April 2007
Im thinking of buying an 03 Seicento. Ive read HJs bit about it and have avoided the 900cc version and power steering.
Its done 39k and is pretty well immaculate, sold at a main dealer with a good prep package.
Anyway, has anyone here owned one and able to give any impressions of what problems may crop up? I imagine the later ones were the best sorted, but Im struggling with the idea that a Fiat will be reliable - its been fully serviced all its life and is certainly well cared for so Im hoping it would be and Im just judging Fiat on their earlier rubbish.
One thing I noticed - the gas pedal was sitting very high - is this normal or is it adjustable as it was arkward coming back onto the gas after braking?
I did think I could put some thick mats in the footwell to bring my feet higher up so no need to lift my foot up to drive, but wondering if this is just 'character'?
Anyone got any real world economy figures?
Thanks in advance
Stu
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Easter Holidays that is - I also hate the Christmas Holidays. Because the roads are quieter the level of Driving takes the michael.
This morning I witnessed a Van towing an Ice Cream Fast Food Type Trailer undertake the driver in front (2 Lanes, Left Lane Left Turn Only) and I only avoided the poor guy getting wiped out (He didn't realise the Van was going straight on - Why would he ?) as I saw what was happening and slammed on the horn.
Then at the next Island he nearly wipes out some poor woman in her Punto then Undertakes me as I am going right at an Island (I managed to speed ahead of him at some Traffic lights stupidly) making me swerve into the curb. A Policecar who had pulled over a van saw all this but by the time I got up the road to turn around at the next island the policecar had dissapeared typical. I have the Reg number but feel it's pointless reporting him.
Then On the way home I was nearly wiped out by another Transit Van coming round the corner of the country lanes on too fast on my side of the road. Add to this the bank holiday joy of being overtaken on an island by a scooter who then undercuts 4 cars.
I think I need a lie down ! Read more
My 1995 1L nissan micra normally runs fine but occasionally when I slow down to a junction it looses all power, judders and stops unless I rev it excessivly and drive it hard for a while and then it goes back to normal. It always starts first time everytime even straight after it plays up. I've checked fuse box and no sign of dirt or moisture. Also there is a slight rattle from the cam chain tensioner on tick over. I would be very gratefull for any suggestions! Read more
consider a chaffed hose somewhere on the intake system that is opening up on deceleration
Because one of our hobbies takes us out a lot in winter to hillier parts of the UK I finally decided to get a set of winter tyres this year. I've bought a secondhand set of 4 alloy wheels for £50 and just need 4x Goodyear UltraGrip 7 185/65 15T, £162 delivered from My Tyres, plus local fitting charges .
Is it best to get them now when demand is low or wait until the autumn and hope that production is ramped up? Read more
Looked at winter tyres for my Panda 4x4 on Mytyres and can't believe the choice available. Does anybody know which tyres would suit best. They don't list the Bridgestone Duelers fitted originally. These have performed well.
www.e-plate.com/videos/e-plate.mov
A video presentation about the forthcoming enforcement-plates. Read more
From a year ago - they're really trying to create a market.
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=38894&...e
Thinking of getting a cycle rack for my 2006 Zafira. Needs to hold 3 bikes, 2 adult and 1 childs (8 yrs). Don't want the roof rack versions nor the expense of a towbar.
Any recommendations ? Read more
I put the bike on the roof rack of the Astra yesterday in the courtyard of the hotel for some reason, then tried to drive out (of the 2m high exit garage).
Ouch.
Cue much headscratching. Hope the hotel has it on CCTV, they´ll make a mint off it on Videogag (french ´You´ve been framed´)
Not my finest moment (although there´s a lot of competition)
I have a 2005 MK3 Mondeo 2.0TDCi Zetec S - I've noticed a clunk/creak type noise at low speed pull away and deceleration. Sounds like it might come from the passenger door but maybe elsewhere. I've noticed other comments re engine mount problems but this car is less than 2 years old with only 20k on it! Any ideas?
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Still under warranty;back to the dealer.
Probably not.
I had a car-tax renewal notice in the post yesterday starting "Dear customer."
Hang on a minute! I'm not a customer! I'm a long suffering car owner who is threatened to have have my car towed away and crushed if I don't pay up.
Jeeze!
Customer? PAH!
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Patients, passengers, victims and perps may well be customers up to a point in their different ways, but honestly so what? They have better, more precise definitions (see above).
Hi
I need to touch up some scratches on the bodywork, does anybody know where I can find the paintcode or what I am looking for?
What does a paintcode look like?
It's a 1999 2.2 Limited Frontera. Log Book says it's silver but it looks more Gold to me which makes it even more confusing!
ADthanksVANCE Read more
So did my Titanium Vectra.
Firstly, sorry for two entries - thought it easier to do one problem per post.
Anyway, my Mondeo (done 75k) has a whine from about 30-60mph (after which it's probably still there but can't be heard). It is constant with speed not gear/engine revs.
Noise is worst when keeping a steady speed (ie just enough power to keep up). Less whine when under acceleration and almost no noise when off the gas or braking.
Have had wheel bearings checked - seem OK. Garage is going to check the gearbox oil this week. Browsing through other forums have seen differential noise and tyre noise suggested.
I appreciate it's difficult to judge a noise without hearing it, but any thoughts welcome.
Cheers
Gary Read more
Souds like your diff.....my C5 is just the same. Been like it for the last 45K. Just ignore it.


ive never replaced a tank
but
the siecento i have also appears to have a nice shiny new one fitted
nice to hear of the prompt attention you got