Fiat Croma: A Comprehensive Guide
The Fiat Croma nameplate has appeared on two distinctly different vehicles from the Italian automaker. First in 1985 as a large family car and again in 2005 as a large family estate (station wagon). This guide will primarily focus on the latter model, the 2005-2011 Croma, a vehicle often overlooked but offering surprising practicality and value.
Generations
First Generation (1985-1996)
The original Croma was a large family car built on the Type Four platform, a joint venture between Fiat, Lancia, Saab, and Alfa Romeo. It was a five-door hatchback, known for its spacious interior and relatively aerodynamic design for its time.
- Key Changes: Initial production featured carbureted and fuel-injected petrol engines, and diesel options were also available. Later revisions included styling updates and engine improvements throughout its lifespan.
Second Generation (2005-2011)
The second generation Croma, the focus of this guide, was a large family estate car, effectively a "raised wagon." It was based on the GM Epsilon platform, shared with the Opel Vectra/Signum and Saab 9-3. Its design aimed to combine the practicality of an estate with the slightly higher driving position and styling cues of an SUV.
- Key Changes:
- 2005 Launch: Initial engine options included petrol and diesel engines. The car's design, while practical, was considered somewhat controversial by some.
- 2007 Facelift: A significant facelift refined the front-end styling, addressing criticisms of the original design. Interior materials and equipment levels were also improved. The engine range was further refined, with the 1.8 petrol engine replaced with a more modern 1.75 TBi unit on some markets.
- End of Production: Production ceased in 2011 with no direct successor.
Reliability & Common Issues
The Fiat Croma (2005-2011) benefits from its shared platform with other GM vehicles, resulting in decent reliability, but specific issues are still worth noting:
Engines:
- Diesel Engines (1.9 JTDm & 2.4 JTDm): These are generally robust, particularly the 1.9 JTDm units. However, issues can arise with:
- EGR Valve: Prone to clogging, leading to performance issues and warning lights. Regular cleaning or replacement may be necessary.
- Swirl Flaps (1.9 JTDm 16v): Swirl flaps in the intake manifold can fail, potentially causing engine damage. Some owners choose to remove them preventatively.
- Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF): Can fail, especially on higher mileage examples or those driven aggressively. Symptoms include vibrations and rattling noises.
- Turbocharger: Check for excessive smoke (blue or black) as a sign of turbo issues. Listen for whistling noises during acceleration.
- Injectors: Can become worn and cause poor running or starting problems.
- Petrol Engines (1.8 16v, 2.2 16v): Generally more reliable than the diesels, but:
- Oil Consumption (2.2 16v): Some owners have reported higher than average oil consumption.
- Timing Chain (2.2 16v): Listen for rattling noises, especially on startup, which could indicate a worn timing chain.
- Coil Packs: Prone to failure, leading to misfires and poor performance.
Gearbox:
- Manual Transmissions: Generally reliable, but check for smooth gear changes and any unusual noises.
- Automatic Transmissions: Some models were equipped with Aisin-Warner automatic gearboxes. Ensure smooth shifting and regular fluid changes. Check for slipping or jerking, which could indicate gearbox problems.
Suspension & Brakes:
- Suspension: The suspension is generally durable, but check for worn bushes and dampers, especially on higher mileage examples. Listen for knocking noises over bumps.
- Brakes: Ensure the brakes are in good condition. Check for excessive wear or uneven braking. The electronic parking brake (EPB), if fitted, can sometimes be problematic.
Electrical Systems:
- Central Locking: Check that all doors lock and unlock correctly.
- Dashboard Displays: Ensure all dashboard displays and gauges function properly.
- Air Conditioning: Test the air conditioning system to ensure it blows cold air.
- Body Control Module (BCM): Some electrical issues can stem from the BCM. Diagnosis can be complex.
Bodywork:
- Rust: Check for rust, particularly around the wheel arches, sills, and underbody.
- Paintwork: Inspect the paintwork for any signs of damage or previous repairs.
Driving Experience
The Fiat Croma offers a comfortable and practical driving experience, prioritizing space and ease of use over sporty handling.
Pros:
- Spacious Interior: The Croma boasts a very spacious interior, offering ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.
- Large Boot: The large boot provides plenty of cargo space, making it ideal for families and those needing to transport bulky items.
- Comfortable Ride: The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth and relaxed ride.
- Good Value: The Croma offers excellent value for money compared to its rivals.
Cons:
- Uninspiring Handling: The handling is not particularly sporty or engaging, prioritizing comfort over agility.
- Styling: The styling of the original (pre-facelift) model was controversial.
- Parts Availability: While many parts are shared with GM vehicles, some Croma-specific parts may be harder to find than for more common cars.
Buying Advice
If you're considering buying a Fiat Croma (2005-2011), here's some advice:
Years to Look For:
- 2007-2011 (Facelift Models): These models benefit from improved styling, interior materials, and equipment levels.
What to Avoid:
- High Mileage Examples: Higher mileage examples are more likely to have wear and tear issues.
- Cars with Poor Service History: Look for a car with a comprehensive service history, demonstrating that it has been well-maintained.
- Cars with Known Issues: Avoid cars with known mechanical issues, especially engine or gearbox problems.
Pre-Purchase Checks:
- Engine: Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises. Check for excessive smoke from the exhaust. Ensure the engine runs smoothly and idles correctly.
- Gearbox: Test the gearbox thoroughly, ensuring smooth gear changes and no unusual noises.
- Suspension: Take the car for a test drive and listen for any knocking noises from the suspension.
- Brakes: Test the brakes to ensure they are effective and that the car stops safely.
- Electrical Systems: Check all electrical systems, including the central locking, dashboard displays, and air conditioning.
- Bodywork: Inspect the bodywork for any signs of rust or damage.
- Diagnostic Scan: Have the car scanned for any stored fault codes.
Engines to Consider:
- 1.9 JTDm (120/150 bhp): A good balance of performance and economy, and generally considered more reliable than the 2.4 JTDm.
- 2.2 16v Petrol: More reliable than the earlier 1.8 but watch for oil consumption issues.
By following this guide, you'll be well-equipped to find a good Fiat Croma and enjoy its practical and comfortable driving experience.
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