Click4Group Car Warranty - Car Warranty For A Fiat Stilo

Fiat Stilo 2002-7

The Stilo is available with various engines: petrol ranges from a 1.2 litre, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 the popular 1.9 JTD to a 2.4 litre 20 valve with the 115bhp being the biggest engine-wise. Purchasing an extended car warranty on this vehicle is highly recommended. They often go wrong and when they they go wrong, it will cost you money.

The most basic of Fiat Stilo models - the 1.2 Activ - has an effective punchy engine for its size. It also has plenty of bits & pieces, including remote locking, four airbags, front fog lights & anti-lock brakes.

The 1.9 JTD turbodiesel Activ is smooth & very economical, but more costly - naturally. Expect a mile per gallon of around 50 which is great! Equipment levels are reasonable on all of the models; up the range items such as keyless entry & alloy wheels are also available. The options list can be lengthy so it's worth checking over any used cars carefully.

It is possible to find a used Stilo with the optional Connect Nav+ satellite navigation system: they are rare because of the extra £1,400 price but they are one of the most advanced systems available. As well as the 7in colour screen it provides additional services. It can be controlled manually or via voice commands; a telephone connects to a call centre manned by operators who can provide information on traffic & weather conditions, sourcing a bank or even booking a hotel! On used cars you'll expect to pay around £500 more for a car with the system.

The Stilo could actually be one of the nicest cars Fiat has ever made. The three-door model is sportier with good levels of grip due to the wide track. The five-door models feel slightly softer. With the diesel, the extra weight of the engine gives you firmer suspension. With the drive, the Stilo feels alert & responsive, especially with the sharp steering & throttle. The gearchange is a bit bouncy but nether less slick, while the Selespeed semi-auto is jerky on upshifts. The petrol engines need lots of revs but they are smooth, the JTD has torque & is strong. All of the engines are quiet at speed. The rolling can be excessive through bends, but a really decent drive around town. It is softly sprung for easy family motoring. It steers well & parks easily.

On the inside the Fiat is spacious, but not as comfortable for some, as they find the seats hard - despite height-adjustable front seats - & the pedal positions can be awkward. It could be said that the interior layout is its downfall, never mind how good it might appear. However there is easy access to the back seats in the five-door, but a struggle in the three-door. The rear seats split, fold 60:40 & do go completely flat; on higher-spec models they also recline by up to 30 degrees.

There are picnic tables in the back of the seats, a great idea but they do tend to take up legroom & space in the back, and in fact are not particularly study, especially when a toddler is involved! There is a hidden box behind the dashboard which gives a great security measure, it also houses the autochanger. The boot is a an excellent size & is easy to access and there are plenty of great little cubby holes, cupholders and various nooks and crannies around the vehicle. The dashboard also features an air-conditioned/heated storage space for cooling and warming drinks (higher-spec models only). There are 3 point rear centre seatbelts & two Isofix points for child seats are standard.

Fuel economy is very reasonable most of the models in the range. The 1.2 tops 40mpg overall, the 1.9 diesel gets nearly to 50mpg, & the 1.6 petrol manages 38mpg. Insurance-wise, the 1.2-litre model is in the low group 4, the others fall within group 7 or lower. The 2.4 Abarth has a staggering group 14 rating.

It has been noted that unfortunately the Stilo has been plagued with faults. The gearbox failures are the most expensive of the car's known problems, & head gaskets can blow on 1.2 engines, particularly if coolant changes are left longer than the recommended three years. Also look out for problems from the suspension, as faults are common. The car tracks must be regularly corrected as the Stilos can pull to one side & wear their tyres unevenly, wearing the tread within just a few thousand miles.This will cost you alot in tyres, mine need replacing each and every year.

The electrics have also been disappointing, very disapointing! Airbag warning lights, for example, frequently flash. In April 2003, Stilos were recalled over faults with the cooling fan control unit. ECU faults are also depressingly common. Mine has recently failed and replacement costs are high! Warnings often flash up on instrument panel without there being a fault. The headlights sometimes suffer from water condensation. Fuel filler flaps are flimsy and often break.

That being said, all of the above are problems which are by no means exclusive to the Stilo and in fact are common among a great many vehicles. If you are wise enough to check everything out before committing to a purchase, the Fiat Stilo can be a great used car, giving many years of value and practical functionality.

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The opinions expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily held by the Click4Group unless specifically stated. The material is for general information only. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.