2008 Fiat Bravo petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Fiat Bravo petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Fiat Bravo petrol than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Exhaust system3.1× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  26.8% All 2008 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 2.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Headlights2.1× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  18.6% All 2008 cars

  8.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 4.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  13.2% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Washers2.4× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  9.3% All 2008 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 3.8% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Track rod ends2× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  10% All 2008 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2008 Fiat Bravo petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Fiat Bravo petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  39% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  37% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  29% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Fiat Bravo petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2008 Fiat Bravo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2008 Fiat Bravo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2008 Fiat Bravo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?