General Bravo Buing Advice

[dsw21]

Hello, im interested in a 2001 Bravo 1.6 HLX and could do with clarification on a couple of points...

Keys! sorry i know there's a lot about keys in other posts - this car is being sold with 2 blue... no red key (salesman told me red keys were for Alfa's only)... should i run a mile?

the gearbox is hardly slick through the gates - is this a problem potentially or a "characteristic" of Bravo's!?

Any other buying advice would be really helpful!
Cheers

 

[jug]

firstly the red key, all bravos should have one. if you dont have one it may never be a problem. however the red key is the only way to program new keys into the immobiliser, and more importantly it is the only way to reprogram your existing blue keys into the immobiliser if the code box loses the blue keys codes.

you have to ask yourself what the chances are of that happening, and to be honest it isnt very common, but it does happen, and if it did happen you would need to replace your ecu, code box, keys, and all locks, (£100-700) or alternatively get your immobiliser diabled (£100-200). either way it wont be cheap and it will be a bloody hassle and the car will be off road while it gets sorted.

i wouldnt even consider buying one without a red key, because sods law says you'll never need the red key if you have it, but you will need it if you dont. i'm not a risk taker, i cant afford to be, i need my car for work.

the gearbox on the 1.6 is one of the more reliable and refined boxes. i had a 1.6 with nearly 100k and it still changed gear perfectly every time. it was smooth and easy to change under all conditions. if this car's gearbox is not like that it means there will be wear somewhere, usually due to boyracer gearchanges in the past. not good news, and if the geearbox is worn you can be fairly sure the clutch wont be in great condition either.

the 1.6 hlx is an excellent choice, but this particular example sounds like a very risky choice. unless you enjoy pain i would stay away.

 

[Clive D]

Don't forget the cambelt/tensioner should have been changed by now - the FIAT manual will say to change it every 72k miles but really it needs to be changed every 3 years / 36k miles (whichever comes sooner). They are well known for snapping early and landing you with a huge repair bill.

Regards the red key - the car should have one.
Personally I wouldn't buy one without as come re-sale you will loose out - many buyers wouldn't even consider the car as they are put off by what 'buyers guide' say - "it can cost up to £1k if things go wrong".

And finally - that salesman is an ar5e! on principle don't buy from him.

Have you seen my 2001 1.6 Bravo in the 'for sale' section? It's an SX but has loads of factory extras making it on a par (if not better) than an HLX. I can promise you it's a good one too!

 

[dsw21]

thanks for your advice... the car was really reaaaally nice the gearbox was fine and car has very high spec... however, the salesman would only knock £100 off asking price for not having the red key so at the moment its a no-go.

What are the chances of needing the red key? the car was so nice i would consider taking the risk if the likelihood of needing this master key were slim...

 

[rikmargetts]

What are the chances of needing the red key? the car was so nice i would consider taking the risk if the likelihood of needing this master key were slim...

Personally I would listen to Jug as he is extremely knowledgeable on things concerning Brava/o's. the gearbox on my Brava 1.6 HSX is slick and sweet, just as it should be. I used my red key only the other day to reset my engines ecu. So I would say ONLY buy if it comes with a red key, look else where, and remember to buy with your head and NOT your heart, NEVER buy the first car you look at, look around and get some idea on prices and condition of the cars for the years. You can get a decent Brava/o for very little money and most of them offer lively performance and decent handling for the eager driver, I would have to say much better value than a Ford or Vauxhall and more smile per hour as well. I love my Brava but it has NOT been trouble free, and this forum has been a tremendous help.

Rik

 

[Hellcat]

I personally wouldn't worry about the red key. It's not the big problem it used to be with the likes of Codeman unlocking ECUs and locksmiths being able to clone your blue keys. I would still however look to knock a couple hundred off the price as the salesman doesn't know its not so much an issue.

Red key issue aside this example seems to have gearbox issues (could be something as trivial as a worn slave cylinder). Plenty about still so take your time and be picky.