Faults:

Cam-belt restrictor, causing irregular noise at low revs.

Exhaust manifold needed tightening as it was generating a squealing noise.

Reverse light switch.

Irregular rev levels when idle (1,700 rpm!) but seemed to fix itself after 50 miles.

General Comments:

Engine performance and fuel economy are excellent, I get 30mpg and driving it hard doesn't seem to affect fuel economy.

The last two Mots have only required new wiper blades and a bulb to pass!

The car has done 50k miles and is only on its second set of front brakes and tyres.

Lovely to drive, very responsive and comfortable. However, does handle poorly in the wet.

Never use Fiat for servicing, It had a full service last May which only cost £80 from local garage.

The car loves high revs, It manages 0-60 in under 8 seconds and I have reached 135mph in it.

Bought the car when it was 3 years old for £4k and it had done £20,000 miles. It has not done 50,000 and still has at least a £2,000 value.

Very pleased with the car, would definitely recommend the Marea and quiet fancy the 2.0 20v next.

Faults:

No problems so far!!!

General Comments:

The performance and handling of the car are very outstanding compared to its competitors.

Faults:

Very little. All the shocks have been replaced two or three times, but I can't complain because of the mileage they did. Busted a coil spring as well.

Had to replace trailing arm recently, but again, look at the mileage.

Dashboard got a bit shaky and started making squeaks but an hour in the garage tightened the whole thing up again.

The 'Mode' button on the radio came loose at the top.

Wing mirrors are starting to flake!????

Paint chips a bit to easy.

Everything else is still going strong.

General Comments:

Easy on the eye, easy on the wallet.

I have put a lot of miles on this car, over twisty and very bumpy Donegal roads, and it still goes like it did the day I bought it. I can't believe it still goes at all with the abuse I give it.

Feels good on the tight corners I'm used to, but get it onto the M50 and you will have fun because acceleration is excellent, even in 5th gear.

It's a 1.6 that can take on the 1.8's and a lot of 2.0's straight out of the shop. Most car magazines show a 0-60 of 10.8 seconds for this car, but I found it to be closer to 9. With a few low cost modifications, which were very easy to carry out, this time came down about 2 more seconds.

I'm changing soon, and I'm getting the 2.0 HLX.

Interior is very stylish. Nice to see someone thinking about the design of the dashboard for a change.

Dials are always easy to see, no matter how high or low the steering wheel is.

I read a few other reviews that said stuff about heavy tyre wear and bad cornering on country roads, well I'm sorry, but they should go get their ex-rentals fixed.