Faults:

Cambelt replaced straight away.

Wishbone had to be replaced because of the worn joints.

Backbox and downpipe replaced.

Fuel injector light came on a lot.

Knocking noise from near side front suspension.

Brake pipe broke resulting in no brakes.

Faulty transmission when sold, not sure what it was. Most likely the clutch or mater/slave cylinder.

Discs and pads all round.

General Comments:

Was told by my local mechanic that this is a hideous car to work on, as Fiat kindly managed to fit everything in un-accessible places. Unfortunately mine was a rust bucket, which also didn't help when coming to replace parts, many tools got broke.

Cambelt replacement is exceptionally expensive, but don't be fooled into thinking it's an engine out job. Even so, expect to pay £400+ from a specialist or £1000+ if taken to Fiat.

On the positive side, the HGT was lovely and comfortable with an effortless drive. Interior is an acquired taste with very flowing lines, but I loved it.

Handling is adequate, but steering is quite light and a little lifeless.

From a car with a 2 litre 5 cylinder engine, I would expect more than the 147BHP it knocks out, but even so it wasn't slow, although you do have to rev it to get the most out of it. The 5 cylinder engine sounds sweet.

They have depreciated loads, so it's very easy to find a bargain out there that still looks great today.

Faults:

Hole in exhaust down pipe.

Rear wiper is faulty.

Electric fault, wires had shorted and melted each other.

Speedo stopped working.

General Comments:

Nippy car, good 0-60.

Good on motorways.

Nice interior if you have the leather (which I do) :-)

Power steering is very light.

Quite good handling.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong very good car.

General Comments:

Very good car part from having to reset ecu unit when induction kit was taking off.

If you need to know how to do this just disconnect - on battery for 45 minutes reconnect start car, but don't rev for 5 minutes and factory settings will be restored.

I find that this model is better on fuel than the 1.4 model.

Faults:

Sunroof motor relay broke - £7 Ebay (with motor) Resold Motor without relay £5.

General Comments:

Car has been excellent to learn to drive. Can be a little thirsty. Satisfying to drive. Reliable. Parts easy to buy without going to main dealer.

Faults:

Brake master cylinder is leaking and needs replacing soon.

Manifold-down pipe gasket on exhaust blowing.

Steering rack gaiters have split.

General Comments:

The car is reliable and runs very well, however the build quality is now starting to show through.

The interior has a few rattles and squeaks, but that is to be expected in a 6-year-old car.

The brake master cylinder has now started to leak which is very worrying as the brakes fade very fast on hills.

The brakes also squeak very often now, had solved the problem temporarily with copper grease, but its since returned.

The gaiters on the power steering rack have split, allowing some power steering fluid to leak.

On the whole though I am very pleased with the car, the ride is comfortable, the 1.4 engine is nippy with good rev range, not thirsty on petrol, and the handling is very satisfying.

The boot is also very useful, with seats folded flat I could easily fit two washing machines in the back!

Bodywork repairs were expensive when a cyclist hit me on the front end, but the car is Italian so the parts are pricey.

No serious faults so far though, with regular maintenance I'm sure the car will stay reliable until I change it.