General The End (or just a stumble)?

[buzzwoody]

On the 26th. of March my local main Fiat Dealer advertised new unregistered 1.4 Actives at £7,450 (on a par with Internet prices).

I placed an order for one and was told I would have to wait 12 weeks as there were none of the colour required in the country. I accepted this. ( I had this with my first Doblo)

I have just had a call from the Dealer to say Fiat have now said they are not accepting any orders for Doblo's that are not already in stock (i. e. have to be manufactured to order) - the Dealer has been told a letter of explanation is on its way to Dealers and my Dealer said they will be in touch with me again when this arrives.

What does one read into this?

 

[Ulpian]

Interesting. Looks like the new model is finally on the way then. I guess it will be a badged version of the new Berlingo, and therefore dearer, and the Qubo will fill the Doblo gap. They'd better put some decent engines in it if this is the case.

 

[RichDoblo120]

oh no, the end of the Doblo?
But this new car that's coming, the Qubo (I've had a look at one in the showroom) is really just an oversized Panda. It can't compete with the Doblo on space. It's not an alternative.

 

[Broadpete]

Just an alternative theory:
Many manufacturers are not accepting orders at the moment because they have closed the factories for extended holidays. They all have thousands of cars sitting around on airfields etc but if you want a spec they haven't got in stock then they won't start the factory for you.

Its only a theory. The Doblo is getting on a bit but I would of thought demand from South America, Turkey etc would keep a factory going if there wasn't a replacement ready.

 

[buzzwoody]

Thanks, seems a more rational explanation. However will they stick to the original quoted price when they restart (all Doblo prices went up a lot on the 1st. of April on the Fiat website)? - I shall just have to wait and see.

 

[Broadpete]

Are there no pre-reg ones around, or just a few months old?

I bought mine for £9500 in Dec 07 (metallic 120hp Dynamic with air-con) which seemed very competitive.....against a list of close to £12K.....but its only worth £6050 in the trade now (Glasses guide). I'm enjoying it so I'm not complaining, but if you can avoid some of that painful first year depreciation it could save you ££££s

Just looked up fiatsupasaver who are showing the 1.4 active at £8195 and mine at £10495 so your price was / is very keen.