Croma Hello from a new Croma in Wales

[ClarkieCroma]

Hello all,
Been using the site since May when I bought a Stilo MW, just upgraded that to a Croma and so thought it was about time I registered on FF. I've had a bad experience with the Stilo, although I loved the driving experience, I encountered the usual problems (as educated on FF) with the skyroof and EGR. Many trips back to the garage and one breakdown on the M5 with split turbo boost hose put me off the car eventually but not Fiat so gone for a Croma as replacement. Same 1.9JTD 115BHP engine but I'm hoping for better luck from this Fiat/GM hybrid. It reminds me of a cross between my mother's last 2 cars, her Vectra B and Saab 95 estate that she swore by (so much so she has kept the 95 as a spare car, currently loaned out to my sister). I love the 6 speed box and dependable JTD engine. Wife drives a 2007 Panda 1.1 and I think she loves it as much as her old Mini. I spent a good proportion of my Stilo ownership driving Pandas as courtesy cars and I must say it's a great all round performer and something of a Tardis!
My Croma has been sourced for me and transported down to Wales from the Nottingham BCA Auction so perhaps it used to be yours?

 

[sutera1996]

think i may have seen it on the BCA website look very nice, enjoy

 

[BrianMcL]

Welcome to the site - hope you have good luck with your new car.

They are good to drive but like a lot of people I stumbled across this site when the local main dealer had drawn a blank on how to fix what turned out to be an egr failure, just one of very, many issues at the time.

I was very down on the car for a long time but since the warranty expired and I could take it to my local independent along with all of the tips and guidance on here it really hasn't caused me too many problems at all - last 2 MOTs + work done to pass were about £130 all in.

The 1.9s seem very hard on alternators - mine's had 3 so far lasting roughly 25k each (and coming up on 75k so tempting to order number 4) and the egr is a problem. Fit the bullet hole / swirl mod gasket and it's a different car.

Happy motoring!

 

[ClarkieCroma]

Thanks Brian, luckily the Stilo problems were all fixed under warranty but I became fed-up with the returns to the dealer and the last repair wasn't to my satisfaction. As you say re the EGR mod, when the Stilo had the EGR replaced it was a different car, much perkier from stationary and fast! At least I know the signs to look-out for if the Croma starts getting sluggish and will consider the mod you suggest. Dreading the Alternator going (it probably has already with a previous owner - no history with car other than stamps in service book) but also I can anticipate it going thanks to FF. Not enjoying driving the Croma right now - not the cars fault but on account of my broken ankle after only a week's ownership! Wife is preferring it to her Panda and I'm considering selling the Panda when I get my cast off as I have a strange? "fancy" for an older Multipla as a run-around and she can have the Croma!

 

[tarquin1867]

Surely you jest Clarkie!! What could possibly attract you to a Multipla --- only if you have a skien of dogs or anklebiters would you be attracted to one.
Get yer pot off and give the Croma a long jaunt , say Edinburgh and back in a weekend. I have done that a few times and can get out and go again if needed and i`m in mi sixties!!