Re: how gud is a bravo?
As an upgrade from Cinq, you will love every minute!
Compared to a cinq they are "proper cars". Much better ride, much better engines, much better interior, much more comfortable etc.
They are generally quite economical although for me, the pick of the bunch (bar the diesels) would be the 1.8 16v. The 1.6 16v is a good engine but isnt all that economical. The 1.8 16v gets roughly the same mpg as the 1.6 and gives out more power (115hp).
If you can afford the insurance and the fuel then go for the HGT everytime. Amazing engine and such a laugh to drive but very expencive when things go wrong or need servicing and did I mention the insurance and fuel?
If you can find one though, the 105 JTD is an excellent option. Avoid the 100 TD if you can. Nowt wrong with it but the 105 JTD is a much better, more refined engine. silly MPG and a very quick motor with lots of tuning potential (remap?).
Avoid the 1.4 12v like a plague. Poss the worst engine Fiat have made in recent times. You might get lucky and get a goodun but its not worth the risk when the 1.2 16v is in a class of its own compared to the 1.4. More power, more economical and much more reliable. Just watch out for the head gasket as it is a FIRE engine afterall.
So, Depending what you want, 1.2 16v for town fun with cheap insurance, fuel and a car thats fairly nippy. 1.8 16v for an all round compromise between cheapness and power. And HGT 2.0 20v for out right expencive mental fun
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As for everything else. The interiors are very comfy. They are good looking inside and do everything they should with good storage and a nice size boot. Build quality is a little to be desired with quite cheap plastic and alot of trim flex but compared to a cinq it will be like a Rolls Royce!
Electrics can be a little tricky sometimes. Make sure all the electrics work properly. Electric windows can fail (due to the relay switch) as can dials. Also the sunroof can leak if the seals are perished. All fairly easy things to sort but still quality issues.
Exterior wise, there can be some rust issues. Mostly in the arches where dirt builts up over time on the inner arch lip. Simple to avoid but most owners dont clean in the arches. Also at the end of the sills on the inner lip too. Rest of the body is generally free from any common rust problems.
Mirror base paint is prone to pealing but easily sorted by stripping down and respraying matt black (or colour code?). The door handles also tend to perish and can look cracked and pretty nasty. Can get replacements on ebay but they tend to be expencive as everyone wants them. Can replace with colour coded Marea items or even Alfa 147 chrome handles too (bling!).
As with all cars, they have down sides but in general they are excellent, cheap cars. You can get amazing bargains now for really well looked after cars. Just make sure you get a goodun or you could have no end of troubles.