Fiat Multipla - any owners. After opinions.

Well Splattered

Well Splattered

Well Splattered

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Pretty much as title. I am looking at getting a cheap motor for a 20 mile commute and general town running.

I have looked at honestjohns feedback, and it has not put me off buying one as yet. I understand the diesel runs fairly problem free on bio diesel.

Opinions welcome.

Further info if it helps.
Parked outside in a communal area. I need something that will take door to door contact.
Diesel or petrol, Leaning towards diesel so I can use bio diesel as well.
It is a second car for me and will be mainly used by her.
£1200 budget.
 
Why a Fiat Multipla over anything else? Do you need the seats?

I'm not an expert but I'd be looking at a Fiesta/Focus/Mondeo for £1200 depending on how much space you need.
 
More or less the responses I expected. My partner is a music therapist and carts around all kind of instruments. The largest being a big bass drum. She also plays in a band (keyboard) and does a lot of family taxi work. The boot is large enough for a wheelchair, push chair and other gubbin's for family days out. The other plus side would be that I could rough it in the back at LAN parties.

The previous Ford Ka we/she owned more or less rusted away, so I am inclined to steer away from small Ford's. That Ka had its sill's patched and repainted twice and it never stood on wet grass!

I agree it is not a pretty looking car, and should the budget be bigger then a better and more comfy car would be sought after.
 
rodenal said:
They are truly horrible things inside, out and to drive!

are you sure you want one??
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Have you been in one and driven one? For their size they handle remarkably well. Three across seating is fantastic and they are HUGE inside, especially if you take the seats out. I managed a double divan bed and mattress without having to break it up.

Looks are unusual but they grow on you. I had a petrol version and it coped admirably with 2,500 miles in two weeks from Scotland to Barcelona and back although Five up with luggage it struggled a bit. The diesel would be better i reckon. There's even space for shopping in the back with all six seats!

Few things to check, make sure the front alignment is set to zero toe in/out. By default if I remember rightly its not so it leads to premature wear on the inside of the tyres so check these.

The handbrake will freeze on tight if its freezing overnight. A rubber grommet that the handbrake cable runs through splits, lets in water then freezes solid. If its going to be minus then leave the handbrake off and put it in gear.

Anyone that's owned one with kids in tow will tell you how great they are for what they do.
 
MissChief said:
Have you been in one and driven one? For their size they handle remarkably well. Three across seating is fantastic and they are HUGE inside, especially if you take the seats out. I managed a double divan bed and mattress without having to break it up.

Looks are unusual but they grow on you. I had a petrol version and it coped admirably with 2,500 miles in two weeks from Scotland to Barcelona and back although Five up with luggage it struggled a bit. The diesel would be better i reckon. There's even space for shopping in the back with all six seats!

...Anyone that's owned one with kids in tow will tell you how great they are for what they do.
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Yes, I had the mispleasure of driving one for about 2 months several years ago. I'm afraid I can't agree about the looks or handling. It feels as old and out of date as it is compared to either reasonable hatchbacks/estates of its time or more modern upright cars of its ilk (I'm not saying that's a surprise given how old they are now)

I'm sure they are great for kids etc but you'd need to really, really want one
 
Depends how many seats you need really. Its quite a practical car for what it is, a cheap people carrier.
 
I found the steering incredibly vague and light, couldn't get into a comfortable seating position and found it to be an ungainly thing, it has enough grip for the size of the car and doesn't wallow too badly but it is very disconnected feeling which means you'll have zero desire to drive it in an even remotely spirited fashion.

Oh and this might have been the marea or whatever the estate of the time was called rather than the multiple but the pedal layout was absolutely crap, no space for your left foot! That could be unfair though its been a while since I drove either

As before I don't really think that's the point of the car and its not vastly different to other cars of its type from the same era but none of the others are quite as ugly as the fiat!

Zafira suffers the same sort of horrid over assisted steering but overall a bit easier to get comfortable and feels/ reacts better when pushing on a little bit, though if its the space you're after rather than kid carrying ability its probably not too much use. "Cars" like the crv that have sliding rear seats could be comparable I guess, the Honda is a much better thing to drive though the interior of the 1st gen is plastic fantastic.

Wouldn't something like a Mondeo estate be far more pleasurable as an ownership prospect?
 
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rodenal said:
Wouldn't something like a Mondeo estate be far more pleasurable as an ownership prospect?
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I will look into the Mondeo estate as an option. I have found similar age and mileage for around the same price. Thank you.

Reference the Multipla, neither myself or my partner have driven many vehicles and I would say that none have been a prestige manufacturer. Certainly nothing powerful, so not too fussed on spirited driving. I think practical is the way we are thinking. Thank you for posting. :)
 
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