2009 Fiat Doblo petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Fiat Doblo petrol?

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

• Exhaust system2.6× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  20.4% All 2009 cars

  7.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, 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.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.8× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  5% All 2009 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.7% 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 an engine warning light.

• Wipers1.8× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  6.5% All 2009 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.4% of all 2009 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.

• Windscreen1.8× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  5.9% All 2009 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2009 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.

• Front struts3.4× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  2.4% All 2009 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

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

Common 2009 Fiat Doblo petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Tyres
  33% 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.

• Suspension
  32% 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
  27% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  26% 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
  23% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  15% 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 2009 Fiat Doblo 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 2.6× as often on the 2009 Fiat Doblo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2009 Fiat Doblo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2009 Fiat Doblo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?