2004 Fiat Stilo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Fiat Stilo diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Fiat Stilo diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Sub-frame4.8× usual
  Fiat Stilo

  24.5% All 2004 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Track rod ends2.5× usual
  Fiat Stilo

  16.5% All 2004 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2004 Fiat Stilo diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Fiat Stilo diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  66% 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
  43% 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
  42% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  40% 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
  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 engine or DPF warning lights.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  17% 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 2004 Fiat Stilo 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 sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2004 Fiat Stilo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2004 Fiat Stilo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?