Fiat Doblo (2001 – 2009) Review

Fiat Doblo (2001 – 2009) At A Glance

3/5

+Utilitarian looking. Bigger than Berlingo. Available with seven seats. Best with 1.3 Multijet diesel. Handles decently.

-Problems with turbos of 1.9 diesels.

Insurance Groups are between 8–15
On average it achieves 94% of the official MPG figure

Peculiar looking contraption, the Doblo. Deliberately styled to look utilitarian, almost like a pastiche of a 1930's hotel bus. The kind of car you could bump in a carpark with an even chance of it ending up looking better.

So no worries about the odd scratch, then. And the big advantage of the ‘Family' versions tested here is that they're the cheapest 7-seaters you can buy (in the UK, at least).

Fiat Doblo Family 7 seater 2004 Road Test

Real MPG average for a Fiat Doblo (2001 – 2009)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

94%

Real MPG

26–60 mpg

MPGs submitted

81

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

If I replace an engine, do I need to tell the DVLA?

"The engine in my Fiat Doblo van has broken down and the local garage that I trust has told me it needs replacing. I will do this with a reconditioned unit. Obviously the replacement unit will have a different number to the old one. Do I need to inform the DVLA of the change and, if I have to send the V5 in, can I still use my van until the replacement V5 comes back? Many thanks."
Yes, you will need to inform the DVLA of the change of engine number so it is recorded. You will then be issued with a new V5C logbook. You will need to provide the DVLA with a copy of the receipt for the replacement engine. But be very careful when buying a new or reconditioned engine. We get lots of complaints about dishonest sellers who flog worn out or substandard engines with little or no history. A trustworthy engine seller will provide a comprehensive history file for the engine and the car it originated from. The documents should show the mileage, service history and vehicle data. You should also be given a written warranty for the replacement engine, which should last from 6 to 12 months.
Answered by Dan Powell

Tyre specification for Fiat Doblo?

"I am interested in purchasing Goodyear Vector 4 Season tyres for my Fiat Doblo. Fiat’s tyre specification is 175 70 R14 T88 and I have been informed that Goodyear only make this size in T84. What does this mean and if I fit these is it likely to be a problem?"
T is the speed rating, maximum 190kmh. 84 is the load rating, maximum 500kg per tyre, whereas 88 is maximum 560kg per tyre.
Answered by Honest John

Injectors blown on 2008 Fiat 500 - what can I do?

"My 2008 Fiat 500 1.3 diesel blew it's injectors recently while travelling along a country lane. Fiat have said it’s out of warranty and won’t give me anything towards getting it repaired. I spent my life savings on this car and I’m very unhappy it has failed. What can I do?"
This is a common problem with Fiat's 1,248cc Multijet diesel engine in the 500, in Doblo vans and in Vauxhall Corsa vans. I suggest that if you do not get a favorable response from Fiat for this design defect, you contact VOSA and then get a solicitor onto the job of suing the small claims track of the county court to sue FIAT for a new engine on the grounds that the engine in your car was fundamentally faulty.
Answered by Honest John

Snapped timing belt - what's the damage?

"I have a snapped timing chain on a 1.3 multijet engine and I have heard that these engines are "safe" and as such this should not have caused internal damage. Please can anyone confirm this for me before I spend any money getting it repaired?"
No. Only the 999cc petrol 'FIRE' engine was non interference. Diesel are always interference.
Answered by Honest John
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