Fiat Doblo Review (2001 to date)

Quick Summary

The Doblo is a car that gets better the more you spend. To be honest neither the 1.2 or the 1.9D engines are up to snuff, especially if you plan on hauling the Doblo about fully laden. You really need to opt for the 1.9JTD version if you plan any distance work. The Doblo will appeal if you place sound economics, rugged practicality and no-nonsense mechanicals high on your list of priorities. If you need something a bit plusher, quicker or more sophisticated you'll probably find the Doblo a little third world. Used examples are still rather thin on the ground so guaranteeing your exact trim and colour choice may be a tough task. Not half as tough as a Doblo mind…

Overall:

Models Covered: Five-door van-based MPV (1. 2 petrol 1.9 diesel, 1.9JTD diesel (SX, ELX, Active, Dynamic, Family)

TURIN BREAKS

Although Fiat's Doblo wasn't the first van-based MPV to hit the shores it has developed into one of the best. Functional rather than flashy, the Doblo answers the need for those motorists who want space and a lot of it. Although sales to date have been unspectacular, the right used Doblo offers a lot of car for the money.
Used Fiat Doblo for sale

History of the Doblo

Launched in the UK in June 2001, the Doblo was some way behind the likes of the Citroen Berlingo Multispace and the Renault Kangoo. Nevertheless it offered a pair of robust engines and styling that was a little more adventurous. Although the 65bhp 1.2-litre petrol and 63bhp 1.9 diesel engines were an honest, if unspectacular pair of performers, it wasn't until the arrival of the 1.9-litre JTD engined Doblo in late 2001 that the Fiat really competed fair and square with the Renault and the Peugeot. In a growing market sector Fiat had somewhat hobbled the Doblo from birth and the message that this was a vehicle well worth consideration subsequently became lost. This, more than any other, is the reason the pool of available used examples is so small. In spring 2004 the Doblo received an interior facelift, the main addition being a new two-tone dash. At the same time, the 1.9D engine bit the dust and a 1.3-litre Multijet unit arrived. The 1.2-litre petrol soldiered on and the 1.9JTD remained at the top of the range.
Used Fiat Doblo for sale

Fiat Doblo Road Test

There's a non-turbocharged 1.9-litre diesel, offered in SX guise, and an infinitely preferable turbocharged JTD unit with 100bhp. The JTD makes sixty from rest some 12.4 seconds quicker (down from 20.9s to 12.4s) on the way to 104mph (up from 88mph). It also records much lower CO2 emissions and is 17% more frugal. On top of that, the unit develops a useful 148Ib ft of torque, so that there's pulling power in every gear. This is really the engine to go for – even if you'd normally prefer the petrol option. The 65bhp 1.2-litre powerplant is rather thrashy and takes 18 seconds to reach sixty amid some frantic gear swapping. Despite this, on the road, the Doblo is surprisingly good fun to drive. A combination of very quick steering and a crude but effective rear suspension set-up means the Doblo is far more capable in the corners than its ungainly appearance would suggest.The Doblo performs well at the pumps with the 1.9D version returning a combined figure of nearly 40mpg and the JTD 44mpg, helped in no small part by a drag coefficient of only 0.32 - itself astounding for such a bluff-fronted, slab-sided vehicle.
Used Fiat Doblo for sale

Buying a Fiat Doblo

As with all cars that get used to ferry children back and forth, check for rips, stains and other damage to upholstery and minor trim parts. This isn't such a great problem in the Doblo because it's so utilitarian that only the most wilfully demented child will be able to damage. Have a good look at the load bay area, as many Doblos will have been used for some pretty heavy duties. The mechanicals are proven technology and shouldn't cause any significant worry. Despite this, check for its service history but even if it's not completely pristine, the Doblo can usually cope. Just get it in to the garage for a once-over after purchase.
Used Fiat Doblo for sale

Fiat Doblo Typical Pricing

The Doblo opens at around £3,900 for a 2001 51-plated 1.2 or 1.9D in SX trim. ELX trim for the diesel will cost another £250. The more desirable JTD SX model will command around £4,100 for a 2002 51-platedexample. Insurance is, as you would expect, very reasonable, the 1.2, 1.9D and 1.9JTD SX models rated in Group 3 with the range-topping 1.9JTD ELX version scraping into Group 4.
Used Fiat Doblo for sale

Fiat Doblo Parts

(approx based on a 2002 1.2 excl VAT) An alternator is around £80 and front brake pads are around £35 for a set. Expect to pay around £7 for an air filter and about £15 for a fuel filter, about £6 for an oil filter and about £4 for spark plugs.
Used Fiat Doblo for sale