2009 Fiat Doblo: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Exhaust system2.2× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  17.7% All 2009 cars

  7.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, 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.

• Windscreen2.4× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  7.8% All 2009 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.1% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

• Wipers1.9× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  7% All 2009 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 2.4% 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.

• Front struts3.4× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  2.4% All 2009 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3.4× usual
  Fiat Doblo

  2.4% All 2009 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap 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 2009 Fiat Doblo MOT failures and advisories

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

• Tyres
  36% 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.

• Suspension
  34% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  31% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  27% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  21% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  17% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Fiat Doblo

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 2.2× as often on the 2009 Fiat Doblo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the windscreen? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2009 Fiat Doblo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2009 Fiat Doblo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?