The Fiat Bravo, a stylish hatchback, offers a touch of Italian flair to the New Zealand market. While visually appealing and relatively affordable, potential buyers should be aware of specific issues and maintenance considerations.
Common issues with the Fiat Bravo include electrical problems (central locking, windows), suspension wear (especially on rough NZ roads), and turbocharger issues on the turbocharged petrol engines. Check for oil leaks from the engine and gearbox. The Dualogic automated manual transmission (if equipped) can also be problematic.
WOF tips
WOF inspectors will pay attention to tyre condition, brake performance, and suspension components. Rust, particularly around the floor pan and wheel arches, is a potential concern. Ensure all lights are functioning correctly, including the fog lights. In particular, check the lights for water ingress, which can cause corrosion to the bulb contacts.
About the Fiat Bravo D Multijet
The Fiat Bravo offers a more mature and substantial alternative to the smaller Fiat 500, while they are more or less the same underneath. They present the same pitfalls, but do it with more presence on the road. The multi-jet diesels are considered a reliable option, if this suits your driving, and come with some amazing economy. However, they are becoming more common, and availability of parts are becoming limited. Be realistic when purchasing these.
Questions owners ask
What are the most common problems to look out for with a FIAT BRAVO 2007–2014 in New Zealand?
Owners of the FIAT BRAVO 2007–2014 often report electrical issues, particularly with central locking and power windows. Suspension wear is also common, especially given New Zealand's varied road conditions. If you're looking at a turbocharged petrol model, be aware of potential turbocharger problems. Always check for oil leaks from the engine and gearbox, and if the car has the Dualogic automated manual transmission, be aware it can be problematic.
What should a WOF inspector pay close attention to on a FIAT BRAVO 2007–2014?
For a FIAT BRAVO 2007–2014, WOF inspectors in New Zealand will specifically check tyre condition, brake performance, and suspension components. Rust is a potential concern, particularly around the floor pan and wheel arches. Ensure all lights are working, including fog lights, and pay close attention to any water ingress in the light units, which can corrode bulb contacts.
Are the diesel engines in the FIAT BRAVO 2007–2014 reliable?
The multi-jet diesel engines in the FIAT BRAVO 2007–2014 are generally considered a reliable option and offer excellent fuel economy. However, as these vehicles become more common, the availability of specific parts for these engines can become limited.
Where can I get replacement suspension parts for my FIAT BRAVO 2007–2014 in NZ?
CARFIX stocks 140 SKUs for the FIAT BRAVO 2007–2014, including common wear items like suspension components. You can find a range of parts to address the common suspension wear issues often seen on these vehicles, especially given New Zealand's roads.
What's the recommended service interval for a FIAT BRAVO 2007–2014?
The recommended service interval for a FIAT BRAVO 2007–2014 is every 10,000km. Regular servicing is crucial, especially considering potential reliability issues with electrical systems and the Dualogic transmission if fitted.
Is the FIAT BRAVO 2007–2014 a good car to buy in New Zealand?
The FIAT BRAVO 2007–2014 offers Italian styling and can be an affordable option. However, potential reliability issues, particularly with electrical systems, suspension, and the Dualogic transmission, should be carefully considered. A pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended, and it's wise to budget for potentially higher maintenance costs compared to some other marques.