General buying a multipla - clutch issue

[brighter]

I'm on the verge of buying a 1.6 SX Multipla, year 2000. I drove two multiplas, one a 2003 1.6 SX and the other the 2000 1.6 SX. The 2003 version drove very pleasantly but had other problems (a dealer that was basically uninterested in selling the car, a battery that kept dying whenever the car was switched off, no service book, burnt smell, leaks etc).

The 2000 is a lovely car, it has been very well serviced and has about 60,000 miles on it. One issue: the gearbox and clutch did feel somewhat stiff when engaging. I don't think there is a problem with the bite point (it retracts fine) but the clutch was noticeably harder to push down in the 2000 version than in the 2003 version. The gear box felt somewhat van like (I don't know how to explain this better) but there was no problem engaging gears. Is the clutch going to die? There is no record of a clutch change in the service history.

Any advice very much appreciated.

 

[virtual22]

I'm on the verge of buying a 1.6 SX Multipla, year 2000. I drove two multiplas, one a 2003 1.6 SX and the other the 2000 1.6 SX. The 2003 version drove very pleasantly but had other problems (a dealer that was basically uninterested in selling the car, a battery that kept dying whenever the car was switched off, no service book, burnt smell, leaks etc).

The 2000 is a lovely car, it has been very well serviced and has about 60,000 miles on it. One issue: the gearbox and clutch did feel somewhat stiff when engaging. I don't think there is a problem with the bite point (it retracts fine) but the clutch was noticeably harder to push down in the 2000 version than in the 2003 version. The gear box felt somewhat van like (I don't know how to explain this better) but there was no problem engaging gears. Is the clutch going to die? There is no record of a clutch change in the service history.

Any advice very much appreciated.

Hi, just had my clutch done at 56,000 miles and it hurts the wallet a lot. I knew mine was shot though as I could not get it in gear. Ever since I have had the Multi it's had a fairly stiff gear change, I think that's pretty much normal though. Even now it's still fairly stiff having had the clutch done and think Transit Van like is a fairly good analogy. Maybe it's soemthing to do with the positioning, similar to a van in many ways.

 

[loopyhoop]

when i bought my car (150 miles form where i live) i was told it was going to need a new clutch (wasn't happy considering i'd travelled miles!), anyway i found that the gears were REALLY difficult to get into gear so i took it to my local dealer, got a diagnostics done (found the EGR was broke) and told them to check the clutch cos i was told it needed doing. And guess what?? there was nothing wrong with the clutch, instead they re-greased the gear linkage and told me to make sure i FULLY depressed the clutch as the "PLA" is a little sensitive. Since then my car has driven like a dream with no more clutch/gear issues.
Also got them to do the EGR, crikey it made so much difference having it fixed lol

 

[pagedan]

I bought a multipla a few weeks back, and thought the clutch was heavy and the gears sticky. It eased up over a few days, but took it back under the dealers (not Fiat) warranty. They have changed the master clutch cylinder, but i think it still feels wrong. Also, can't get it into reverse without it grinding. The most worrying problem was after a short motorway run, came off and then couldn't change gears on the slip road.. had to sit and wait a few minutes, then it was all fine again.
Am going to take it back for them to have another look.. but loos to me like it might need a new clutch and a bit of grease..

anything else anyone could suggest.

thanks

ps. Van like is about right !!!

 

[MultiplaAbarth]

I had a 2000 1.9 ELX and the clutch was changed at about 100k, it would have definitely gone pretty soon as the clutch "diaphragm fingers" were almost worn through. Usually, in my experience when a fiat clutch starts to go, it becomes harder to push. In your case I think 60k is a little low for a new clutch, but in any case, anybody buying a multi over 60k is gonna need a new clutch someday...( about £400 total ).
Good luck with your choice, anyway. (I'd just go for the newest I could afford)




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