The Fiat Strada is an unusual sight on New Zealand roads. This compact pickup, based on Fiat's small car platforms, offers a unique blend of car-like handling and utility. While not a heavy-duty workhorse, it can be a practical choice for light commercial use or for those who need a versatile vehicle for carrying equipment. Due to generally rugged use and variable maintenance, a careful inspection is critical.
• Rust in the cargo bed, sills, and underbody.
• Suspension wear (especially rear leaf springs or torsion bars).
• Engine and transmission oil leaks.
• Clutch wear (especially in vehicles used for towing or carrying heavy loads).
• Electrical problems with lights and accessories.
• Damage to the cargo bed from heavy use.
• Rust is a major consideration.
• The structural integrity of the cargo bed is critical.
• Suspension and brakes must be in good working order.
• All lights, including cargo bed lights, must function correctly.
• Tyres must be appropriate for a light commercial vehicle.
The Strada typically features a small petrol engine, with the 1.2L or 1.4L being common. These are generally reliable when properly maintained. Being a light utility vehicle, suspension components are often worked harder than in passenger cars. Rust can be a problem, especially in areas prone to wear and tear like the cargo bed and undercarriage. Stradas are often found in a poor state of repair compared to passenger cars because they are used primarily for work vehicles.