Faults:

A few problems with the fuel injectors, they tend to get clogged quite easily.

The gears are alot more notchy than they used to be.

The single biggest problem with these cars (in general) has to be rust. Fiats are renowned for it and this is no exception.

General Comments:

Overall there is one very good reason and one very bad reason to buy this car.

The good reason is that the engine (developed by Abarth, the racing devision of Fiat) is as tough as nails. Its still boosts extremely well for a car that is 15 years old and really does fly if you let it. The fact that the car is likely to have passed through several boy racers hands and yet the engine is still extremely reliable is a testament to its build quality. For it's insurance band (11) you can't get faster.

The bad reason however is that they have placed the engine in a standard Fiat Uno shell, meaning that there are few around that haven't had welding done at some point. If you decide to buy one check everywhere, including the usual places, because they love to rust. On a minor note, the seats are stupidly uncomfortable and the interior is tacky, but no doubt few will be buying it for its comfort options.

Other than that they are great little cars and as long as you maintain them they shouldn't disappoint performance wise. Roughly 8 seconds 0-60 and 125 mph as standard.

Faults:

Water pump seal failed.

Rear wiper didn't work when car was bought (fixed)

Some welding needed on sill for MOT.

General Comments:

Great car, good performance for 999cc FIRE engine. I have replaced the four speed gearbox with a five speed one so 80-90mph is now an easy speed to reach. Car has done 161000 miles, still runs sweet and very little engine wear, has still got a lot of years left in it.

Handling pretty good, leans a bit, but grips well, fun to drive, reasonably comfortable.

Buy one with no rust if you can (sills and doors are a weak point), then spend a day rustproofing it and regular servicing should see it last for ever!

Faults:

Nothing!!!

General Comments:

This is our second car which my wife uses. I drive a 2002 Alfa 156 JTS and very nice it is too!

The Fiat has been in my family since new - 1990.

Other than general servicing the little Fiat Uno Diesel has never failed. It is very comfortabe to drive - even more so than my Alfa with full leather seats!

It delivers well over 50mpg, and whilst a little noisy when cold (it is an early Diesel) once warmed up it is fine and indeed very happy to cruise at 70mph all day long.

It has no major rust, servicing is very cheap - cam-belt change was £90 compared to my Alfa at £450!!. It uses no oil or water and is a brilliant little car.

It do suggest though that you fit good quality tyres as due to the small wheels this really does make a good difference with levels of grip and overall handling.

I know of some of these cars covering well over 250,000 miles and I am sure this one will do the same!