FIAT STILO 1.6 16V Active 5dr (2002)

Fiat Stilo - Pathetic, nearly fallen apart completely

I really thought Fiat had learnt how to make a car that would last. I'm not really sure why I thought this, given their infamy for making cars that just don't. They just sort of looked a lot more modern and up to scratch than before. Well don't just a car by the paintwork.

The Fiat Stilo had problems from the get go. Well, we got it second hand but only after 18 months. Now that was the first clue, why would any sell a car after 18 months? The salesman gave me what on reflection was an infuriatingly persuasive spiel about it being a company car or some such, and they went on a regular cycle, always sell them off and get new ones. Arrgghh!! Why am I such a chump??

So... it had a problem with the wiper motors after a few weeks. From then on it had a fairly trouble free year (almost) and then the problems started and just kept coming and coming. The struts in the tailgate, repeated problems with different bits of suspension (the garage blamed the roads!), all sorts of exciting warning lights coming on the whole time, never sure if they're actually warning me of something real or just getting confused.

One of the airbag sensors in the back failed, not reassuring! Other problems with bearings, often fails to actually start at all when the weather gets a little chilly, and it just EATS tyres. I get most problems looked at as soon as they become apparent but it still managed to fail its MoT at four years old. Sad really. There have been other problems but I can't be bothered to think of them all. Basically there have been lots, and Fiat clearly still haven't reached the stage of being able to release a car that stays together.

Frustratingly, without these problems it's actually a good car! Decent amount of space for four adults, five at a push, ok boot size, decent-ish fuel consumption, nice big sunroof and good stereo system. The bodywork has held together ok! It's got a lot going for it, but just completely let down by the constant mechanical failures.