Fiat Doblo Cargo road test reports and car reviews

Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.3 multijet 2005

I Bought mine brand new in 2005. Has now done 44k miles. Just bought a Transit to replace it as carrying 400-ish kilos in the Doblo has killed the shock stops and the leaf springs, so I need something bigger. Had to have new rear brake cylinders at 27k as they were leaking fluid (£450), and the gearstick weld snapped at 42k, but with builders banding and some roofing bolts I made it home and had it re-welded, other than that though, mechanically this van has been fine. Just the usual brake pads, discs, aux belts etc. If you service it regularly and to the letter, and don’t drive it like Schumacher, its a fine little van. Mine has never broken down, so it’s given me no down-time atall. But don’t bother trying to put the stated 500 kilos in it, it won’t like it, and it will quickly destroy the rear suspension. Also I find it goes through front tyres very quickly. The MPG figures of 62 etc are impossible to achieve. Mine averages about 42, which is still not bad at all, considering the weight it carries.

Fiat Doblo Cargo 2006

I have had this van from new and have only done 13000 miles in wich time I have had to replace the turbo and now the dashboard is showing engine management fault, I have taken it to a garage and they have told me that the fault is a EGR Valve and would cost around £400 and this is just 6 months after I had to pay out £450 for a turbo. I was unable to get done through warranty as I forgot to get the first service on time but this fault should not have happened at this time surely? Will not get another Fiat as I have lost all faith in this brand.

Fiat Doblo Cargo 2005

I bought a brand new Fiat Doblo Cargo four years ago (05 plate). It’s a 1.9jtd (105 hp) and does about 50 mpg. It is very reliable, nice and comfortable to drive and quite fast which is great for busy roundabouts. I’m a plumber/gas fitter and a service agent for a couple of boiler manufacturers, which means the van does get a hell of a slamming too. The only thing I would say to watch out for is the gear stick. It is very short and can be troublesome to engage at times. The gearstick once completely snapped and I had to drive home with a mole grip attached to have it welded. Other than this I think the Doblo is a brilliant van and would recommend it to anyone.

Fiat Doblo Cargo 2005

I bought a Fiat Doblo second-hand 3 weeks ago, sold as seen. I had a nightmare with it last week catalytic converter snapped off - it had been welded up, the previous owner had clutch replaced 6 months ago, great I thought, until the fly wheel packed up costing me another £650. Although when I got back out garage another problem wheel bearings (both) very noisy and abs light on, garage seems to think that taking out driveshafts has disturbed the wheel bearings??????? Any helpful feedback please on this????

Fiat Doblo Cargo 2002

I bought one last year second hand and have had so many problems with pulleys, tension belts, and the alternator. It is very clean outside but mechanically they are a nightmare. Also crank sensor problems and wishbone problems. Parts not cheap either - cam belt is a big expensive job as well.

Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.9jtd 2004

I bought my Fiat van 4 years ago, it had 5,000 miles on the clock; it now has 121,000. A brilliant van that I can personally recommend. I have had the cambelt done at 75,000 and an exhaust at 100,000, that’s all. I have had van serviced every 12,000 miles which is probably why it has been so good to me... O am still running my van but am considering a Fiorino in the next few months.

Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.3 2005

Good little van with no problems! But you have to get it chipped to make it go. I now get good acceleration, 57mpg more torque etc etc. Carries my disco gear so not exactly light. But actually drives better loaded. Unloaded flies like the wind. GET IT CHIPPED IF YOU HAVE A DOBLO.

Responses to this review

Where have you bought your chip from? - Daniel Gildenhuys from Buckinghamshire

Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.9 Multijet Dynamic 2009

Bought the Fiat Doblo 1.9 Multijet Dynamic. After four days it had to go back, brakes were not working properly - it rolled down drive into busy road. Another two weeks due to knocking on steering, the excuse was fitted with wrong wheel bearings, the cup at the top of the macfursons strut full of rust, their excuse was it was road dirt. the car had done 200 miles. The rubbers round the rear windows were porous on the inside and full of sand and last week we were climbing up a hill and the accelerator pedal stuck. DISGUSTED! WENT BACK AFTER 1 MONTH - LET FIAT HAVE THE TROUBLE.

Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.3 multi 2007

Further to my last post in February, I have been driving this van now for two weeks. I really like it!! I wear a pair of narrow shoes now and the brake/accelerator problem is not really an issue now, although Fiat should do something about this. The three things I most like about the van are the excellent brakes, the turning circle and the very nice high driving position. I also like the responsiveness of the engine.