Faults:

The only problem was a really big one - the cambelt snapped and destroyed every single valve as a result.

General Comments:

I really liked the looks and the interior of the car; it was something different and the seats were very supportive. The digital dashboard was a cool thing to have, even if it brought no practical benefit! The only real comfort issue was the lack of headroom - I had to sit with my head under the sunroof to gain the extra couple of centimetres required, or slouch down in my seat to fit in.

One thing that always struck me was the lack of rust anywhere on the car, despite it being kept outdoors in all weathers. I had grown up with tales of Italian cars falling apart from rust, and it was a very pleasant surprise to have one that was so solid.

The car was fun on back roads, relaxing on the motorway, and easy to drive and park in town; there wasn't a situation where I found myself wishing I was in something else. It was also a proper 5-seater with decent rear space. I loved driving this car; so much so, that after the cambelt problem I got the head rebuilt. Unfortunately the car was never the same again after the rebuild; it had to have the mixture changed to make it run properly, but that made it incapable of passing the emissions test at the MOT...

I'd have one of these as a runabout even today, if only there were any still on the road.

Faults:

Failed digital dashboard at 8,000 miles. Replaced under warranty.

Snapped cam belt at 80,000 miles resulting in one bent valve. Suspect that the main dealer didn't change it at the scheduled service.

Crank sensor failed at 100,000 miles.

Rear wiper stopped working at 120,000 miles.

Central locking failed at 150,000 miles. Disconnected as couldn't lock the car.

Rear window winder plastic cogs worn out at around 150,000 on both sides so can't raise the glass.

Starter motor failed at 180,000 miles.

Alternator failed at 200,000 miles.

Repeated cracked exhaust manifold and down-pipes.

Various clutches, exhaust parts, batteries and other semi-consumables have been replaced.

Lots of rust on rear sub-chassis. While the bodywork is largely intact, seventeen British winters has slowly corroded the underside.

General Comments:

I bought this car new in 1990. It was the first car I ever owned - company cars before that.

It has served us remarkably well for nearly eighteen years both as an only car and then latterly as a second. It has let us down only three times in over 216,000 miles.

New, the car was by far the best choice on the market at the time. The alternatives were the Astra, Escort, Renault 19, Rover 216. The only car even approaching its practicality and drive-ability was the Golf. But the Fiat was much more innovative.

I did most of the servicing on the car from when it was about four years old and used mobile mechanics for the trickier stuff.

The gearbox and engine are original and are in remarkably good nick for their age.

So it's sad that I'm taking the car to the breakers today. The rust underneath has eaten away at the rear sub-chassis and bodywork and, while repairable, it would cost far too much to put right.

To our beloved Tipo - thank you.

Faults:

Gearbox and clutch were replaced shortly after purchase (87k) due to serious wear!

Leak somewhere caused water to collect in passenger foot-well.

Various oil leaks.

Annoying small items needed replacing frequently - hoses, clips, plastic bits that weren't moulded properly in the first place and fell off.

Needed to repair stitching on driver's seat at c. 100k miles.

Rear wiper needed to be removed when it seized and filled the interior of the car with black smoke.

Wheels never stayed tracked or aligned for long.

Alternator gave out at 110k.

And plenty of others minor things...

General Comments:

Didn't really let me down badly, but just didn't inspire much confidence.

Feels like it's made from fairly good materials (especially exterior) but bolted together by monkeys - take a panel off and see where bits and pieces have had to be sanded, re-threaded or otherwise jerry-rigged to make it fit something else.

Being one one of the first galvanised cars, it won't rust. (without dire provocation)

Supposed to have a really well designed chassis with good torsional rigidity.

Good visibility.

Chronically underpowered, with an annoying flat-spot under hard acceleration.

It likes to ROLLLLL! Get used to driving sedately.

Really enormous cabin (for those in front anyway). Could drive a bus between driver & passenger.

Still preferable to alternatives in price range - more expensive Astra may be faster, but is uncomfortable & is like an old tin can.

I was fond of it and liked many aspects of it... but was relieved to get rid of it.

Faults:

A few minor things you would expect from a car of this age and mileage;

Exhaust downpipe.

Rear silencer.

Heater matrix.

General Comments:

An excellent first car, not as cheap to insure as I would expect. Quite pokey for a 1.4, handles well albeit with a fair amount of body roll.

Cheap spares, excellent steering with bags of feel. If a Tipo is what you are after the 2.0 16v is a real storm, but very few around (only 600 imported to the UK).

Have to say this car has got me hooked on the Italian marque, my next car being the Alfa 145 2.0 Cloverleaf (another rarity).

Faults:

New alternator at 90,000.

New coil at 100,000.

Heating doesn't work - still investigating.

New shocks all round at 90,000.

Problems with the exhaust manifold gasket. It keeps cracking every 10,000 miles.

Nearside electric window motor fittings became unattached, so window at the moment is unusable.

New clutch at 95,000 miles.

General Comments:

The room inside still amazes me for the size of the car. The rear doors open very wide. Overall the comfort factor is great.

The handling is very responsive and it hugs bends very well.

Faults:

Many Electrical Failures.

General Comments:

Engine Motor is very good.

230,000 Kms and still O.K. !!!