2009 Fiat Bravo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Fiat Bravo diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Fiat Bravo diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  25.4% All 2009 cars

  14.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  19.3% All 2009 cars

  11.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 4.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Exhaust system1.8× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  14% All 2009 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.2% of all 2009 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.

• Diesel smoke emissions5.4× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  5.4% All 2009 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 0.9% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Sub-frame1.9× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  10.6% All 2009 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Common 2009 Fiat Bravo diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Fiat Bravo diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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
  41% 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
  38% 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
  27% 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
  18% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% 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 2009 Fiat Bravo diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2009 Fiat Bravo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2009 Fiat Bravo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2009 Fiat Bravo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?