General Stilo 1.8 16V general ownership

[SchumacherM]

Before anyone chimes in, I tried the search and no luck.

I just want to know if anyone here owns a 1.8 16V Stilo and can share the experience with me. I'm in the market for a new car and this car just pops at me. There are a few others with this engine, of course.

Should I look at the 1.6? Fuel consumption, reliability...etc. All is welcome.

 

[MarkThompson4]

Before anyone chimes in, I tried the search and no luck.

I just want to know if anyone here owns a 1.8 16V Stilo and can share the experience with me. I'm in the market for a new car and this car just pops at me. There are a few others with this engine, of course.

Should I look at the 1.6? Fuel consumption, reliability...etc. All is welcome.

Avoid the 1.6, too many problems with the ecu the gearbox can be unreliable. The 1.2 is too slow (hence why I'm "upgrading" mines to the 1.4 ) but economical, the 1.4 will be a but nippier but have similar returns to the 1.2 with mpg. I don't know what the 1.8 is like, a good middle ground to pick between the smaller patrols and the 2.4 I'd assume and if you don't want a diesel it's probably your best choice. No matter which one you go for the Stilo is quite easily upgradable with higher end factory options (full leather, cruise control, factory connect nav etc)

 

[Sweex]

The 1.8 which im assuming is also in the hgt punto mk2 needs to be very well looked after for it to be a good engine.
Regular servicing and oil changes and making sure all fluids are constantly topped up help it.
Its a quick engine, I can't say about economy as I loved the power delivery so much that I would rev the tits off it lol
But make sure the cambelt water pump and variator has been done, make sure it doesnt burn oil, make sure you know it has a lot of service history if not full service history.
Make sure the variator isn't faulty, when you start it from cold it will sound like a diesel for a few seconds then sound normal, that means the variator has packed up.
Its a very nice engine to drive
Tax is a bit expensive though.

Edit: the gearboxes are also quite weak so make sure all is well there.

 

[MarkThompson4]

Aren't the Punto hgt engines 5 cylinders? The 1.8 in the Stilo is a four cylinder with 130 something bhp

Regardless of the engine type, always take into account the cars service history and general maintenance which should be backed up with receipts.

Also as a side note; the 1.8 in the Stilo has been tuned with Alfa 2.0 TS parts (exhaust, cams) and has reached higher power levels than the 2.4 Abarth. Just in case that stuff interests you

 

[Sweex]

LOL no, they are 4 cylinder 1.8 130bhp, there is barely enough room for it in the punto, let alone if it was a 5 pot. So they are the same engine as the one in the stilo.

Whoever told you that rubbish?

 

[SchumacherM]

Aren't the Punto hgt engines 5 cylinders? The 1.8 in the Stilo is a four cylinder with 130 something bhp

Regardless of the engine type, always take into account the cars service history and general maintenance which should be backed up with receipts.

Also as a side note; the 1.8 in the Stilo has been tuned with Alfa 2.0 TS parts (exhaust, cams) and has reached higher power levels than the 2.4 Abarth. Just in case that stuff interests you

You may be confusing it with the Bravo HGT...the name can lead you astray.

Anyhow, many thanks for the responses. Tuning is not my concern, nor is massive speed.

1.2 and 1.9 JTD just are not for me, one is a diesel that would see short runs and one is an underpowered milk float. The 1.4 is impossible to find, I'd love to get my hands on it and it's 6th gear

The 1.6 is abundant but somehow I feel drawn to the 1.8. The few that are for sale are very well equipped, seem to be nicely fresh on the seats and other wear and tear items. Cheap too, since no one wants this configuration in this country. I'm just a bit scared of the fuel consumption and the general lack of maintenance the idiots around here give to these motors. "it's a fiat, who cares" And then it breaks and guess who they blame..

Anyway if someone has any MPG figures, I'd happily mull them over. In the mean time, keep the info coming and big thanks so far.

 

[Sweex]

I use to average 29 - 32 in my punto hgt. Same engine and that was short trips etc.

 

[bluejohn125]

The 1.8 is a straightforward, reliable and fairly economical engine.

The Brava/Bravos and Stilos had a normal, lower tune engine (115hp, no variator), the Punto HGT and Barchetta had the variable valve head for 130hp. Obviously those need more looking after.

The 1.8 is a better bet than the 1.6 overall. If you want one, go for it...

 

[jatkinson]

clock34 had a 1.8 stilo he will be able to tell you about them

 

[SchumacherM]

Me again, guys. Is anyone able to tell me, whether this engine supports cruise control installment? I know that mostly all JTD Stilos have a plug ready and you just buy the handle. How bout the 1.8?

The Brava/Bravos and Stilos had a normal, lower tune engine (115hp, no variator), the Punto HGT and Barchetta had the variable valve head for 130hp. Obviously those need more looking after.

Are you sure about that, because every piece of info I find suggests that the Stilo has a 133bhp 1.8 16V...e.g. the same lump as in the HGT and Barchetta.

 

[DamienJ]

Hi, I've had 2 1.8 stilos, 2 1.2s and a 1.9

By far and away the 1.8s were the most reliable.
1.2s have no power at all
1.9 was fastest but a worry to drive all sorts of noises and issues and I only owned for 2 months before I sold
1.8s I never had an issue that was my own fault (crashing).
With regularly servicing it was faultless and a great car.

 

[groo]

I would avoid the 1.6 too. My sister has one and it gets 32-35MPG, and feels very dead. The comments about the shifty ECU are no joke, they really do fail regularly (an RAC jump start killed hers, I had to get it virginised before it ever spoke to the immo ever again) and they are engine mounted so have vibration issues.
My 1.9JTD is a far more reliable car, and much more responsive and enjoyable. Get the 1.8 or a JTD, the Stilo is too heavy for a 1.6 IMHO.

 

[SchumacherM]

Well, fresh 1.8 owner. Not the blue one, but a nice metallic silver.

Need to look under the steering wheel if there is a connector for CC. But so far the Stilo has impressed me with the equiptment and options avaliable, comfy ride, good power and good looks.

So far so good. :slayer: