Fiat Coupe Review (1995 to 2000)

Quick Summary

Take a seat behind the wheel of a secondhand Coupe and any keen driver is bound to be hooked. Not just by its performance, but also by the fact that it makes such a great secondhand buy.

Overall:

Models Covered: 1995-2000: First generation Coupe – 1995-1996 2.0 16V, 2.0 16V Turbo Second generation Coupe – 1996 – 2000 2.0 20V, 2.0 20V Turbo

FIAT'S POCKET ROCKET

The Fiat Coupe is one of the finest affordable sports coupe you can buy. It may be far removed from other Italian legends like Ferrari and Lamborghini, but it shares their most important ingredient: passion. And just like the greats, the Coupe is a car that's been visualised, designed and created by enthusiasts. It comes in two guises: the standard 2.0-litre 16v or 20V model and the flagship Turbo 16v or 20v. The two later five-cylinder 20v models are worth the extra money – particularly the 220bhp Turbo variant, which really offers supercar performance on a budget. A real flyer, it will reach 60mph from rest in under seven seconds. When new, this Fiat cost a shade over £20,000, but now the earliest four-cylinder turbo versions can be yours for as little as £4,700, thanks to the unadventurous nature of many British motorists, which has helped prices reduce on the secondhand market.
Used Fiat Coupe for sale

History of the Coupe

When the Coupe was first unleashed onto Britain's roads in June 1995, it was offered with a choice of two 16-valve powerplants: a normally aspirated 2.0-litre and a Turbo. These were superseded in December 1996, by the livelier 20-valve units. At the same time the model was given a minor makeover, making it easy for potential buyers to check at a glance which version they're looking at. Post 1996 cars feature Fiat's horizontally slatted corporate front grille and a high level brake light at the rear. Smaller details set them apart on the inside, too. These included a new centre console, uprated stereo and an improved heating and ventilation system. After this, Fiat sensibly chose not to alter this car's winning formula. It did however, for a short period at the end of 1998, augment the line-up by offering enthusiasts a Limited Edition version fitted with a six-speed gearbox, uprated brakes, leather trim, air conditioning and a push-button starter. The Coupe was finally discontinued in the Summer of 2000.
Used Fiat Coupe for sale

Fiat Coupe Road Test

Show the Coupe 20V Turbo a swaying artic to overtake and the power surge almost takes your breath away. Rest to sixty occupies just 6.5 seconds on the way to 155mph, but there's instant acceleration on tap in almost any gear. In comparison, other sports coupes feel limp and lifeless.Even the unblown 20v entry-level model is pretty rapid, managing 60mph in under nine seconds on the way to 132mph. Drive it after a spell in the Turbo and you'll be unimpressed, though, particularly as the fuel consumption penalty in the faster car is marginal.Another point in favour of the more expensive model is that it has been given a high-geared steering rack - the same used in the Alfa Romeo GTV and Spider. This enables just 2.2 turns between locks - compared with 2.9 in the entry-level 20v version. The Turbo also has unique front suspension (which successfully improves handling precision and stability) as well as massive aluminium caliper Brembo brakes.You don't purchase a car like this simply because it goes quickly and handles like a rally car, however. Consciously or unconsciously, you buy it to make a statement - and it's hard to find a car that makes a bolder visual claim than this one, thanks to its Pininfarina penned lines.
Used Fiat Coupe for sale

Buying a Fiat Coupe

Fiat has had its act together on build quality for many years now, and the fact that there are no major faults to report on the Coupe highlights this. As with all highly tuned cars we'd strongly recommend steering clear of any vehicle which doesn't have a fully stamped service book, and suggest you back this up with a professional inspection of any potential buys.
Used Fiat Coupe for sale

Fiat Coupe Typical Pricing

Temptingly priced as a new car, the Coupe comes into its own on the secondhand market. Prices start as low as £1,500 for one of the 2.0 16V M-reg versions, though you're more likely to find a 1996 N-reg example, which should cost around £2,200. Taking the turbocharged route will only set you back around £200-£300 more. Prices for the newer 20-valve cars haven't fallen as steeply, so you'll have to find around £2,400 for one of the earliest 1997 P-reg models. That said, the Coupe makes an excellent nearly new bargain: £4,600 will buy you a 2000 X-reg, which cost someone else around £20,000 when new. You'll have to pay more for the ultimate Coupe, though. Prices for the 20V Turbo start at around £2,800 for a 1997P and rise to £5,400 for a 2000 X-reg.
Used Fiat Coupe for sale

Fiat Coupe Parts

(approx based on a P-reg 20-valve version) A new rear exhaust section will set you back about £210, while a replacement headlamp should be around £222. A new clutch is about £152, an alternator should be around £207 and a starter motor is around £99. Front brake pads are around £54, and rear brake pads will be £49.
Used Fiat Coupe for sale