About me:Still away from Ciao, logged in for the first time in ages ! Hope to be back soon though.
Member since:28.05.2003
Reviews:50
Members who trust:81
Review rated by 27 Ciao members on average: helpful
This review received a counterstatement by a party concernedRead Comment
Earlier this year I bought a 1997 R reg Fiat Marea 1.6 elx auto estate, with 70,000 on the clock.
Prior to this I owned a Jaguar XJ6 and was shocked when the insurance company wanted MORE to insure this !!!!
The Fiat, however, is very nice to drive with lots of creature comforts, although Fiat did not put a cd player in the car which I think is a bit of a shame.
Although the car is only 6 years old there is already some signs of rust - on the roof and wheel arches which is a bit of a let down.
The car recently failed to start and being automatic I was unable to bump start it. The starter motor was knackered and Fiat wanted around £170 for a new one (at first I thought the price must have been in Lira !!!!), but I managed to get a reconditioned one for about £100. Be warned Fiat parts are notoriously pricey :-(
If you are planning on buying one, also ensure the car has the red master key, without it you may come a cropper if the car needs anything electrical to be tested !
Apart from the above shortcomings, the car is roomy and comfortable and is also modern and sleek.
For some reason this car has not been a good seller for Fiat, probably because I cannot recall it ever being advertised, which is a bit of a shame as the car does have a lot going for it.
I purchased mine under book value which makes the repair costs I have incurred a bit easier to swallow, but I feel the reliablility of the car could be better.
Hi Mark, It's quite funny to look at your old reviews compared with recent ones! I'll be back over the weekend to catch up with others in an effort to help you on your way to that orange dot. Take care. Christina ;-) x
by (81%):
18.05.2004 01:51
I'm pretty sure the insurance is partly based on the cost of spare parts / repairs ≈≈≈≈{; -)-{{:::::|||||<
17.05.2004 08:35
One to avoid then. No nookie in this one then lol
14.05.2004 09:20
Hi Mark, It's quite funny to look at your old reviews compared with recent ones! I'll be back over the weekend to catch up with others in an effort to help you on your way to that orange dot. Take care. Christina ;-) x