2008 Fiat Doblo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Fiat Doblo diesel?

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

• Exhaust system1.7× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  14.4% All 2008 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, 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.

• Windscreen2.4× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  8.8% All 2008 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2008 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 mountings1.9× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  6.4% All 2008 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.6% of all 2008 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.

• Wipers1.7× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  6.5% All 2008 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.6% 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.

• Engine warning light2× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  5.2% All 2008 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2008 Fiat Doblo diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  40% 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
  39% 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
  31% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  19% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  18% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 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 exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2008 Fiat Doblo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the windscreen? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2008 Fiat Doblo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2008 Fiat Doblo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?