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What To Look For and Ask

Red Keys & Code Card

Early models, especially the 1.4 suffered from cambelt failure at an early stage. Whilst Fiat recommended a 72,000 mile life, the reality was a lot less. If you are buying any Bravo check for any history of a cam belt change if the car has done over 30,000 miles. If the car has done over 40,000 miles without a cambelt change factor in a bill of £200 to £400 for any model except the HGT where this will cost up to £800 because it is an engine out job. Ideally we suggest a change at least every 40,000.

Its Italian and therefore the old saying rings true "You can get some of the electrics working some of the time but not all of the electrics working all of the time". If you don't have a sense of humour walk away. General faults are rear wiper not working and poor headlights. All fixable but be wary of cars with faulty toys. If something isn't working ask why. If the owner says that they haven't got round to it, walk away as you don't want to find out what else he hasn't got round to!

All the engine in the range are reliable. The 1.4 is known for being very uneconomical which was why it was dropped in favour of the 1.2 on the series 2 models. The lower size engines are generally very good though and are easily capable of pushing the car along at speed if required. The 1.6 and 1.8 are the better option if you intend to do a higher mileage. The 2.0 models are real class beaters, with the later 155 20V benefiting from variable valve timing, but beware the running costs of fuel (>25 mpg) and cambelt changes (circa £800)

The gearbox has proved to be reliable, especially the auto box. There have been instances reported of "snatching" in lower gears but it hasn't deteriorated further in any case.

Steering, Suspension & Brakes

All the Bravo's are well rust proofed, Fiat made a special effort with this car to re-launch themselves after a period of poor quality. We have no reports of rust problems on any version, however do check for accident damage (especially my HGT in future years!)

Same as any other car in reality. If the car has been maintained by a dealer then it should have been services correctly - we emphasis should here! Whilst it may not add value to a car over 5 years old with a heap of miles on the clock, it will make it easier to sell. No service history, knock a good £250 off the price or walk away if you do not feel comfortable.

The servicing on the petrol models is every 12,000 miles. The costs are pretty much on par with most vehicles in this class, however the 24,000 can cost upwards of £200 at a Fiat dealer. As mentioned before you will need to do a cambelt change every 40,000 with prices going from £200 for a 1.4 to £800 for a 2.0, however its cheaper than an engine rebuild!

Mechanical parts availability is very good as you would expect. Most of the items are reasonably priced although you will pay a premium at the Fiat parts counter! Bodywork is a different matter with reports of 3 month waiting lists (it wasn't just me!) for panels. Remember that Fiat shutdown every summer so don't prang it in July!

Always a good mix of reaction when you ask this. It largely depends on your journey type and driving style. The 1.4 was notoriously bad as is the HGT with both returning between 20 and 24mpg. The 1.2 is a very good engine and the 1.6 and 1.8's about average. The diesels are about average.

Vehicle Check Sites

Series 1 - 09/95-98

Standard Equipment

Bravo S
1.4 12V
TD75

Bravo SX
1.4 12V
1.6 16V
TD 100

Bravo HLX
1.6 16V
1.8 16V

Bravo HGT
2.0 20V

Series 2 - 98-01

Standard Equipment

Bravo SX
80 16V
100 16V
JTD
JTD105

Bravo HLX
100 16V
100 JTD
115 16V

Bravo HGT
155 20V

Trofeo
80 16V
100 16V