2000 Fiat Scudo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Fiat Scudo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Fiat Scudo than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Coil springs2.1× usual
  Fiat Scudo

  17.9% All 2000 cars

  8.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 1.6% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Sub-frame3.2× usual
  Fiat Scudo

  11.5% All 2000 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.2% of all 2000 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.

• Steering rack inner joints2.9× usual
  Fiat Scudo

  11.2% All 2000 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Fiat Scudo

  11.2% All 2000 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 2.5% of all 2000 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.

Common 2000 Fiat Scudo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Fiat Scudo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  60% 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
  44% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  25% 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.

• Tyres
  22% 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.

• Steering
  17% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 Fiat Scudo

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2000 Fiat Scudo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2000 Fiat Scudo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2000 Fiat Scudo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?