Faults:

Head gasket went at 30000 miles

Fan switch needed replacing - car constantly overheated.

Had to have new radiator fitted due to the above.

Brakes needed replacing often.

Ongoing problems with electrics- brake lights stopped working, headlights only dim - apparently an electrical fault.

General Comments:

Bought this car because it was cute and small enough to be cheap to run and service.

It is cheap on fuel, insurance and tax, but what you save on those areas, you will pay out again to maintain it!

It is uncomfortable and unreliable. I have spent a fortune getting bits and pieces fixed over the years. Avoiding Fiat dealers who are more expensive is problematic as mechanics find the car troublesome to work on due to its size and the way its been put together. Consequently, it ain't cheap or easy to fix!

Its value has also now depleted so much that its virtually worthless.

Faults:

My clutch failed at 27,500 miles.

The radiator has been replaced twice.

Head gasket has now gone at 45,00 0miles.

Standard exhaust corroded badly which has been replaced with a sports version.

Engine knocks badly when warm.

Faults:

- Noisy speedo cable - dealt with at first service, but recurs occasionally from time to time.

- Driver's seat-frame "clonks" when going around corners or otherwise shifting your weight.

- Sunroof & drivers door poorly sealed for draughts - too much windnoise above 60mph.

- Rear section of exhaust fell off (rusted through) after 18000 miles (a consequence of low mileage/short journeys, I suspect)- and nearly 200 GBP to replace whole system!

- Clutch is a bit fierce (but you get used to it).

May 2000, new fuel tank fitted (free of charge) after Fiat UK recall.

General Comments:

- Servicing is more expensive than you'd expect for a small car, but not excessively so - insurance is pretty reasonable though, and 40-45MPG is good considering the style of driving it encourages. Tyre wear isn't too bad either.

- There are lots of little niggles (see what's gone wrong), but none that detract too seriously.

- It's supposed to be my wife's car, but any excuse will see me behind the wheel - I love driving it (it's a real hoot!).

- Yes, it is small, but as a second car, or for people with no kids it's fine.

Faults:

So far (27K) the tracking has gone a couple of times going over potholes, otherwise no problems.

General Comments:

Great little car, the engine seems to have quite a lag when accelerating hard. Prices for Fiat dealer servicing seem overpriced (150ukp quoted).

All in all, cheap to buy and run, though insurance doesn't seem to be as cheap as I expected (any ideas?). For a first car I think I've done pretty well.

Shame there is no immobiliser (standard from June 1995).

Faults:

Clutch cable snapped one week after dealer service.

Rattly exhaust.

Rattly dash.

General Comments:

Dealer service prices v.expensive (for such a small car).

Get an Abarth front bumper, it looks the business.

Get radiator checked if someone so much as looks funny at your front bumper.

Not very comfortable on long drives and noisy at speed.

Yokohama A509's in a 165/65 x 13 are a cheap (£140 per set) replacement for pricey Pirelli's.

Change timing belt at 50k not 65k like it says in manual.

Faults:

Leaking shock absorber after only 7000 miles. No other major problems but niggling knocking noise when cornering.

General Comments:

Servicing is expensive for a small car £170+. Dealer not particularly helpful.