Budget compact hatchback, saloon and wagon with one of Fiat's longest-serving diesel engines. The 1.3 MultiJet II produces 95 hp and 200 Nm from just 1,248 cc, delivering excellent fuel economy on longer trips. The engine itself can exceed 250,000 km with disciplined maintenance, but the timing chain and supporting components demand attention. Interior quality and suspension reflect the Tipo's positioning below mainstream European competitors.· more· less
Proven and very economical dieselLow purchase price and cheap parts
Timing chain needs monitoringBudget suspension wears early
Buy if: You want an affordable, fuel-efficient diesel for regular motorway commuting and can verify the timing chain condition before buying.
Avoid if: You mostly drive short urban trips (DPF and turbo issues) or want refined build quality and suspension.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€7,000
median asking price, typically 130,000 km
Typical range€6,000 – €8,500
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€650 – €1,300/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€400 – €750 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€250 – €550 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Used price
€7,000
Typically €6,000 – €8,500, at around 130,000 km.
Kilometres driven
Maintenance
€650 – €1,300per year
€400 – €750
service, tyres, brakes
€250 – €550
repair buffer
Price & maintenance
Used price
€7,000
median asking price, typically 135,000 km
Typical range€5,900 – €9,000
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€650 – €1,300/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€400 – €750 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€250 – €550 /yr
Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Chain stretches and tensioner bolts work loose, causing cold start rattle and potential catastrophic failure · more· less
The 1.3 MultiJet timing chain is a known weak point across the entire engine family. The tensioner has bolts that can work loose over time, allowing chain slack and eventual skipping or snapping. Typical failure occurs between 120,000-200,000 km, though some cars have failed earlier with poor oil change habits. Symptoms begin as a brief rattle on cold start that becomes progressively longer. Preventive replacement of chain, tensioner, guides, and sprockets costs €600-900 at an independent specialist. If the chain breaks while running, valve-to-piston contact causes severe engine damage costing €2,000-2,500 for a reconditioned engine or head rebuild. Regular oil changes every 10,000 km (not the extended intervals some owners follow) and using the oil grade Fiat specifies for the exact car, 0W-30 on the Euro 6 1.3 MultiJet without urea and 0W-20 on the later urea-equipped version, significantly extend chain life. The later MultiJet II version in the Tipo is improved over earlier generations but the fundamental design weakness remains.
DPF clogging from short-trip driving
up to €1,5002 of 8
Diesel particulate filter blocks if the car rarely reaches sustained motorway speeds for passive regeneration · more· less
The 1.3 MultiJet's small displacement and lower exhaust temperatures make DPF regeneration harder than on larger diesels. Cars used primarily for urban commuting accumulate soot faster than it can be burned off during active regeneration cycles. When active regeneration occurs, extra diesel is injected into the combustion chambers, diluting the engine oil over time. The ECU monitors oil quality and will eventually prevent regeneration attempts to protect the engine, at which point the DPF becomes terminally blocked. Forced regeneration at a garage costs €100-150. If the DPF is fully blocked, professional cleaning costs €300-500, while outright replacement runs €800-1,500. Prevention: drive at motorway speeds for 20-30 minutes at least once a week.
Turbo wastegate actuator seizing
up to €1,2003 of 8
Vacuum actuator sticks from soot buildup, triggering P2563 code and limp mode · more· less
The variable geometry turbo on the 1.3 MultiJet uses a vacuum-operated actuator that can seize from carbon and soot buildup, particularly on cars driven gently at low revs. When the actuator sticks, the ECU triggers code P2563 (turbo boost control position sensor) and activates limp mode at around 3,000 rpm. In many cases the actuator can be freed by lubrication with penetrating oil and manual cycling, costing nothing. If the actuator membrane has torn, replacement of the actuator alone costs €200-400. However, if the turbo vanes are also seized or damaged, a complete turbo replacement is needed at €800-1,200. Regular spirited driving helps prevent carbon buildup on the vane mechanism.
Rear shock absorber leaking
up to €5004 of 8
Rear dampers develop oil leaks, often failing inspection before 60,000 km · more· less
This is one of the most frequently reported Tipo issues across all engine variants. Rear shock absorbers develop oil leaks relatively early in the car's life, sometimes before 50,000 km. The issue typically manifests as a bouncy rear end, poor handling over bumps, and visible oil staining on the damper body. Multiple forum threads confirm this as a recurring pattern. Replacement of both rear shocks costs approximately €250-350 at an independent garage (parts around €80-120 each plus labor), or €400-500 at a Fiat dealer. Some owners have had replacements covered under the 2-year warranty, suggesting Fiat acknowledges the issue. Aftermarket alternatives from Bilstein or Monroe are available and often more durable than the original fitment.
EGR valve carbon buildup
up to €5005 of 8
Exhaust gas recirculation valve sticks from carbon deposits, causing rough idle and warning lights · more· less
Carbon buildup on the EGR valve and intake passages is a common issue with MultiJet engines, particularly those driven gently or on short trips. The valve can stick open or closed, causing rough idle, loss of power, increased smoke, and engine management warning lights. Cleaning the EGR valve is often sufficient and costs €150-250 at a specialist. If the valve is damaged beyond cleaning, replacement costs €300-500 including labor. The EGR is in a difficult location on the 1.3 MultiJet, adding labor time. Regular spirited driving and quality diesel help prevent buildup. The issue typically appears between 60,000-120,000 km.
Oil pump solenoid and pickup seal failure
up to €7006 of 8
Faulty solenoid wiring or degraded pickup seal causes low oil pressure warnings on cold start · more· less
The 1.3 MultiJet has two related oil pressure issues. First, the solenoid on the oil pump can fail due to wiring that deteriorates over time, causing a low oil pressure warning. This is typically a €100-250 repair. Second, the rubber O-ring seal between the oil pickup tube and pump hardens with age, allowing air into the oil system. This causes the oil pressure warning to flash for 3-5 seconds on cold start. An aftermarket Viton O-ring kit costs about €50, but labor requires sump removal, bringing total cost to €300-700. Both issues are well-documented across the MultiJet family. If oil pressure warnings are ignored, bearing damage and eventual engine seizure can result.
Front coil spring fracture
up to €4507 of 8
Front springs crack or snap prematurely, particularly on poor road surfaces · more· less
Several Tipo owners report broken front coil springs, with some experiencing multiple failures. One owner documented a fifth front spring replacement, indicating a design weakness rather than bad luck. The springs appear susceptible to fatigue fractures particularly in regions with poor roads. Aftermarket replacements are available alongside the Fiat original; Eibach lists a front-axle spring for the 95 PS 1.3 D Tipo. A Fiat dealer quoted around €210 for the spring alone (no labor). Total repair including labor runs €200-450 per side.
Window regulator cable failure
up to €3008 of 8
Internal cable snaps in the electric window mechanism, causing the glass to drop into the door · more· less
Electric window regulator failures are reported across Fiat models including the Tipo. The steel cable inside the regulator snaps or plastic guide clips break, causing the window glass to drop into the door panel. The part costs €40-150 depending on source, with labor adding another €80-150. Both front and rear windows can be affected. Not a critical issue but inconvenient, especially if it happens in wet weather.
Reliable engine core, but timing chain and budget components need attention
The 1.3 MultiJet II engine is fundamentally robust and capable of exceeding 250,000 km with proper maintenance. The timing chain is the most important item to monitor: regular oil changes at 10,000 km intervals and listening for cold start rattle are essential. Beyond the engine, the Tipo's budget positioning means suspension components (springs, rear shocks) wear faster than on more expensive competitors. Cars used for regular motorway driving with complete service history are significantly more reliable than short-trip urban cars.
Service history
Complete Fiat dealer or independent specialist records essential. Verify oil was changed at correct intervals, ideally every 10,000-12,000 km for this engine.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns indicating alignment or suspension issues.
Cold start
Start the engine completely cold. Listen carefully for rattling sounds in the first 30 seconds indicating timing chain or flywheel issues.
Test drive
Drive for at least 20 minutes including town and motorway speeds. Feel for clutch judder and turbo response. Watch for EPC or DPF warning lights.
Specific for this vehicle
Timing chain cold start rattle
This is the most important check. Start the engine cold and listen for any rattling, clicking, or whirring noise in the first 5-30 seconds. Any rattle that disappears after a few seconds indicates chain tensioner wear. A loud, sustained rattle means imminent failure.
Oil pressure light duration on cold start
Watch the dashboard carefully during cold start. The oil pressure light should extinguish within 1-2 seconds. If it stays on for 3-5 seconds or longer, the oil pump pickup seal or solenoid is likely failing.
DPF condition with diagnostic scan
Ask about driving patterns: cars used mainly for short trips will have DPF problems. A diagnostic scan can show soot loading percentage and number of regeneration cycles. High soot loading or very frequent active regenerations are red flags.
+ 3 more checksShow less
Turbo response and boost
During the test drive, accelerate firmly from low speeds. The turbo should spool smoothly without hesitation. If the car enters limp mode or lacks power above 3,000 rpm, the wastegate actuator may be seized.
Bounce test rear suspension
Push down firmly on each rear corner and release. The car should return to normal height in one bounce. Multiple bounces or visible oil on the damper body indicates leaking rear shocks.
Inspect front springs for cracks
Turn the steering to full lock and inspect the front coil springs through the wheel arch. Look for fractures at the lower coils. This is a known Tipo weak point.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Steering wheel airbag wiring interference, risk of inadvertent deployment (UK campaign 6052, Sep 2015 - Nov 2016 production)Verify completed
Driver airbag inflator may not ignite during crash (UK campaign 6114, Nov 2016 - Apr 2017 production)Critical - verify completed
Airbag module software defect, airbags may not deploy (campaign 6320; UK 31 Oct 2020 - 15 Mar 2021, EU and German records 31 Oct 2020 - 9 Feb 2021)Critical - verify completed
Styled wheel rims prone to fatigue fracture on four-door Type 356 cars (EU campaign 6383, 13 Apr - 28 Sep 2021 production, subject to VIN and wheel fitment)Verify completed
Contact a Fiat dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The three airbag recalls covering 2015-2017 and 2020-2021 production are particularly safety-critical as airbags may deploy unexpectedly or fail to deploy in a crash. The airbag production windows above are the UK campaign ranges; EU and German records use slightly different periods, so confirm the exact scope for the car's market.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on most used examples
Rust perforation warranty8 years from first registration
Extended warrantyAvailable through Fiat dealers (MaxiCare)
All Tipos from 2015-2023 are outside their 2-year factory warranty. Fiat's rust perforation warranty (8 years) may still apply to newer examples. Check with a Fiat dealer for extended warranty options through MaxiCare.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
