Hey ppl,

Im lookin to buy a Fiat uno turbo, i was just wondering:-

1. What is better the mk 1 or 2 (1300 or 1400)
2. Also where can i find a good one
3. What things should i be looking out for?
4. How much would be a reasonable price for one?

Any assistance would be grateful, Thank you.

Welcome to the forum :wave:

Firstly, we have a specific Uno section so you'll get more advice if you go there: https://www.fiatforum.com/uno/

1. What is better the mk 1 or 2 (1300 or 1400)

Mk2's are more plentiful, slightly more powerful and faster than mk1's. However, a good mk1 will fetch more money as they're now established as classic cars and are more 'retro'. The mk2 isn't far behind though. Mk1's are suppedly more 'raw' to drive, probably as they're lighter and don't have as good sound deadening as a mk2. Both are now rare cars so really you take the best one you can find, be it mk1 or mk2 unless you really have a preference for the styling of one over the other.

2. Also where can i find a good one

Ebay, Pistonheads, Gumtree etc. Or try asking on the Turbocollective website. Be prepared to look long and hard to find a good one.

3. What things should i be looking out for?

Rust.

Blown turbos. Shagged gearbox. Smokey/ noisey engines. Tacky Chav modifications. The cleaner and more standard the car the better. All mods should be directed at the engine and suspension.

4. How much would be a reasonable price for one?
Difficult to put a price tag on one. Clean and standard mk1's are fetching a minimum of £1000, though really you're looking at £1500 - £2000. Exceptional cars can go for much more. Mk2's are worth slightly less but it all depends on condition. Modded cars might go for a bit more only if we're talking suspension and engine work (need rolling road graphs as proof rather than pub boasting!), but bad bodykits and tacky paint jobs will likely make it worth less. Generally the more it's been hacked about the more it will be devalued.

Basically you're going to have to look hard to find a nice one and also pay a good price unless you're very lucky. The days of the bargain Uno Turbos are long gone with prices rising as both mk1's and mk2's head towards classic status.

Good luck with your search

Excellent summary there Chas

I would like to also add a mention of the alternatives to the Uno Turbo - other FIATs to consider: the Tipo Sedicivalvole, the Punto GT. As the price of a good Uno Turbo goes up, and as most Uno Turbos become more rusty, it may be worth evaluating those two alternatives; more modern, the use of galvanised steel, possibly more practical as everyday cars, something more likely to be in the condition of "getting in and turning the key".

Many Uno Turbos are probably nearing the point of needing a total restoration, a complete strip of the bodyshell to allow proper de-rusting and repainting. Is this within your plan as a buyer?

Unos are renowned for electrical faults, yet mine has been very reliable - probably because it is kept in a garage and used rarely, usually thrashed mercilessly at track events.

I came to the conclusion recently that the Uno Turbo makes a natural racecar. FIAT has made many performance improvements for you - all you have to do is remove most of the flimsy interior, and it's ready.

The Mk2 has more suitable trim for daily use, but is still missing the modern-car features such as airbags, air conditioning, traction-control. I suspect for the same money as a good Mk2 Uno Turbo, you could probably buy all manner of newer cars for daily use.

Other than that, I don't have much to add

-Alex