General Newbie from Essex (UK) and keen on a Multipla!

[mum2oneplustwins]

Hello everyone

Just came across this forum via a search on Google. I have an older Zafira which I really HATE and am very keen to have an older Multipla instead. I have three kids so six seats are a must! I love its quirky good looks and the way the six seats are arranged!

At present, I am thinking of going for the 1.9 JTD ELX model as these are apparently very economical, and also the tax is meant to be low? Also, what's the difference between the 105 and 115 models?

My budget is quite low, ideally I should sell the Zaffie before I buy, but I can work round it if the right thing pops up. I have just seen a new advert on eBay but it's quite far away.

Any hints, tips etc would be really welcome as it's all confusing!

 

[dave]

welcome to the forum
i have moved your thread down here because you are more likely to get the answers you need in this section

 

[Hedgeperson]

I might have one for sale soon, if you're interested. Bit like you, I moved from a Zafira, too. Different league, in terms of most things.

Just depends on your budget; I ain't giving it away and I'm in no rush. It's an 52 plate 115 JTD ELX with 45k on it.

Cheers, Hedge

 

[BikeDoc]

105/110/115 refers to the power output of the particular engine (in BHP).
Not sure about the tax, the disc on my '02 115 ELX cost £170 ...I wouldn't mind so much if they actually spent some of that on our pathetic roads

The ELX tag refers to the level of equipment fitted (Twin Sunroofs, AirCon, Electric Height Adjust on driver's seat, etc, etc.), it bears no relation to the economy.

The Diesel is the one to go for, more power and mileage over the petrol version.

There's not that much difference in prices between dealer and private sales, so go with a dealer and try and get some sort of warranty included.
Try the Autotrader website as well as E-bay, along with the smaller ones like;
http://www.motors.co.uk/car-search-results.php
or...
http://www.autoweb.co.uk/WSCarResults.asp
or...
http://www.fish4.co.uk/cars/search/.../to-4000/within-350/make-Fiat/model-Multipla/

There are others, search 'used cars uk' in Google.
You'll find some of them are listed on several sites.

Once you've narrowed them down by price, mileage, how far away from you they are, etc, consider paying for an independent vehicle check from the AA/RAC (particularly if you do buy privately) unless you have someone who can do it for you, it could save you a lot of money in the long run.
https://www.aacheck.com/viproducts.asp
http://www.rac.co.uk/products-services/vehicle-inspections/

Happy hunting

 

[pondweed]

and if you can, find one that has just had a clutch, suspension arms, droplinks already done... between 40 and 80k, you are almost guaranteed to need them all sometime!

oops forgot - and a cambelt kit and waterpump, ideally - then its a savvy secondhand warranty free purchase.

 

[bertiethebluemulti]

Hi, I have a 1.6sx multi and a Fiat 126bis (outgrown so relaxing in our garage!!!) that I also adore!! I would not part with either. I like being different so the multi suits me perfectly. We have 4 children, 3 of which are in car seats, and there is still plenty of room. I have had a elx brava in the past but not a multi although after seeing ours my brother looked for a multi and bought a y reg 1.6elx one. I dont know much about it but I know he had problems with the rear sunroof leaking. It may be a common fault so worth bearing in mind. As for fuel economy I had a Renault Scenic X reg 1.4 petrol before getting the multi and, to be honest dont notice much difference in running costs. We found when looking for the multi that if we opted for a petrol we got lower mileage and also a newer plate for our money. My husband is now wanting to get the newer shape multi but as I said I wont part with my frog. Besides he has his own boring looking car. Good luck with your search.

 

[Peat]

. . . . I dont know much about it but I know he had problems with the rear sunroof leaking. It may be a common fault so worth bearing in mind.

Cure the leak with CAPTAIN TOLLEYS CREAPING CRACK CURE - AMAZING SEALANT can be bought on eBay for about a fiver plus postage and it WORKS!

 

[mum2oneplustwins]

Thanks, guys, all very useful advice. I'll have to make sure that whatever one I end up buying that it's had all that work carried out, but I notice that for example, on eBay, if it's a dealer selling one then they are not sure if the work has been carried out previously. I guess having the car checked is a good idea.

Yesterday, we saw two (an original frog and a nosejob) and I got all excited! Just hope I end up with a goodie...

:wave:

 

[BikeDoc]

...but I notice that for example, on eBay, if it's a dealer selling one then they are not sure if the work has been carried out previously...
:wave:

Always ask if it has a Full Service History (FSH).
Most cars less than around 8 years old should have one.
When you go to view the vehicle(s), make a note of the dealer sticker (of the garage that sold it originally, if it's still there), then contact them when you get home. They can tell you how much servicing they did on it at least.
You can also ring any main Fiat dealer and quote the reg, they'll tell you if it's had any relevant recalls done.