Fiat Doblo Cargo road tests and consumer car reviews

Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.9 jtd 2003

As a small fleet owner, I didn’t jump at buying a Fiat, however, after 300000 +miles on the clock it eventually died. Positives: I think this could have been one of the best vans we have had, great mpg returns and in general low enough maintance costs. Negatives: speed sensor went in gear box approx 120k turbo 200K and 1 oil leak, nothing else outside of usual. Van was serviced on time and extra oil change between services overall. No matter what  you buy you have to maintain and this van did us well. Didn’t buy another one as Renault fleet gave me a 5 year unlimited milage warranty with a replacement van for service plus breakdowns. This Fiat was good, maybe I was lucky?

Fiat Doblo Cargo Cargo SX 1.3 75hp multijet 2009

Bought my Doblo with delivery miles (1k) last year, although the van was almost 2 years old it was a demonstrator with only 1000K on the clock in mint condition... it has the electric pack but no air con. the driving position is high up but with an awkward accel pedal which makes you leg and foot ache. Beware of the tiny 1.3 diesel, it is weedy and breathless and is no where near as economical as Fiat claim...if you drive in the middle or outside lane of the motorway expect around 35mpg which is appalling for such a small engine, uphill you will need to stir the gears and floor the accelarator to hold 70mph.. if you pootle along at 60 mph you will see around 47mpg at best. my advice is go for the bigger diesel engine, the van is way too big for such a tiny engine. Otherwise the little van is fun and a good workhorse, unlike the comment obove it does not qualify for the ’car derived’ status...it is over the weight limit so don’t get caught out!

Fiat Doblo Cargo 2006

Worst buy ever! Faults: Clutch, gearbox to be replaced, both electric windows are broken, water leaking from radiator, problem with back doors; must key them to make sure they don’t open in transit. Fed up totally with this lump of scrap! It’s now sitting idle for the last year at the side of my house, can’t be bothered with it any more.

Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.9SX JTD 2005

I bought the van in 2005 with 1800 miles on the clock. The week before I had drive tested a Ford Connect. I immediately liked the vehicle for all the reasons I discovered later, comfort, gutsy economy and handling. Only problem I have had was an airflow meter and SGR valve fault which caused black smoke and great loss of power. Quoted £200 plus to do the job. Unbelievably solved for about £10 with a bottle of Forte Diesel Treatment (regularly put this in the tank now) Only critiscm is the poor marker for 30 and 50mph as the speedo is marked 20, 40, 60, 80mph. Next van definitly a Fiat.

Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.9 JTD 2006

Best motor I’ve ever had. For the first time in years I don’t have to reverse my fat backside into the driver’s seat or climb and twist and other awkward stuff - there is so much room it’s fantastic, I can just step into the seat. The back end is so capacious it’s incredible. Coming up on 200k and the only problem I have had is tyres and brakes - but these are normal service items. Even fully loaded the Doblo has plenty of power under the bonnet to cruise all day on the motorway - and best of all, I can mix the fuel with old cooking oil - winter neat diesel, spring/autumn I fill the tank, run it for 50 miles then add a gallon of cooking oil. In warmer weather I run the motor for 100 miles and add 2 gallons. The oil is free but requires filtering and 3% unleaded adding. Around town, 45mpg, mixed, 50 mpg (and I don’t mess about on motorways). As for the problems with pedals, I take a size 14 shoe and wear toetectors when driving and have had no problems whatsoever. Fiat, if you read this - the next version of the Doblo diesel should be made to run on pure veg oil if we want. Perhaps also the gearing could be changed - maybe add a 6th gear? (It would just be nice to have lower revs at high motorway speeds). Oh, and the over screen shelf is nice but maybe a few more cubbies - under the seats? Behind / above the driver’s head? And how about opening up the acres of dashboard? There must be loads of empty, unused space there. Oh yes, and do away with the gearstick pod, just have it coming straight out of the dash - and put a louder relay on the indicators. A reversing camera as standard would also be nice (mine only cost £50 on eBay but is a real godsend when it comes to getting in and out of tight spots. Also fantastic when hooking up a trailer. (The doblo’s height and large mirrors makes it an ideal towcar for caravans).

Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.9 Multijet SX 2008

Had this van for nearly two years, bought new on an 08 plate, now just coming up to 50000 on the clock, and can honestly say I have had no problems with it whatsoever. I have had it serviced every 12000 miles (not by Fiat, by a local garage (using Fiat spares of course)) and it still drives pretty much as per the day I picked it up from the dealer. Regularly has 3-400 kilos in the back of it as well. Has never broken down, refused to start or anything else and have not had to replace anything apart from service spares. Only slight niggles is the genuine service spares can be expensive (fuel filter £55!), the bonnet release is a bit temperamental and sometimes does not wwant to open, and the indicators self cancel far to easily meaning you constantly have to keep re indicating. Would definitely buy another one (if this one ever even gives up).

Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.9JTD 2005

I’ve had two Doblo 1.9JTD vans an ’02’ orange one and a ’55’ white one. Great little engines easily cruise at 80 on motorways and have good acceleration. Only problem I had with the ’02’ was a clutch at 70k and some unusual handling - which I never got to the bottom of despite numerous attempts. Also door locks on Fiats are temperamental if not looked after. Did approx 15k in 12 months and replaced it with ’55’. So far I’ve had this one a year and done another 15k but in 9 months this time (I worked overseas the other 3) and it handles perfectly and is just as pokey as the earlier one. Definitely go for the 1.9jtd as the smaller engines are gutless (had a few hire doblos as well). Clutch has gone on this one as well (not me honest) and the garage are having problems getting a new one despite contacting clutch suppliers. They have had to supply serial number off the old clutch as the indicated one on the parts list is too small . Apparently there are a number of 2005 doblos with non standard clutches. The 1.9 JTD engine is a match for the citroen and Peugot 2.0HDI engines and ten times better than their 1.9 offerings. Find a good one and you will save £1000 + on a similar Berlingo and Partner.

Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.3 multijet diesel Cargo Van SX with side doors 2006

Bought new in Nov 2006 and so qualifies as Euro 4 £125 road tax. I use it for window cleaning and carry about 500kg of water and gear plus me. All pretty local and so mileage only 21500 as of June 2010. 42mpg start stop driving and 50mpg on rare longer run. Good points:- Good all round - nice driving position but easy to park. Being a 2000kg over all max weight on a car derived van I can drive legally at car rather than van speeds - but be warned the 1.9 is about 20kg over the limit! And I don’t know about the new 2010 stuff. Problems. New starter motor under warranty at 15 months. Side door jammed at 3 years and bits and job cost £100. Drivers window (electric) glass jams occasionally. Clutch juddery but to be expected as stop starting with 500k all day and end day by reversing up drive for about 30ft every evening on the clutch. Still works at the mo’. All things being equal I will replace at 5 year point and am pleased so far. I will probably replace with the new Doblo - perhaps a 1.6 and 1000kg payload.

Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.9 JTD 2003

Bought with 35000 miles on, now have 80k. Strengths: Great engine, fast, frugal - with a £100 chip fitted I now average over 60 mpg. Reliability: Has never broken down. Has needed a few jobs doing; wheel bearings, exhaust, fuel cap, wiper linkage, but nothing major. Flaws: no footrest for left foot. Seating position can make right foot start to ache on long motorway trips. Not enough cubby holes in the cab. Stereo/speakers poor, nowhere to mount any better speakers. Spare parts are not cheap. Front tyres wear out too quickly. Conclusion: with a decent stereo and a cruise control, it would be nearly perfect. I would heartily recommend it and will probably buy another.

Fiat Doblo Cargo taxi 2008

Absolute c**p, makes a Trabant look like a Rolls Royce, do not buy one, you have been warned.

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 13,000 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.

Responses to this review

I had the same problem with mine, but at 97,000 after spending £1,500 on it! Ended up as £25 switch on the turbo. Before that, everything was great; only had to fix clutch at 87,000 miles - Simon Williams from Denbighshire

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.

Responses to this review

Update: I still have this van, it never goes wrong! It now has 182,000 on clock. I am looking about for another, I think it will be another Doblo now. Fantastic vans! - Anthony Stacey from Yorkshire

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

Have just got wife 2004 cargo great van. Where can I get it chipped and how much does it cost? - Steve Mansell from Somerset

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.

Fiat Doblo Cargo 2007

Just started a new job today and driving this van, and yes Julian, there IS a problem with the accelerator and brake pedals being too close together. Maybe I just have large feet (size 11) - I’ll have to dig out a pair of narrow shoes! But on the whole the van is good.

Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.3 multijet 2008

40,000 miles up and no problems. A good little van so far.

Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.9 JTD 2002

Great drive though does lean a bit on the bends. Engine blew at 85K 3 years 1 month old, so had to pay for new engine £3,000.00 ouch . Back rides very low when laden to near max weight. Now on 120K had 3 new alternators, 1 radiator, 1 engine, 2 starter motors and broke down a few times with the crankshaft sensor fault. Electric drivers window wont work now, the big glass area seems to big for the motor to move, need a bit of hand assistance. Oh and I found the brake and accelerator pedals too close together so I crashed it after 3 weeks when I stood on the brake and caught the accelerator pedal too! Actually come to think of it, crap.

Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.3mj 2008

1250 miles current mpg 46.75 on a mixed cycle. A better van loaded to 500 kg than the combo. So far so good.

Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.3 multijet 2007

Well tha’ts the first revenue miles in the doblo .First impressions count a lot; and I think I’m going to like this machine. Whilst some of the fittings seem a bit flimsy the window winders in particular and the very tishy bonnet release overall the van seems soundly made. The driving position is splendid, far superior to the combo for example because you are higher. The little Vauxhall is cosy but I always feel a bit short of view, but the combo and the doblo share the 1.3 dohc power unit. This is a belting engine (except the cam drive which is chain) smooth lively and economical: a winner. Will comment on any issues later.

Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.3 High Roof 2007

So far so good but early days yet with just 400 miles on the clock and still listening out for problems - not that there should be but just going with what others say about the marque! A bit like the tardis as it has taken everything in so far. Probably a bit slow for those in a rush but I now have no problem in travelling at a speed that allows time to look at others rushing to earn a crust! Very comfortable seating wise, drives in a straight line and the consumption at a little over 40mpg for short journies will suit and hopefully get better with time. Well pleased so far and fingers crossed for the next 20 years....