2008 Fiat Bravo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Fiat Bravo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Fiat Bravo than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Exhaust system2.6× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  22.5% All 2008 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 2.4% of all 2008 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.

• Headlights2× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  18% All 2008 cars

  8.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 4.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Washers2.4× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  9.3% All 2008 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 3.8% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Track rod ends2.1× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  10.5% All 2008 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 2.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Sub-frame1.7× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  10.2% All 2008 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2008 Fiat Bravo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Fiat Bravo 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.

• Brakes
  41% 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.

• Tyres
  37% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  25% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% 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 2008 Fiat Bravo

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 2.6× as often on the 2008 Fiat Bravo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2008 Fiat Bravo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the washers? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2008 Fiat Bravo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?