cover, about to pay, when he asked to have the red key. Dealer said no probs, handed him envelope from file on the car which said, ummm, red key. Look inside, no red keys, only 2 blue ones.

Dealer seemed shocked and said he'd hold the car for us while he got the red key.

I'm sorry to bring up the dreaded topic of red keys again. If I'm not being too blonde and understand the forum, if there are blue keys (programmed from the original red), then there's nowt to worry about....??

All reassurance welcome. Well, actually, as we've just lost the Brava to a cam belt catastrophe, we're a wee bit shy of lightning.

Thanks.

 

[Venters]

Ideally you really want to have the red key.
If there is a problem with the immobiliser it's the red key that will save the day.
Without it, fixing the problem could get very exspensive.
Although on the other hand these problems appear to be very rare. I wouldn't take the chance tho.

 

[mountainmachine]

If they dont come up with it then ask for a discount, a hefty one.

 

[Angua2]

Thank you, Beast.

The current owner "thinks" he's got the key at home! So fingers crossed.

Ideally you really want to have the red key.
If there is a problem with the immobiliser it's the red key that will save the day.
Without it, fixing the problem could get very exspensive.
Although on the other hand these problems appear to be very rare. I wouldn't take the chance tho.

 

[Angua2]

Thanx, Mountainmachine.

Dunno if the dealer will wear that one, as we've knocked the price down already....

Ok, would you believe there's now ANOTHER issue! Argh. Don't you just hate cars?

Timing / cam belt's never been done. 86k on clock. Sheeeeeesh!

Dealer's said he'll get it done for parts alone (about £90) - dealer to pay for labour. HOWEVER, spoken to local Fiat garage and they say it could also mean a new H2O pump AND even (less likely) an auxiliary / alternator belt....

Am tearing hair out. (Fortunately have lots so no-one'll notice) Are ALL the future probs making themselves apparent now OR does someone not want us to have another Fiat?

Ta.

If they dont come up with it then ask for a discount, a hefty one.

 

[Tomasso]

Methinks that previous owner did not care for the car. He was really lucky the belt lasted so long.

Luckily 1.6 engines are tough enough to last, but check the service book for regular oil changes and overhauls. Plus... if the dealer allows you to, go to an independent garage BEFORE you buy, to check the car for othr 'hidden features'.

BTW, water pump does not have to be replaced if there are no signs of leak.

 

[Angua2]

Good point, Tomasso. Ty.

Update:
Previous owner has found red key & will get it to dealer. Hurrah.

The belt is being done today at Fiat garage. That seems to be the only thing prev owner didn't do as per rec., otherwise service history is very good. Garage is reviewing car thoroughly for us & will report.

Things are looking good, but a bad report from garage (independent of dealer) will break the deal.

Thanx again... everyone, for sharing experience. or do i mean :worship:?

Methinks that previous owner did not care for the car. He was really lucky the belt lasted so long.

Luckily 1.6 engines are tough enough to last, but check the service book for regular oil changes and overhauls. Plus... if the dealer allows you to, go to an independent garage BEFORE you buy, to check the car for othr 'hidden features'.

BTW, water pump does not have to be replaced if there are no signs of leak.

 

[Hellcat]

Thanks for coming here first. So many people buy the car THEN come on here and find they've bought a lemon.

 

[Angua2]

Ta, Hellcat. We're trying to be sensible and informed.

BTW, it IS legit to try to speak to garage that serviced the car, innit?

Scenario: Was told that local Fiat dealership serviced the car, so I call to ask their opinion of it. Got the wrong branch in the first instance, but the chap was brilliant - chatty, informative, polite, very happy to talk and share info. Then spoke to right branch and yikes what a difference. You'd have thought I was asking him to do something unmentionable with a haggis....

Thanks for coming here first. So many people buy the car THEN come on here and find they've bought a lemon.

 

[cpt_spalding]

Sounds like your doing all this very thoroughly. Well done to you.

Perhaps the Fiat service manager thought you were questioning his dept's capabilities. That would explain his negative reaction. Otherwise I don't see why he should have any problem if he knows the car.

If it's been serviced by the book & such I reckon you'd be unlucky to get a bad report. I have a '98 1.6SX with 102K on the clock & no service history up to 75K. The next owner then serviced more reg than book states & had timing belt done. For £600 I'm very happy with it. I won't say any more coz I dono't want to jinx it.

Good luck.

 

[Angua2]

Thanx, Cpt S.

We have her! Hurrah! She's been picked up by my BH, but I don't get to have a go until tomorrow....(why oh why is he on nightshift this week??? lol)

Huge thank-you to you and all who've replied.

BTW: think you're spot on about the garage chap - he did say something like "if we've done the work then you know it's done at highest blah-blah-blah". Managed to keep from asking why did he let the cam belt go undone for 86k miles when the car was in to him in March this year for a service....?! The good thing is the nice chap at the other branch is more local to us!

Good luck to you, too, and may the household gods of transport smile upon you for another 102k miles.

Sounds like your doing all this very thoroughly. Well done to you.

Perhaps the Fiat service manager thought you were questioning his dept's capabilities. That would explain his negative reaction. Otherwise I don't see why he should have any problem if he knows the car.

If it's been serviced by the book & such I reckon you'd be unlucky to get a bad report. I have a '98 1.6SX with 102K on the clock & no service history up to 75K. The next owner then serviced more reg than book states & had timing belt done. For £600 I'm very happy with it. I won't say any more coz I dono't want to jinx it.

Good luck.

 

[Hellcat]

Don't forget to post some photos!

Never been in a 1.6 Marea.. what are they like to drive?

 

[Angua2]

As soon as the usb cable is found, I will!

The car is super! We're sooooooooo pleased. I'm finding the driving a treat - doesn't feel like an estate - not at all heavy. Almost surprisingly positive and responsive, while not as sporty as the Brava which really sat down nicely on the road. Relatively short wheelbase = manoeuvreability (sp??) and easy parallel parking. The interior feels bigger that you'd imagine from outside, plus driving positing is good, naturally comfortable with excellent visibility. We're feeling very very positive and can't wait for an excuse to roadtrip.

Don't forget to post some photos!

Never been in a 1.6 Marea.. what are they like to drive?

 

[Renegade_8]

We did have a 1.6SX Estate in the family for a while. It was a bit dog eared but it was very pleasent to ride in and I was surprised how competant it was with that engine, it didnt feel underpowered at all. It's fuel economy was excellent it was a useful piece of kit and it sold easliy through the auctions without losing a lot of money when the time came to part with it. So a tidy one owner car would be a good choice.

 

[cpt_spalding]

Well. I did bloody jinx it.

Going to fast on single track road & skidded into a head on. Remember no ABS as standard on the 1.6sx.

Bugger bugger bugger. Will ad to see if anyone wants some easy salvage from it.

 

[Hellcat]

Well. I did bloody jinx it.

Going to fast on single track road & skidded into a head on. Remember no ABS as standard on the 1.6sx.

Bugger bugger bugger. Will ad to see if anyone wants some easy salvage from it.

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo