written by audiocodes on 11/10/2006
Overall, I quite like this Fiat Brava 1.4SX car. The developing rust spots on one of the panels and bonnet are annoying. I assumed the galvanised body wouldn't give me such problems? I also had a slight problem with the horn (wear and tear on contacts). This was supposed to have been sorted by a service centre in Leeds under a three month warranty, but it turned out when they said they'd fixed it, they hadn't!
written by britbabe on 12/12/2005
I have a Fiat Brava 97 (p) 1.4s, bought second hand in August 2004. For the first 6 months I had absolutely no real problems at all, lovely to drive, suited my needs (mum of 2 so school runs, shopping etc...) enough room in the rear for 2 kids car seats and another passenger (a thin one admittedly).
There is plenty of room for passengers in the front, unfortunately no passenger air bag on my model. Easy to do basic maintenance, fluid levels can be checked and filled easily and front and interior bulbs are easy to replace (havent had to change rear ones). The spare wheel is tucked away neatly under the boot carpet and all the tools you need are stored withing the spare skinny wheel. The rear seats fold flat for extra space if needed.
Unfortunately in April this year it all started to go horribly wrong, head gasket blew resulting in car being garaged for a week. Since then the temperature has fluctuated and there has been an annoying ticking from under the bonnet.
In the last WEEK a brake pipe has split leaving me with NO braking power, my thermostat is either making my car overheat or keeping it too cool, and it has been leaking oil which turns out to be gearbox oil and the gearbox casing is cracked. Whilst I appreciate all these can be age related my mechanic is shocked the gear box has gone on an 8 year old car.
Overall I would say it is a good sized family car, just a shame it's not very reliable. The boot size is ample enough for a pushchair and 2 families weekly food shopping and the controls are all within easy reach, just be careful in the winter as the handbrakes notoriously freeze up and the rear demister takes a while to clear the screen. The thick pillars can cause problems seeing traffic from the left, especially if you are short (like me). I would approach a Brava with caution, or opt for the Bravo......
written by Obi One on 24/07/2005
I would really like the car and wouldn't be selling it, but the petrol costs are enough, and I would need to take out a mortgage to keep on affording the repairs.
written by fergie on 06/02/2005
Having put a new gearbox and clutch and then fitting an induction kit with a compliment of 15" rim alloys. this Fiat Brava 1.4SX family car now gets thrown about town harder, driven faster and keeps up with the 2.5ltr diesel 5 series bmw, and beats it on cornering speeds, with a driver of the same ability.
and this is a 1.4 petrol.
written by Blegpaps on 17/05/2004
We have a Fiat Brava 1.6 SX 16v and we bought it used. One owner. It is a good car and the engine does gladly go 160 km/hour in no time. We have gone past 200 km/hour in Germany. Great car.
BUT, we have the same problems with moisure and water. Leave it outside for a to day with rain and the engine misfire on one valve. You can drive like that (really rubbish) for 2-3 days and all of a sudden the performs normal again.
We tried that 3 times now.
written by jon. on 10/11/2002
I bought this car as I liked the modern styling. The car handels well but the 1.4 is underpowered. I had to change the indicater unit plus the rear wiper works only when it feels like it.
written by David Bolger. on 18/02/2002
Generally, I find the Fiat Brava 1.4 SX OK. I think it has a nice shape and sleek look from the back
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214685_Jaybravo's Response to 183633_fergie's Review
Written on: 23/10/2005
Hi my cluch was going and all of a suden bang a hole behind my drive shaft I don't understand, can you help? Please leave a comment, I have just bought it two weeks ago off a car dearler, you must help and tell me why!