The Fiat has arrived

[meggersdog]

I briefly mentioned on Friday that I would be acquiring a Fiat Tempra diesel estate..Well here it is

 

 

So far I've only driven it about half a mile but it seems to have a slightly noisey rear wheel bearing (either that or road noise).

When I collected it I asked the chap "where's the stereo ?" he said it was now fitted to another car.When I looked at it and did the deal

the car had a stereo so I asked again.He couldn't understand without the stereo it wasn't the car we had a deal on.

Oh well atleast it's got a digital dash

[Guest]

Lovely stuff! I like Tempras. Might get one at some point.

[freebird]

Usually driven by Romanian con artist gangs..

Did you find any cheap gold in the glove box?

[meggersdog]

Haven't found any yet.I just jumped in and drove it home as I had to feed the dog.I will be using it for a few days then more than likely moving it on.

[Alexg]

You must be pleased. I would be, I really like these

[Mash]

Very cool. I almost persuaded my dad to buy one once but he went for a Honda Concerto instead

 

Haven't seen one in ages, like them a lot.

[Negative Creep]

What's she gonna look like with a chimney on her, what's she gonna look like with a chimney on her.........

[Barry Cade]

Do you have to remove the towbar to lower the bottom boot bit, or is there an orifice for it? If not there should be, it'd make me laugh for a bit.

 

I like these, lots. Best centre armrest of any car evah.

[wuvvum]

I have to say that does look rather nice. Depending on how skint I am when you decide to move it on, I could well be tempted.

[dollywobbler]

I'd be tempted too, though actually more likely to play the distance/money/dog ate my money card.

 

Looks nice. Can't remember the last time I saw one.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

Theres a 2.0 twink one for sale on R-R, looks a bit battered though and the lad wants £400 or something for it, bet its a great thing to drive mind you.

[meggersdog]

The towbar does need to be removed for split tailgate fun.There is a large pin and R clip securing it which I'm going to see if it's easy to remove tomorrow.

The previous owner has only had his new car two days and already misses that centre armrest.

I'm going to use it for a few days to make sure it's ok.I will make the decision at the weekend whether to keep it and sell the Maestro or move it on .

[Barry Cade]

The towbar does need to be removed for split tailgate fun.There is a large pin and R clip securing it which I'm going to see if it's easy to remove tomorrow.

The previous owner has only had his new car two days and already misses that centre armrest.

 

My one was identical, apart from being a 2 litre petrol- same colour and everything. I think I still have the roof cross bars stashed somewhere. Loved that armrest..and thought the standard Grundig stereo was fair posh.

 

Talking of odd things cars had you miss, I really miss my old 740 GLE estate auto. Not for the huge loadspace,or the heated seats, but for the brush around the handbrake orifice- my left hand was free all the time to... well. anyway, it used to give me a chubby.

[Guest Leonard Hatred]

What's special about the armrest?

I like them too, I'd love a Tempra TD with a digital dash. Modern FIATs seem to be utterly unappreciated in the UK.

[Barry Cade]

What's special about the armrest?

 

 

It's just "there" but when you don't want it to be, its not. Its like someone measured me, then built the car around those measurements. It was so comfy, you just ignored all the warning lights, and steam...

[meggersdog]

It's about the size of a rear seat armrest only with a cut out for the seatbelt.It's like sitting in your favourite armchair

[Inspector Morose]

That is lush. Might be tempted if it is to be moved on.

[eddyramrod]

Talking of odd things cars had you miss, I really miss my old 740 GLE estate auto. Not for the huge loadspace,or the heated seats,

 

Well actually yes for those, both of them; but also for the casual ease with which it took everything in its stride. (sigh) So you and me both on that one Tiff.

 

Meanwhile, that Tempra does actually look quite tasty, apart from the wrong wheels doing the driving. That's the kind of thing I'd have happily used day-to-day in the frozen north-west, if one had appeared at the right time and price.

[Gompo]

Looks great, I look forward to reading more about it..

[meggersdog]

So today I checked the levels then went for a drive.The best thing to do when you don't know it's reliability is to make your first drive a long one.I went to Wells in Norfolk, a nice 130 mile round trip.Once out of the village my suspicions were confirmed.The nearside rear wheelbearing is noisey.

About fifteen miles into the journey I notice the temp guage is nudging the red.It was a nice day and luckily I was wearing shorts as the heater control went to hot and I turned the fan on full.By the time I reached the nearest layby to inspect my woes the temp guage began to fall.Lifting the bonnet revealed the radiator fan just coming off spin.The coolant level was correct so I gingerly removed the cap.The rad fan works and there was no pressure but the car has recently had a new waterpump fitted.My thoughts are: matey must have put radweld or somesuch miracle cure in to stop the leak before replacing the waterpump.I think the radiator is blocked.Windows down,heater fan on and I carry on my way.The temp guage hovered around the 90 mark (half way) for the rest of the journey.

Apart from my left leg getting very warm there were no other problems until I got home.I parked up and switched the ignition off but it kept running.With the key in my hand I put it in gear and stalled the engine yet all the ignition lights were on.Under the bonnet there are some strange wires and a lightbulb so I wiggled a few of these and still the ignition lights are on.When I shut the bonnet the lights went off.I've been out again tonight and it's fine,very strange.

Jobs to do then : rear wheelbearing,remove rad fill with caustic soda and leave over night,then look at the spaghetti wiring.

[Barry Cade]

What's special about the armrest?

 

 

It's just "there" but when you don't want it to be, its not. Its like someone measured me, then built the car around those measurements. It was so comfy, you just ignored all the warning lights, and steam...

 

 

Did I warn you, did I?