Used Fiat Bravo

What to know before buying: Fiat Bravo

From 3 forum threads and 3 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The 2007–2013 Bravo is not known for major weaknesses; its overall quality is rated alongside the Opel Astra, Citroën C4 and Peugeot 307.[6]one sourceBravo (2007–2013)
• Styling is described as the second generation’s main advantage, but the cabin contains cheap solutions that do not age especially well.[6]one sourceBravo (2007–2013)
• Owners praise the older 1.6 16V: one covered 140,000 km and retired the car only after its total mileage exceeded 250,000 km.[1][2]

Typical faults

• On 2007–2008 cars, cabin air-flap actuators can break their protective parts, leaving recirculation or airflow-direction controls inoperative.[2]one sourceBravo (2007–2013)

  2007–2008

• On 2007–2008 cars, rust can develop beneath the sealant along the inner edge of the bonnet or tailgate.[2]one sourceBravo (2007–2013)

  2007–2008

• Rear wheel bearings on 2007–2008 cars can begin to drone.[2]one sourceBravo (2007–2013)

  2007–2008

• Some petrol Bravos with the six-speed M32 gearbox are reported to suffer synchroniser failures by 100,000 km.[2]one sourceBravo (2007–2013)

  petrol

• On the older 1.6 engine, plastic heater-hose connectors at the thermostat can crack and leak coolant; one repair uncovered two cracked connectors.[4]one source

  1.6

• Older cars have reported thermostat faults: the engine stays cold, the heater blows cold air, consumption rises and the injection warning may illuminate.[3][4][5]

Which engine and version to take

• MultiJet diesels in the 2007–2013 Bravo are highly rated: initially a 90 hp 1.9, then 90 or 105 hp 1.6 versions from 2009.[6]one sourceBravo (2007–2013)
• The older 1.6 16V is an owner-praised choice, with sources describing long service and total mileage beyond 250,000 km.[1][2][5]

What to avoid

• For the older Bravo, one source singles out the 1.4 12V, 1.9 D and 1.9 TD as exceptions to an otherwise strong range; avoid them without convincing condition and history.[5]one source

What to check at the inspection

• Cycle every climate-control mode and test recirculation and airflow direction; broken flap actuators can leave some functions inoperative.[2]one sourceBravo (2007–2013)
• Inspect the inner edges of the bonnet and tailgate, especially along the sealant, for bubbling or rust.[2]one sourceBravo (2007–2013)
• During the test drive, listen for rear bearing noise that grows with road speed.[2]one sourceBravo (2007–2013)
• On an M32-equipped car, test all six gears and watch for difficult engagement, baulking or synchroniser noise.[2]one sourceBravo (2007–2013)
• On the 1.6 engine, inspect the plastic connectors near the thermostat, the coolant level and traces of dried leakage.[4]one source
• From a cold start, verify that the engine warms normally, the heater becomes hot and the injection warning light goes out.[3][4]

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]cbc.rs — Fiat Bravo - par pitanja · forum
2. [2]slo-tech.com — Fiat Bravo l.2007-2008 · forum
3. [3]motor-talk.de — Bravo - Probleme über Probleme! Hilfe! · forum
4. [4]fiatclub.ru — FAQ обслуживание и ремонт FIAT Bravo, Brava и Marea · press
5. [5]garaz.autorevue.cz — Fiat Bravo - kvalita, spolehlivost? · press
6. [6]terjebjornstad.com — problemer fiat bravo · press

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