General What to look for

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General What to look for

tony_m

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What to look for when buying a fiat coupe. I haven't found a thread on this and its a motor I always wanted since it was first released. So what are the common problems in a s/h Coupe?
 
Hi
Fiat dealers quote £1200 to change the cambelt.
So check that it has been done recently.
 
For a 20VT specialists like Motormech and Power Ialtia it will cost around £400-£450 for the belts, about the same for the clutch.

Common 20VT problems can include a failed thermostat (low running temps), cracked exhaust manifold, slipping clutch, failed turbo seals (usually due to a decat) and corroded oil cooler pipes. By this point most 20VTs will have had at least 1 belt change and the oil cooler and pipework replaced. There is a more comprehensive list on the FCCUK.

(y)
 
If its got a sun roof, its worth looking at that the seal has not gone. They tend to leak even if they have dirt trapped inbetween.
Also, check to see if the rear wiper jet washer works. These cars tend to have problems with the pump and ppl turn off the rear washer to give more power to the front.

As already mentioned, cambelt is the big thing, but also have a look at the rear suspension as these are prone to go.

Airbag light issues if an aftermarket headunit has been fitted.

Oh just to add, the factory meta alarms are real "crap". when the weather is hot, they tend to go off!!

Hey, make sure you check you have 3 keys and tags. The silver key, the blue key and the red key with tags. It is important you have the red key with the tags cuz if you dont you cannot make a spare key without replacing the ignition barrel.

Oh, as a tip, never leave the handbreak up during the winter as they tend to freeze up!!

Apart from that, these cars are Fantastic if looked after!!
 
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Of all the Fiats I have owned over the years my yellow (colour name 'Broom') 20V Turbo must rank as one of my favourite cars. I would have another in an instant but to be quite honest I just couldnt drive it without having the cambelt changed - just to make sure it has been done. £3k + if it breaks ( i guess?). So if you have no service history absolutley confirming that it has been done + the idler pulley too, tread with great caution ££££ costs will be heading your way.

May well be the reason you see less and less of them on the road??? It is realy a job for the Fiat specialists to do, imo, you would need to be a fairly dedicated, or desperately broke DIY guy to tackle a cambelt change on the 20V turbo in your back yard.

Get ready to flash your lights at approaching fellow same colour Coupes, it all part of the deal!!!

Nj
 
you would need to be a fairly dedicated, or desperately broke DIY guy to tackle a cambelt change on the 20V turbo in your back yard.


Nj

Why??? The coupe cambelt, waterpump, tensioner, idler and aux belt once the engine is moved over, which did not take very long is no more difficult than a 2.0 mondeo zetec. ;)

If you are not a competant mechanic then you should not attempt any cambelt without supervision.

I would however point out that, having a specialist (motormech or poweritalia) doing your cambelt you are sure that the job will be done right and after the price of all the parts the labour is not too bad at all.
the stamp will also look good in the service history.

Just remember though that with mechanics and garages there is a middle ground. Not all garages other than specialists are bad.
 
hello mate,

key things to look for are

Manifolds, see if its cracked.
conditon of brakes
if it use's oil
what oil they use in the car
service history
if its had a clutch (depending on millage ect)

also if the owner knows his stuff then you can relax, or go to the fiat coupe forum and buy on there.
 
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