1992 Fiat Uno Fire 1.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Don't buy. Better off with horse and cart

Faults:

Well I hope that you have some spare time on your hands.

The first week I bought the car it needed a cylinder head gasket, then shortly after that the engine blew so I replaced the engine from a scrap yard.

It's had a complete clutch system fitted, brake discs and pads, (but the brakes still squeak even though I've changed them), drive shaft oil seal and a complete exhaust.

The rear dampers also squeak.

New cam belt.

Plugs and leads.

Distributor cap because the car was misfiring.

I also replaced the sump because the original one was corroded and leaking oil.

I have done most of these jobs myself otherwise I would have had to scrap the car.

The gear box is very poor and stiff to use.

Still, touch wood I've had no problems for six months, I don't think there's anything left to replace.

General Comments:

Don't buy one, these cars are rubbish. If you did, check the front of the sump, they have problems with corrosion due to the angle of the engine, thus very big oil leaks.

I actually bought the car for my wife two years ago as a little runner (big mistake). I even got a low mileage model with a full Fiat service history and only two former owners. I would be very interested to hear from any other Fiat Uno owners who have had similar problems or is mine a one off demon? I'll keep my eye open on this web site for further future comments on this model.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd August, 2000

4th Dec 2000, 09:03

I also am an owner of such a model (1987) and also ended up doing most of the repairs myself, otherwise I would have to start looking for a second job.

However I imagine that you had a little bit of bad luck... I have seen many Fiats in use until they almost disintegrate, and although I agree with you saying that they are rubbish, the poor little thing is a fair tradeoff. Mine has run about 160,000 miles and still consumes very little petrol (5.1 l/100km).

I hope you have more luck next time!

I will never buy a Fiat again.

Mehdi.

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1992 Fiat Uno 45 S Fire 1.0 carburettor from Portugal

Summary:

Good value for money

Faults:

Frequent electrical problems.

Clutch.

New gearbox.

Broke a transmission.

New brake discs.

The carburettor fell apart!

Water infiltration.

A very frequent problem is in the whole ignition sector, ie, cables and vacum advance valve.

General Comments:

Easy car to handle, very low costs, cheap repairs, not very comfortable.

Ideal for city driving. Ideal first car.

Bad brakes, not very safe at all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd August, 2000

1992 Fiat Uno 45 0.9 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Head gasket blew at 50,000.

New exhaust fitted, new front wheel bearing, handbrake cable replaced, new battery, faulty electrics.

Drivers door rusted through completely plus both front wings need replacing due to rust.

General Comments:

What a lemon! Though hasn't caused any problems for a long while now, if you have to buy one make sure it's an excellent example.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd December, 1998

5th Jun 2001, 17:35

You probably purchased in bad condition anyway. I have the same car and it works beautifully. A few repairs yes, exhaust change, front tire change, leaking gear box. Once sorted out it runs nicely. Worth the investment in repairs. A bit of a DIY car to some extent!

4th Aug 2001, 17:28

This is kind of strange, but I had the same common problems as you. Once repaired exhaust, tyres etc. it does run beautifully and remains reliable when maintained. It is a good car. (Formula 45 0.9)

16th Dec 2002, 04:46

Hey c'mon...it's Italian! Have you ever come to Italy? Gas is expensive, the mechanics are idiots and thieves, oil is outrageously priced and the drivers take unnecessary chances! Thus your UNO expects to be punished and repaired by YOU, the driver, requires little maintenance, or maintenance after the fact... engineered by Italians for Italians... the rest of the world has problems because of climate (no heat), or sitting in traffic (overheating plus head gasket replacement). The Italians don't use the handbrake so if it rusts... who cares if it's a marginal handbrake? Thin and rotting sheet metal? Ha! Crap Italian recycled steel and thin gage make for a light and quicker car with low cost to manufacture... strange seating position? Yes! Italians have long arms and short legs to match their Neanderthal ways... SO THERE!