General Buying a used multiplas - what to look out for

[bigweeve]

I am considering buying a used, early type, diesel Multipla in the next few days. Could you please suggest things that I should look out for - common faults etc. Also, how easy is the Multipla to work on for a fairly competent home mechanic? Do any jobs require expensive special tools etc.? What are parts prices like?

Any suggestions would be most welcome, or if this has been covered in previous threads, a link would be really helpful

Thanks,
A prospective Fiat owner. (Steve)

 

[FiatFleetFamily]

I am considering buying a used, early type, diesel Multipla in the next few days. Could you please suggest things that I should look out for - common faults etc. Also, how easy is the Multipla to work on for a fairly competent home mechanic? Do any jobs require expensive special tools etc.? What are parts prices like?

Any suggestions would be most welcome, or if this has been covered in previous threads, a link would be really helpful

Thanks,
A prospective Fiat owner. (Steve)

Check :

Front and rear suspension for rattles , knocking etc
Tracking on the front wheels.
Rear tyres toeing in at top too much = rear suspension work.
No warning lights on dash.
Check that cambelts and water pumps have been changed, as its a diesel.
Service History.
How many clutch changes.
A/C works, if its fitted.
Boot opens and closes ok.
EGR recently changed or blanked.
Good battery fitted, if not and weak = ghost alarms and errors on dash.
All gears engage smoothly.
Exhaust in good order.
2 Keys ?. Spares not cheap.
Sunroof, check seals and that they work.

Sure another forum user will add more that I have missed. Good Luck.

 

[slobo]

Drive it and aim for potholes and uneven surfaces, listen for bangs and clunks. Not a big deal to rectify, but it will get you some money off.
Also give it a bootfull and look for black smoke out of the back.
In my experience the engines are pretty bulletproof, it's all the other bits that seem to be made out of cheese.
Cheap parts though.

 

[widemouthfrog]

Check the operation of the clutch and dual mass flywheel (DMF) thoroughly. That and rear subframe replacement are the two expensive jobs on a Multipla. Carried out by a non-franchised dealer, either will cost in excess of £800.

The clutch should start to bite when the pedal is at least 1.5 - 2 inches from the floor. Pickup should be smooth, even and light. Moving the gearstick through the gears should feel the same, foot on the clutch, whether the engine is running or not. Judder when pulling away is a sign of either clutch plate oil contamination from a failed crankshaft rear oil seal, gearbox input shaft seal, or a tired DMF.