Some months ago I submitted an opinion on the Fiat Stilo car, The op was based on what I had read about the car and the 2 test-drives I had in it . Some members quite correctly pointed out that an opinion should be based on personal experience over a length of time so hopefully this op should now correct this.
I bought The Fiat Stilo 1.6, 16 valve Dynamic in metallic blue, in July and have been putting it through its paces ever since. I must admit I didn't buy a brand new one as this would have cost me £12000.00, what I got was a one year old model with 11000 miles on the clock for £8400.00, which in my opinion was a bargain.
Now to the important bit, How the car drives
. The first thing you notice when getting into a Stilo is how high up you feel ( this is with the seats at there lowest setting) , this in turn gives you excellent visibility . The instrument lay out is very well thought out with every thing in easy reach ( I haven't had to take my eyes off the road to find a button at any time) , and the music system controls are situated in the centre consol so both the driver and the passenger can use them easily. In the few months that I have had the car I have added several thousand miles to the clock , this is made up of Urban , Motorway and a little off road ( I took the wrong turn once hence the off road). I must admit when driving in the city the car handles the road very well the suspension handles bumps well giving a smooth ride , and unless you are driving way to fast it will handle the sharpest cornering with ease. The engine is very responsive I haven't come across any flat spots , I put my foot down and it moves ( if anything it can move a little to fast if your not ready for it ) my wife found this a little unnerving at first but she soon got used to it. On the motorway it is a dream to drive getting up to 70 mph takes no time with out any strain and it just purrs along in 5th gear hugging the lane like its glued down, but when needed it has the power to just pile on the mph . I must admit I have the speed alarm set to 85mph ( the speed alarm emits a loud beeping noise and flashes a warning on the dash board when you reach the set speed , it goes off when you drop below it) because when cruising along in this car it easy to go over the speed limit, not that I ever have. I have heard that these cars are not very economical to run , well all I can say is , they must have had a hole in their tank, as I'm getting around 35 to 40 mpg and that's driving mostly in town.
Now for the important part ( well for men these are important) The GADGETS. For the price that I paid i.e. £8400.00 I got 5 track multi changer CD Air con ABS, and electronic brake force, ( see original op for description of EBF) Multi function computer Air bags , driver , passenger , side , rear and in the front seats. ( these can be switched on and off if you’re driving alone) A fold out table in the rear of the passenger seat ( why they didn't put one in both seats baffles me) Colour coded bumpers and mirrors ( this is for the ladies as they like colour coordination) Courtesy lights that can be switched on and off individually ( front and rear) 2 glove compartments ( one of these can be used as a cooler compartment , which is a bit strange in my opinion) And 7 cup holders. ( I cant figure out why 7 as the car seats 5 people) Most of these are listed in my first op, but as you can see gadget wise the list is impressive, and yes I can hear people say the more gadgets the more that can break down, Well the only problem I have had up to now is a blocked throttle housing , this happened in the second week and was promptly fixed by my Fiat dealer.
When you add what you get included in the car and the handling and performance of the vehicle with the 3 year parts and labour warranty , I personally believe this has to be one of the best mid range cars on sale at the moment.
The interior of the car is in my wife's words plush , the seats are well upholstered and very comfy. the trim is not to plastic looking and well put together.
I must admit though before buying this car I had read a couple of ops about the Stilo, and they weren't very flattering , so doubts were placed in my mind, But I am a stubborn so and so and I have to find out for myself ( even if it meant buying a lemon), But I am happy to say that I have found to my delight that I am more than happy with the Fiat Stilo.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Hatchback - Front (FWD) - 5 Speed Manual Gearbox - 1910 cc - Max Speed: 118, 119 mph - 115 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: Dynamic, Active AirCon, Active
So near the VH, add servicing costs and the insurance group and let me know..Baz
Connoisseur_Haggler 05.11.2003 13:18
Hi, I've amended my rating and I'm so GLAD you decided to re-write this after owning /driving it as since May 2003 (when I first read this opinion) Ive been given a STILO msyelf to drive and in a word I was impressed by the car's comfort and precise handling, steering was good. There were however, a few small niggles -under the drivers seat when one tries to pull seat forward the seat is left in a sharp plastic and its eay to cut yourself, did you notice this? In my car the seats upholstered underneath so its not possible to cut,scratch yourself, this is such a shame as the car was so comfortable as you say , and plush in your words'! Great handling, precise and comfortable. I have to ask you one thing though what are servicing costs like at main FIAT dealer? or private garage? Have you taken this car for a service yet? Initially this car will please but I feel Fiat may have skipped a few corners, though at the price its a good car and one I may even consider myself! Cheers-CH (Motors Category Asst.)
nictastic 01.06.2003 11:00
the fiat stilo looks nice, my boyfriend had a punto though and had a lot of trouble with it mechanically, but i wouldnt say no to them, cars are always a bit of a gamble, ive just bought a KA, and his fiesta is now playing up, so it just goes to show, good op, nic
May 21st, 2003
(Nov 5th, 2003)
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