1990 Fiat Uno Formula 0.9
Summary:
Magic little car
Faults:
Starter motor failed- replaced from scrap yard for £5.
Head gasket leak - replaced myself in 2 hours, gasket cost £7.
General Comments:
This is a really great little car, roomy, amazingly nippy and very reliable.
Have done some really long drives in her with no problems, she will take running at 80 mph all day with no complaints.
The 900cc ohv engine is very robust, doesn't burn oil & is surprisingly speedy.
It's best to replace the tyres for 155/13's instead of the stock 136's as they just don't provide enough grip, go to the scrappy and get some off a Uno 60S.
The doors seem to be the only part of these that suffers from rust, the rest of the car is very solid, if you catch it on the doors fast enough and treat it, you'll be fine.
When this one is worn out, I will definitely get another, maybe a model with a FIRE engine, as these are supposed to be really good.
All in all I can say these are brilliant, fun to drive and very easy to look after. Go get one.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th July, 2003
12th Jul 2001, 06:45
The Uno turbo that now sits on my mates drive, was my first car. Being 18, Insurance was going to cost me 4k per annum on 3rd party only. The temptation to get insured on it was heightened by the fact that the previous owner spent over 10k modifying the car, promptly lost his licence and sold the car to me to pay the court fines. So what with it being a pocket rocket and having more gadgets than the Star Ship Enterprise, I couldn't resist taking it for a lick up at the local Airfield. The Quick rack, soon gets rid of any handling issues, the adjustable bleed valve on the dash makes for a more manageable drive, the 18" alloys look the part, and the adjustable rods make cornering a joy. Acceleration is phenomenal. After the 1.4 has gone about half way through the band, the Turbo will pin you to your seat. Lag is an issue, however if you know how to drive a turbo, you will find this soon becomes something you are greatfull for. If it becomes a "drag", the closed loop dump valve my friend has now fitted, sorts it out! It's advisable to get a straight through exhaust system, Jan speed always come up trumps, copper gaskets are advisable if your going to up the Turbo. All these things were marred by the fact that it's Italian, and rusts for a pastime, both front doors and bonnet are almost see through! Other than that Fantastic.