Fiat Multipla ?

Ugliest vehicle known to man!

Don't know anything about people carriers but the most appropriate number plate I've seen on one was BU 54 DAD.

Thanks Seagull

Those who own them (and I know two) think they are fantastic. They've even had decent reliabilty-unfortunately my experiences with Fiat/Alfa have always been woeful on that count.

The recent revision has lost the 'challenging' front end and I think much of the 'so ugly It is cool' charm.

The Honda FRV does the three-abreast thing and will probably never break down in 40 years. Had a look at one out of curiosity when ordering my wife's new Honda last month. Very smart and clever. Price unlikely to be very competitive though.

If you look at the Fiat be sure to negotiate++ on price. I suspect the diesels are the best engine option, probably better residuals too.

Hi Rasher

I have owned one since July '00 and would recommend. I have 2x 6 foot teenagers, who like the reclining rear seats.
It is the diesel with Aircon etc.
Much more driveable than the petrol version.
Also, because it is wide, it corners better than most MPVs.
The new version is much blander than the original quirky look - I saw it described as
'a cross between an Airport shuttle bus and a cosmetically challenged dolphin' - spot on!!?

Keith

Rasher,

Dunno much about the Multipla except I recall reading good reviews somewhere (What Car? I think) but I agree with Seagull they are ugly, but each to their own, eh?

OTOH if you're interested in an alternative then I can heartily recommend the Toyota Previa. I speak based on the experience of my sister and brother-in-law who recently purchased one second hand. 2.5litre petrol engine IIRC and, more relevantly, it has seven seats oh, as a bonus, sat nav! They also say it's very smooth, reliable and handles really well.

Anyway just my tuppence worth.

Cheers,

JR

Thanks guys.
From all I've heard, it sounds as if the diesel is the one to go for.

Don't do it!! Get the honda frv (the diesel version comes out in the spring)or toyota/mazda/even vw.A friend of mine got one, servicing from fiat dealer was appalling, & once it hit the 40k mile mark they had no end of trouble with it, fiat were unwilling/ incapable of sorting it out. And the insult they were offered for a part-ex value was the icing on the cake.(they've got the "top of the range" diesel version.Do you really want the wife & 2 or 3 kids to be stranded on a m-way hard shoulder for an hour waiting for the AA, etc?Seriously, the bloody thing has broken down about 4 times in the last 6 months, & that has got to be a parents worst motoring nightmare.At the same mileage, any jap. or maybe vw touran will be just run in, not f**ked. You have been warned.No offence to any fiat owners out there, cheers, matt.

Rasher

Try a Honda CRV - my brother in law has one. Ultra reliable, loads of space, nice and easy to drive (I know because I drive it a lot).

Although not entirely relevant his is a combined lpg/petrol variant and the economy via lpg is impressive.

Mike

Yep, second vote for the crv. That's our family car.Rear seats recline, go fwd & back,so great for the kids. Reliable, cheap to run, goes well enough,air/con, sunroof etc all standard, dealers are great, not that you see them that often. Can't say much against it.-Oh, the stereo is crap, that's about it. There is a diesel version coming out v. soon, if oil-burning is your thing.
matt.