Fiat Stilo Review (2003 to 2007)

Quick Summary

The Stilo MultiWagon will never be a car to get excited about. It's the sort of vehicle that's bought with the head rather than the heart. Those looking for a good deal on this car will understand all about depreciation curves, residual warranty arrangements and so on. Feeling sorry for the previous keeper who has been saddled with a big slug of depreciation is not an option. The hard hearted will know that they've just landed a left-field bargain.

Overall:

Models Covered: 5dr MultiWagon estate [1.6 petrol, 1.9 diesel (Active, Active Aircon, Dynamic)]

CIRCLE THE WAGONS

Spool the clock back six or seven years and the small estate car looked dead in the water. Customers were defecting en masse to mini-MPVs and compact 4x4s for their family and leisure needs, leaving the compact estate sector looking rather bereft. While it's true that there were some rather unsavoury estate cars that may have had something to do with prompting this veritable exodus, ploughing money into developing a new model looked for some time a fool's errand. Fiat obviously didn't think so and the benefit of hindsight has proven their decision correct. Launched in 2003, the Fiat Stilo MultiWagon has done tidy business in mopping up those customers who once again can see the benefits of a compact estate. As a used buy it's a decent choice. Spacious, reliable and undervalued by the market, it's well worth a punt.
Used Fiat Stilo for sale

History of the Stilo

Although the Stilo hatch replaced the Bravo and Brava lines, there was never an estate variant of these models for sale in the UK. The only estate Fiat had on its books was the Marea, an estate that ran on a stretched Brava platform but which hardly won any popularity contests. The Stilo was a car that took Fiat out of an era of so-so build quality and into a new market where it could compete head to head with premium brands like Volkswagen and Toyota.Unfortunately for Fiat, there was a significant lag between the product coming up to snuff and the public's realisation. This means that while the rest of the British car buying public struggle to come to terms with the fact that the Stilo is a class act, you can snap them up on the used market for considerably less than they should – on merit – sell for. The Stilo MultiWagon debuted in February 2003 but soon benefited from the 2004 model year changes with the addition of an Actve AirCon trim level.
Used Fiat Stilo for sale

Fiat Stilo Road Test

Two engines are available, one petrol and one diesel. The entry-level petrol unit is the 103bhp 1.6-litre powerplant, a steady performer and reasonably willing. The diesel option is a 115bhp version of Fiat's excellent 1.9-litre JTD engine and this unit could well be the pick of all the Stilo's engines. It's certainly the MultiWagon's best, acing the petrol in terms of CO2 emissions and, predictably, fuel economy. What's maybe a little more surprising is that it's considerably faster than the 1.6-litre petrol version, sprinting to 60mph in 11.2s compared to the 1.6-litre car's 11.4s showing.Safety is well taken care of, with even entry-level models fitted with no fewer than six airbags, plus five three-point seat belts, anti-lock brakes and a traction control system. Move up the range and the sportier models get electronic stability control. The cabin is unfussy with clean lines and quiet confidence in the styling.
Used Fiat Stilo for sale

Buying a Fiat Stilo

Although Fiat dealers have a less than stellar reputation in the industry, the Stilo has notched up some favourable customer satisfaction scores. The interior is well built, the engines are very good and there have been no recurring faults reported as yet.
Used Fiat Stilo for sale

Fiat Stilo Typical Pricing

A 53-plated 1.6-litre Stilo MultiWagon in Active AirCon trim will be around £5,900 on a dealer forecourt. Opt instead for the ritzier Dynamic trim and you can expect to pay another £50 for a car of the same year which has to be worthwhile. MultiWagons with the 1.9JTD diesel start at £6,100 for the 80bhp Active model. The 115bhp Active Aircon opens at £6,300 while the Dynamic is available from £6,900. Insurance ranges from a reasonable Group 4 to a hardly plutocratic Group 5.
Used Fiat Stilo for sale

Fiat Stilo Parts

(approx based on a 2003 1.6 Active) A clutch assembly will be around £145 and an alternator should be close to £95 with a starter motor costing around £130. Front brake pads are £40, rear brake pads will be £55 and a replacement headlamp close to £175.
Used Fiat Stilo for sale