USED Fiat Stilo Hatchback (01 - 07)

My car

I have recently purchased my Fiat Stilo 1.2 16v 5dr Active. Up to now (two weeks on), it has been OK, although I have had to change the two front tyres, but this is just wear and tear.

I took the car for a good drive last week and after pushing my Stilo in third gear, now it does not sound the same - there is a whining noise from the engine. I would advise maybe the 1.4 for that extra power. Also, my clutch has started being sqeaky.

The running costs are OK - it costs approximately £47 to fill it, giving about 360 miles. On the screen it averages about 32mpg, but that's driving quite fast. At 90mph on the motorway the car is excellent. It handles well and it is comfortable to drive, very roomy and quite nippy when taking off.

If you want a car to drive around in comfort and a car to be proud of, I would advise buying a Stilo, but maybe not the 1.2.

My car

I have had my stilo for a year in this time i`ve had to fit a new part to my radiator gone through 2 front tyers had loads of error messages when i turn the engine on and a new pall joint fitted and now my alternator screachies when i start my car from cold. one good thing is its good on juice

it`s not the best car you can get better for your money.

My car

I would recommend this car having just driven my 02 plate 1.8 3dr Dynamic for 3500 miles in 4.5 days from London to Tarifa (southernmost point of Spain) via Rouen, San Sebastien, Madrid, Seville and on the way back Barcelona, Narbonne, Millau viaduct and Chartres.

It proved to be an excellent motorway cruiser with assured handling and ample performance. With all the negative comments about this car, I do wonder if my Stilo will break down, but for the last three years it has performed almost faultlessly. As an owner since 2004, I've had no mechanical or electrical problems.

Interior trim is a bit flaky (my interior door handle broke) but better looking than the equivalent Focus and the fuel consumption for the 1.8 is below average, but worth the extra 30bhp over the 1.6 model. On 98RON fuel it easily surpassed the quoted top speed, or at least mine did on a deserted motorway in Spain.

The headlights tend to mist up in very wet weather due to a minor design flaw in the front wheel arch liners, which I fixed myself with gaffer tape.

The Fiat main dealer service is only average. My own period of Stilo ownership has been very rewarding, both economically and in terms of driving.

Finally in comparison to the mark IV VW Golf, the Stilo three-door version is much better looking.

My car

We use our '03 plate 1.8 Dynamic as an 8000-miles-per-year second car. A few initial quibbles regarding recalls were fixed competently by the local Fiat dealer. However, overall reliability has been good.

On the road, the Stilo three-door is competent, but its good looks flatter to decive and it's not up to Focus standards through the twisty roads, but we knew this before we bought it. Surprisingly, however, this 1.8 has turned out to be a great motorway cruiser and is often used for 600-mile return trips to The Lakes.

Running costs for fuel, insurance and servicing are average - Fiat servicing is surprisingly not cheap.

Cabin quality and equipment levels on the Dynamic are very reasonable and there have been no issues so far.

Residuals will always be an issue - even for a smart-looking three-door with alloy wheels and in the right colour. However, buy it right (we only paid £7600 for a one-year-old 10,000-mile car) and keep it long enough and the issue goes away... and you're left with a fairly unique and individual car for very little money, which is what my wife likes!

Surprisingly, I might buy another one - but probably a 1.9JTD Sporting.