2001 Fiat Scudo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Fiat Scudo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Fiat Scudo than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.3× usual
  Fiat Scudo

  17.6% All 2001 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.6%, against 4.1% of all 2001 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.

• Coil springs2× usual
  Fiat Scudo

  19.5% All 2001 cars

  9.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 2.1% of all 2001 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.

• Side repeaters4.7× usual
  Fiat Scudo

  7% All 2001 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 0.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

• Seat belts4.1× usual
  Fiat Scudo

  7% All 2001 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.6% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock and retract smoothly.

• Individual direction indicators2.5× usual
  Fiat Scudo

  8.7% All 2001 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.6% of all 2001 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 2001 Fiat Scudo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Fiat Scudo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  55% 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.

• Brakes
  38% 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
  29% 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.

• 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  18% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Fiat Scudo

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

1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2001 Fiat Scudo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2001 Fiat Scudo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the 2001 Fiat Scudo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?