2007 Fiat Stilo petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Fiat Stilo petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Fiat Stilo petrol than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Exhaust system3.2× usual
  Fiat Stilo

  28.2% All 2007 cars

  8.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, against 2.5% of all 2007 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.

Common 2007 Fiat Stilo petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Fiat Stilo 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.

• Lights and electrics
  42% 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
  35% 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.

• Brakes
  34% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  33% 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
  26% 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 2007 Fiat Stilo 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 3.2× as often on the 2007 Fiat Stilo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?