2008 Fiat Sedici petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Fiat Sedici petrol?

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

• Rigid brake pipes2.9× usual
  Fiat Sedici

  27.3% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 1.7% of all 2008 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.

• Transmission oil leaks7.4× usual
  Fiat Sedici

  8.9% All 2008 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Ball joint2.3× usual
  Fiat Sedici

  14.4% All 2008 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.9%, against 3.2% of all 2008 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.

• Flexible brake hoses2.8× usual
  Fiat Sedici

  10.1% All 2008 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Engine warning light2.5× usual
  Fiat Sedici

  6.6% All 2008 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, 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 Sedici petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  53% 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
  49% 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
  32% 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
  28% 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
  16% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  14% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 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 2.9× as often on the 2008 Fiat Sedici petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 7.4× as often on the 2008 Fiat Sedici petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2008 Fiat Sedici petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?