1998 Fiat Marea Weekend ELX 1.8 16v from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Practical, good looking family car
Faults:
Steering rack is worn & makes a knocking noise when going over bumps. Due to this the off side front tire is wearing out on the off side shoulder.
Engine sounds very course, but gets slighter better when the engine has warmed up.
Tailgate requires a firm slam to shut properly, as near side catch often fails to connect.
Slight bubbling on the plastic part of the roof bars.
Slight rust starting at top of the windscreen & rear window.
Cassette flap refuses to work, so it is constantly in the up position.
Ash-tray hinge has broken.
General Comments:
The Weekend is a good all round family car.
Could do with a bit more space in the backseats.
Good performance & handling & surprisingly good mpg over longer trips.
Great styling, probably the best looking estate car I have seen.
Flip down rear bumper prevents you from putting a standard tow bar on.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th February, 2004
28th Nov 2009, 05:30
I had the problem with wandering and swapped both wishbones - problem solved and they're not expensive if you avoid the main dealer! The rubber parts had perished, but not enough for an MOT fail.