General General views on 1.4 16v Active model

[Super Uwe]

Morning all,

I had a quick search of the forum but haven't managed to find anything in particular to help me out.

Basically though, we are looking at a few options for another car. Having driven both a 500 and Panda in recent years, we are a bit lacking in inspiration for getting a larger car!

To cut a long story short, I was doing the maths the other day on our PCP agreement for our 2012 Panda (1.2 Easy), and I'm not entirely convinced it is going to be worth our while ploughing on with it as there are still over 28 months to go on it.

My wife and I both like the look of the Bravo, and having looked at a few prices online for 08 or 58 plate versions in 1.4 Active spec, the prices are really, really cheap! I know there are better specs and more powerful engines available, but unless I really can't get on with the car, I can't see that being an issue as it has got all of the kit that we need.

My question really is what sort of things to look out for in particular. Time wise, I guess some of the very cheapest ones may not have had their cambelt/water pump changed yet, which is something I would want sorted. Other than that, is there anything else to look out for?

Your help would be most appreciated, ta!

 

[850kd]

I presume you mean the 1.4 active (90),I have had one since 2009, its a 58. and has now done 80k. The spec is fine, no frills but much better equipped than many basic cars .
It is underpowered a bit, but you get used to it and drive accordingly. One advantage of the 90 is that it doesn't have the dreaded m32 gearbox.
You might find visibility a bit strange to the rear as the rear/side windows are higher than you have experienced on your panda , but again you get used to them.
All Fiats have the driving controls in the same place so its easy to switch from one model to another without for example trying to signal with the windscreen washer or putting into reverse when you really wanted 5th or 6th.
Check out the last cam-belt change which would be due by now, don't forget auxilliary belt too (cheap job), discs might be a bit worn but cost very little.
I get over 50 mpg on a long run and typically 46/48 locally, so really quite economical.

 

[Super Uwe]

Many thanks for the info, yeah I was referring to the 90bhp version rather than the T-Jet engine.

I am used to having to plan ahead with gears as we've had the 1.2 in both the 500 and Panda. I have always found the 1.2 to be a really great little engine; it responds well if you are prepared to put your foot down and rev it! Not sure obviously about the engine in the Bravo, but my guess is that it would be more than enough for our needs. Will have to try it first though before I form an opinion on it...

I just tried a few insurance comparison sites and quotes for a 1.4 Active (90) on an 08 plate were coming in at around the £250 mark, basically the exact same price as for our Panda as I hadn't changed any of the previous details entered other than the car/reg number. So that's very encouraging. Obviously a few extra costs in terms of tax and increased fuel consumption, but your figures sound very good.

 

[850kd]

Tax was 175 if I remember correctly
Remember also that the Bravo is heavier than the 500/panda so you will likely still feel less performance even with a 1.4

 

[Super Uwe]

Yeah that is true.

I'm fairly open minded with regard to "performance"; some people think the 1.2 is painfully slow in the 500/Panda, whereas I have always found it absolutely fine (except going up steep hills, but you can always rely on second or third gear!).

Anyway, a decent test drive will hopefully provide the answer to that particular question.

 

[RobBravo]

I can't really add much more to this!

As far as I am concerned, it's a really good car.

I have the 1.4 T-Jet and I would seriously recommend having a test drive in this version. I understand power may not be important to you, but sometimes the power makes the car easier to drive and in certain situations a more powerful car cruising can be more fuel efficient than a lesser powered car struggling. ESP. on motorways and such.

I picked the 120 T-Jet because it's in a lower TAX bracket than the 150 T-Jet, it does a few more MPG's, and it's 5 insurance groups lower. For me, I think it sits pretty nicely in between the 90 and 150 if you want a good all round compromise like me. But then I could be biased

I have the Active spec and although there aren't many toys, so far I've not missed anything and with electric windows and air-con that's all I really need!

Good luck finding your new car!

 

[Matthewr1990]

With the car being bigger. Your going to want a bit of extra oomph. I have the dynamic 120 t-jet and think the power/efficiency/drive is the best in the range. 90BHP honestly sound like it would feel incredibly slow. And I can't imagine hills being much fun in it. Try looking for insurance prices on one of these models. I think you'll be surprised. And the t-jet 120 active or dynamic are very popular.

 

[Super Uwe]

Thanks very much again for your input. I would definitely try and test drive both 1.4 types then, seems like a worthwhile plan to see which one I prefer.

However I spoke with FGA yesterday along with a couple of dealers regarding getting out of the PCP, and it looks like we will have to stick with the Panda for the best part of this year

We would have to pay at least £1700 right now to get out of the finance agreement (that was based on a dealer's part exchange price and moving onto a new PCP, am just waiting for FGA to come back with a settlement figure). I figured we'd have to pay a fair bit, but that is far too much.

But the good news is that it's not all that long now until September which will be the halfway point of the PCP, so I will then be able to just hand the car back minus any excess mileage charges etc.

In the meantime, I'll be having a good look round and keeping an eye out for some Bravos not too far away!

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Re power, I had a 1.4 Stilo, similar to the Bravo, and only found it under powered when more than 2 up personally, if on your own its fine, not going to set the world alight, but still a fun drive

 

[birdman99]

Ive just bought my first ever Fiat and love the car but am shocked at how bad the fuel is on mine im only getting 20 mpg.

Its only done 24000 and been serviced by its one and only owner every year.

No exhaust problems and emissions test shows everything is fine.
So why the high MPG???? please help...

 

[Mark075]

Which model do you have?

What type of driving do you do? city, rural, motorway etc

Do you drive with a heavy foot?

Are you going by the fuel computer or are you calculating the mpg yourself?

 

[RobW]

i think it will be underpowered and basic but test drive it and see for yourself

its cheap because all Bravos are cheap secondhand