Don't listen to the people that complain about them. (Fiat Stilo)

Member Name: paul

Product:	Fiat Stilo
Date:	10/02/07 (2185 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Punchy engine, good looks. Reliable!

Disadvantages: No leg room in 3 door

I have owned a 2003 Stilo JTD 115 3 door for the last 2 years and 20,000 miles. I bought the car after being suitably impressed by the wifes Stilo Abarth (which had to go before she lost her licence) and wanted something bigger than the Clio I had.

The car had 16,000 miles on it, a full service history and was picked up for the Clio plus £1500- a bargain.

Initial impressions were one of quality, performance and incredibly small rear passanger space for the size of car. Not a problem as I've yet drive it from the back seat.

This impression has continued in the time I've owned it and despite what many people have said about the car, it has proved totally reliable.

I've been driving for twenty years, owned various makes and the Stilo has proved to be one of the most reliable and best I've owned.

Performance is good- enough to out run business reps in their Mondeos and the engine torquey enough to pull a caravan and everything that goes with it, with ease.

Running costs are cheap if you avoid main dealer services (£350 for a 2 hour, 24000 mile service but £150 at an independant garage)- group 6 insurance, £110 car tax a year and an average of 45-50 mpg.

Only faults to date are-
ABS warning light coming on occasionally at start up- quickly sorted by turning the ignition off and on again, 2 bulbs, and a nice dent in the front door courteous of someone in the works car park.

A modification was recently made to the suspension as part of a safety recall (free) due to the risk of it collapsing through corrosion.

All in all its definitely a car I would recommend. If you want more rear space, go for the 5 door or Wagon. If you want performance go for the Abarth (watch the speed cameras though).

Summary: A mis-judged car thats better than most.

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