2009 Fiat Bravo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Fiat Bravo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Fiat Bravo than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Exhaust system2.9× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  24.3% All 2009 cars

  8.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 2.2% of all 2009 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

  16.8% All 2009 cars

  8.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 3.9% of all 2009 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% All 2009 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 3.8% of all 2009 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.9× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  10% All 2009 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 2.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Transmission oil leaks3.2× usual
  Fiat Bravo

  4.1% All 2009 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2009 Fiat Bravo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Fiat Bravo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  55% 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
  38% 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
  34% 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
  27% 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
  18% 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 2009 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 2.9× as often on the 2009 Fiat Bravo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2009 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 2009 Fiat Bravo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?