USED Fiat Idea Hatchback (04 - 07)

My car

We have this car for a few years now and we both love it, great on fuel very light steering because of the city button. Everybody who gets in the car call it a tardis, the children love it because the back seats slide back and recline, great for long journeys. With the back seats folded over, you have a huge luggage space. We average about 37mpg around the city, but on a run its around 48mpg average. We both also like the high up driving position, the local fiat garage Yapps have always been great aswell, no reliability problems at all, in 4 years. We had a 09 Vauxhall Zafira courtesy car for a few days and hated it, we couldn't wait to get are fiat back,Its just a shame they have stopped importing them.

My car

We needed a smallish car for local trips, but with tall teenage children a Punto size car was not suitable.

The amount of head and leg room in the back of the Idea is amazing. Otherwise it does all the things that you expect of a supermini - but with much more room. It has also proved to be suprisingly comfortable.

One member of our family received a back injury a couple of years ago making entry and exit from conventional cars painful and tricky. This is no problem with the Idea as it is so tall.

The electrics are clever with the wiper speed for the front and rear wipers linked, and the rear wiper coming on automatically when the front wipers are on and reverse gear is engaged. The trip computer is also useful as is the second ciger lighter socket for back seat passengers.

Not very quick from rest with just 70bhp - but fine once you are on the move, and fuel economy is good.

Few drawbacks, although it does roll a bit more than a small hatchback, and because it is so tall, the aerial has to be taken off in order to get the car in the garage.

All in all, we are very pleased with the car. Would be interested to try the 90bhp version, which would give it a bit of extra sparkle.

My car

I purchaseda Fiat Idea 1.4 Eleganza in November 2005 secondhand with 3,700 miles on the clock and have since done 17,000 miles.

There were problems with clutch pipe failing and reversing sensors faulty which the dealer eventually fixed.

Overall I am quite satisfied with the car. The ride comfort is better than Meriva, having driven same and, whilst I still cannot get used to central binnacle, the interior is practical with adequate storage room. The seats are very comfortable and adjustable. The 1.4 power unit does provide good acceleration.

Having got over initial problems, I have experienced trouble-free driving since.

My car

The first Idea I bought had a defect in the bodywork, and after a lengthy dispute, the Dealer agreed to replace it. Major victory! Have owned replacement for 1 year and am reasonably happy with it. Economy and performance are acceptable, as is cost of ownership, drive quality and dealer support. Interior-wise, I find the design and manipulation of the front passenger and rear seats to be awkward.The dashboard, being centrally mounted is at times difficult to see, being inset in the binnacle, and the position of the speedo leaves a lot to be desired. All in all - not too bad.