Howdy from new Multipla owners

[glowplug]

Hi Guys/Gals

I recently bought the wife a Fiat Multipla which so far we are very happy with. I am an ex-mechanic (many years ago now) and do all my own work. So far I am quite happy with the car having given it a full service and having changed the cam belt and idler/tensioner. As it is a diesel am very happy with the consumption. The wife only uses it for school runs but it replaced a Nissan Primera which I used to have to fill up once a week whilst the Multipla is now once a month. Must say though the Nissan Primera's are probably one of the most reliable cars on this planet but as we have child #4 on the way we needed an extra seat and my Toyota Previa is just too heavy on gas for a daily commute.

I have noticed an oil sweat from the gearbox which I will attend to shortly but overall think it is a great and very practical car.

 

[T14086]

A very useful (and practical) car but if buying secondhand I would advise anyone to get it properly checked, suspension/aircon/timing problems are common and can add literally a £1000 to the cost.

 

[glowplug]

I tell you what does concern me is the reports I have seen regarding failed diffs and gearboxes. These should last the lifetime of a car. If I had only seen one or two reports I would put it down to bad driving but I have seen numerous and to me this spells a design/manufacture issue.

Hence why I must do that oil leak

 

[T14086]

Will be honest & say I have only came across gear selection problems (slave cylinder leaking) but no actual gearbox faults.

I was looking at one recently but the 'gut' feeling was to walk away (which I did) unfortunally someone brought it not long after and suffered a seized air-con compressor & 2 broken springs

 

[glowplug]

Any and every car has problems just some worse than others. I am a bit of a head case when it comes to cars and like things to be perfect. This drives my wife mad as I am always working on them whether they need it or not. As such I fully intend to change all 4 shocks and go through the full suspension system.

Problem is I have also just acquired a Chrysler Voyager which needs work and I am still rebuilding my 1993 Previa which currently needs a NSR wheel bearing.

Funny thing is I went into the trade cause I loved cars, my father having been a diesel mech and also big into the American V8 dragster scene. Hoever when I was in it I relaised I had made one of those fundamental mistakes in life. NEVER CHANGE YOUR HOBBY INTO YOUR CAREER. Hence I left it and went into electronics/computers. As such it then became my hobby again and I have loved it ever since......but man do I spend a lot of money which of course I never get back when I sell them.

Problem is I cannot sell something that I know has a fault. As such I am either honest or a fix the problem first. Neither of these approaches are conducive to making money.

 

[T14086]

NEVER CHANGE YOUR HOBBY INTO YOUR CAREER.
Problem is I cannot sell something that I know has a fault. As such I am either honest or a fix the problem first. Neither of these approaches are conducive to making money.

Tell me about it,spend all my time fixing other peoples cars but take months to even think about doing my own!

Mr Glowplug like you I have that 'truth gene' that means I cannot lie to car buyers....I end up telling them all the faults to smallest detail I'm surprised they dont walk away....but maybe buyers like honesty if they can see past the shiny car?