Models · Fiat
Fiat Coupé buying guide
Fiat's coupé, launched in 1993 and sold in the UK from 1995 with 2.0 16-valve and later 20-valve engines, normally aspirated or turbocharged. The 20v Turbo is the best known, with six-speed LE and Plus versions from 1998. The checks centre on belts, cooling and turbos.
The versions
- 2.0 16-valve, 135bhp; 2.0 16-valve Turbo, 190bhp with a Viscodrive limited-slip differential (both from 1995)
- 2.0 20-valve, 143bhp, or 150bhp with variable inlet; 2.0 20-valve Turbo, 214bhp
- Five-speed manual; six-speed on the 20v Turbo LE (1998) and Plus (1999), and standard from 1999
- 20v Turbo Limited Edition: Brembo front calipers, Recaro seats, strut brace and push-button start
What to check on a Fiat Coupé
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Cambelt and water pump
What to look for: Look in the history for the last cambelt change, with its date and mileage, and check the water pump and tensioner were replaced at the same time.
Why it matters: The cambelt is due every 35,000 miles on the 16-valve engines and every 50,000 miles on the 20-valve engines, and the change should include the water pump. It isn't an engine-out job, but proof of when it was last done matters on any of these cars.
The 20v rear coolant hose
What to look for: On a 20-valve car, ask whether the coolant hose at the back of the engine has been replaced, and look for coolant stains or a low coolant level. On the drive, watch the temperature gauge.
Why it matters: The rear coolant hose can fail without warning, and the temperature sensor may not detect the loss, while the clamshell bonnet hides any steam. Replacing it as a precaution is the usual advice, so a receipt for it is a good sign.
Turbo smoke and treatment
What to look for: On a Turbo, leave the engine idling for several minutes after the drive and watch the exhaust for blue smoke, and check at a cold start too. Ask whether the car has a de-cat exhaust or extra boost, and whether the engine has been allowed to cool before switching off. Listen for a ticking from the exhaust manifold at start-up, and check the oil cooler pipes for corrosion.
Why it matters: The turbos are sensitive to de-cat exhausts, over-boosting and poor cool-down habits, and blue smoke when cold or idling is the warning sign of oil passing the turbo seals. A ticking at start-up that doesn't fade as the engine warms points to a cracked exhaust manifold, and corroded oil cooler pipes are also known.
Also in the full guide
- Front wishbones and steering wander
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Fiat Coupé
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Fiat.