2006 Fiat Doblo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Fiat Doblo diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Fiat Doblo diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Windscreen2.4× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  9.4% All 2006 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.1× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  10.2% All 2006 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Shock absorbers1.7× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  12.3% All 2006 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.9% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Diesel smoke emissions5× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  4.5% All 2006 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 0.8% of all 2006 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3.7× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  4.4% All 2006 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2006 Fiat Doblo diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Fiat Doblo diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  42% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Brakes
  34% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  20% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Fiat Doblo 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 windscreen? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2006 Fiat Doblo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2006 Fiat Doblo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2006 Fiat Doblo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?