Fiat Coupe (1995 - 2000) 20V Turbo 2d (1998/R) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
It's really ambiguous. The styling is a bit flashy, but it's 'only a Fiat'.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
On the whole they like it.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No, had one for 23 years, loved it, but as they say, you can never go back...
What are you likely to buy next?
Bought an Elise 111R.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£12,000
When did you buy the car?
May 1999
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes, it was priced at private money, from a small specialist dealer.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
It had the best performance for the money even at 2 years old. Now the prices have dropped, if you can find a good one then why not?
What was the dealer like?
Small sports Alfa/Fiat specialist.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Depends what you compare it to. Compared to a modern hot hatch it's quite dynamic, compared to an Elise it's a barge. Compared to almost anything else on the road it's fast...
What's it like to park?
Not easy. It has a big bum, a high rear window, and its 'hips' mean you can't see the curb in the mirrors. A poor turning circle complete the picture!
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
The exhaust manifold cracked, but was replaced by Fiat free of change outside the warranty period. The clutch only lasted 60K miles - don't know how the first owner drove it though!
What's most practical about your car?
Really comfy for two, can take four for shorter trips, and a good sized boot for a coupe. 3rd gear is the only one it really needs, 20 to 100mph without a gear change...
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The body-coloured trim strip makes the interior a bit special. But the performance is the main thing though.
