2006 Fiat Sedici petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Fiat Sedici petrol?

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

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  Fiat Sedici

  26.4% All 2006 cars

  14%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 2.5% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Exhaust system2× usual
  Fiat Sedici

  18.8% All 2006 cars

  9.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2.6% of all 2006 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.

• Engine warning light4.3× usual
  Fiat Sedici

  11.6% All 2006 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.6%, against 2.7% of all 2006 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.

• Ball joint2.4× usual
  Fiat Sedici

  15.3% All 2006 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10%, against 3.1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3.1× usual
  Fiat Sedici

  6.9% All 2006 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 2.1% 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 an engine warning light.

Common 2006 Fiat Sedici petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  52% 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
  50% 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
  34% 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
  32% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  21% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% 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 2006 Fiat Sedici 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2006 Fiat Sedici petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2006 Fiat Sedici petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2006 Fiat Sedici petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?