hiya
apologese if this is the wrong section!!
but ive been oferred a 20 valve turbo coupe , it was my brother in laws, checked out insurance which is fine but was just wondering as i dont know a hell of a lot about the technical side of these cars is there anything i should be looking out for? ie is there certain things that need replaced alot or what could my main expense be? mechanically of course?

thanks in advance!!
R

Read here

and here

oh thanks sorry didnt know where to look so thot it best to ask!
ta again

Main issues with the 20vt are:

Cambelt and ancillary belts - These should be replaced 45-50k or 5 years depending on the mileage/age. Fiat charge ££££'s, but other specialists will charge around the £400-£500 mark for the same work.

General wear & tear components:
Exhaust tends to fail on the OE system, and the tailpipe can fall off, which will lead to a melted rear bumper, new exhausts are from £170-£300 depending on what you're after.

Wishbones can fail quite early, (allow anything from 30-60k), there not that expensive but are a bugger to fit DIY.

Manifolds can crack early too, you'll hear a tick from the front of the engine, or blowing if the crack is loud enough. You'll also notice a fumey smell from the front too. Particularly evident on cold start up, as once the manifold is warm the crack can close up, and be less noticeable. Allow up to £500 for a new manifold and fittment.

Other than those listed above, just look out for the usual general stuff which wears out.

Smoke from the exhaust is generally not a good sign.
Bouncing along an uneven road is a sign the shocks are worn.
Etc,Etc,

Issues which are fine:

Squeeking front brakes - this is usually not a problem, just indicative that the car has had pattern, or aftermarket pads fitted.

Small squeeks and rattles from the interior - they all do this to some degree, and again not really an issue.

Good luck!

Quote:

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Cambelt and ancillary belts - These should be replaced 45-50k or 5 years

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Fiat quote 6 years or 72K for the belt changes, however I agree that the ancillary belt should be checked much sooner for degradation.

Check the oil level and ask if it has been checked regularly and topped up, it can be a little tricky on the coupe. Warm the engine to normal operating temp, switch off, let it stand for 10 minutes, check oil level. Min to max takes 1 litre (bottom to top of hatched area)

Red Key, Make Sure That Is Present And Working.

But its not vitally important as many people are driving around without one and I cannot remember reading more than 2 cases of one being needed

thanks for all that, i know its been well looked after and previous owner has kept on top of everything thats needed doing, so no problems that im aware of, i was really just wondering what i could expect if and when i get it, its done 46k miles,i know he has fitted a peco big bore exhaust, i know he hasnt had any of the mentioned above probs with it so far, so seriously thinking bout just going for it,

thanks for all your help, i'll let you know how i get on!!!

It does sound as if it is needing the cambelts changed now or very soon, unless they have already been done (check the service book/receipts).

What year is it? Unless it's one of the very last (built in September 2000) then it will be it's major service because it will 6-years old or older.

This can be done for a reasonable price by one of the Fiat Coupe Specialist for around £500. Maybe you should factor this in when you are talking about the price

Good luck

its a V reg, if i do decide on it, the owner will get the cambelt looked at and changed if needs be, he is oferring it to me for £3k so ..
thanks for all the advice

A V reg for £3k - thats cheap

The cambelts will need doing, no doubt about it, if you don't do them, you could risk losing the engine. As whittler says, Fiat say 6 years or 72k, but most do sooner than that. The different is £500 or £2,500