Opening comment

I recently bought a FIAT Punto for my son. The people I bought it from had it on a lease contract and only supplied me with one key. They say they never had two keys. I have tried to obtain another key...

Under carriage

Is there a way for me to check I’m getting the improved suspension on a 2010 FIAT 500?

They must be choking

4 weeks ago my 2-year-old FIAT 500 diesel engine seized up. On the dashboard it said I needed the oil changing. This did not make sense as it was fully serviced by FIAT at Chadwell Heath, Essex 4 weeks...

Looking for the right driving school car

I am 32 years of age and am about to start my career as a Driving Instructor. The company that I've decided to go with does not include a car with its franchise costs so it down to me to get one. I currently...

I've just bought my first diesel - how should I keep it in good order?

I am changing my nice but very-expensive-to-run Saab 9-3 for a Panda Diesel. I've not owned or driven a diesel car before. I believe the Fiats are OK, but what should I look out for and do to keep it in...

How do I know which Fiat Doblo models have ABS?

I want to buy a used Fiat Doblo van 2001 - 2005 and have up to £3000. For safety reasons I want it to have ABS. Is there any model I should look out for that has this function?

My partner needs a new car for her commute - what about the MINI?

We are looking at purchasing a replacement car for my better half. Annual mileage circa 12,000, consisting of four daily 30-mile commutes on dual carriageways and very little long distance motorway driving....

Obsessed with smuts

I have a FIAT 500 1.3 Multijet Diesel. About two weeks ago I had the problem, exactly as described in your column. I towed the car to the FIAT dealership and got from them the answer that there were 2.5...

Ripoff yarns

I am considering buying a used car, first a 2004 Suzuki Wagon R + GL, 41,000 miles at £3,400; second a 2003 Fiat Punto Active 1,242cc manual, 71,000 miles at £ 2,700. Which is best? What do you think? The...

Power struggle

I have been a FIAT owner for a number of years now, but it has come to my attention that my 2006 Panda with 70,000 miles on the clock now needs work for a power assisted steering failure which my dealer...