General Going to Look at a Cinq

[fatty]

Well I joined this forum as I was about to buy a new Panda 100, but after being treated very badly at the local Fiat stealership I decided against it. However I've been looking at all your Cinq's and now I really want one!!

So all going well my current car (saxo VTR) is being picked up tonight and then tomorrow I'm going to look at a Cinq Sporting.

So what things do I need to look for? Obviously the normal rust and Headgasket failure etc but is there anything Cinq specifiec to be aware of? The seller says he's noticed today it has a Little oil leak. Should this immediately put me off or is it a common problem with an easy fix.

I've found this place full of a friendly bunch so I'm very appareciative of any and all help

Tom.

 

[custard]

good place to start
https://www.fiatforum.com/cinquecento-seicento-faqs/94826-buying-cinq.html

im sure others will add

 

[andre88uk]

Cinq's don't rust unless there are replaced panels... take it for a drive and listen for any banging... also look in the enginge bay for any signs of water runs... this could mean things leaking... and as he says an oil leak DEFINITELY check the head gasket in the usual ways

 

[custard]

cinqs can rust.it
plenty of cinqs with rusty boot floors from leaks or around the windscreen most liely from stone chips.
they are galvanised but just the body and once the galv coating is broken it allows corrosion

 

[Emm]

Cinq's don't rust unless there are replaced panels...

who told you that!!??

 

[fingers99]

Yeah, they rust, some of them.

Real worry area is in the boot around the bottom rear seat belt mount and below.

Clunks from the back on test drive are almost certainly knackered trailing arm bushes. From the front, knackered wishbone bushes.

Handbrakes are always an issue, but generally cheap and easy to sort out.

Oil leaks are usually from the rocker cover gasket.

Check the clutch for, well, strangeness.

Check for overheating, mayo on the dipstick, check the fan comes on.

Generally, they're easy cars to work on, space issues aside, and a lot of fun.

 

[andre88uk]

i got told they don't rust unless pattern replaced?

 

[fingers99]

i got told they don't rust unless pattern replaced?

Not true/wishful thinking/Fiat dealer! Seis rust as well, in exactly the same places!

 

[fatty]

Thanks the help guys. I have bought one and its a dog haha, I kinda read all this advice then forgot about it and bought a "project" check the Members rides section for story.