Should I buy a Fiat Croma?

I spend half the year in Ireland, half in the USA. I am being offered a low-mileage fully serviced 2007 Fiat Croma 2.4 turbodiesel for €9,000 with a full service history and the owner says they never had a problem, but there aren't many about (why?). Do you think it's a good deal for me as a 12,000 mile p.a. driver?

Henry Gibson (Oyster Cove, NY And Callan,, KK.)

Nov 2010 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi there,

The simple reason that the Fiat Croma didn't sell very well was that number one, it wasn't particularly good and number two, it was way overpriced for what it was. The result was that there were 33 sold in 2007 and just five sold a year later in 2008.

Having said that, I've often thought they would make a good second-hand buy because while they weren't a match to their key rivals such as a Ford Mondeo or Toyota Avensis, they are superb value on the used market and the 2.4-litre diesel engine that you mention is a particularly good one. 

That is a great price you are being offered for that car and if it is good and the mileage is low then I have to say I would be tempted. It certainly should be up to the task.

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