Fiat Linea - Various niggling issues? Post your experiences here.

amit · 8th June 2009, 15:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by geeash

Seat issue: I have spoken to the fiat whos and whos and they have promised a solution within week time.

If the Grande Punto doesn't have this problem then we can believe that Fiat has solved the issue. What it will also mean is that Linea's seat problem will also get solved. I guess the GP has the answer to this issue

.

Good to know that the chrome strip issue has been solved. Time for Linea owners facing this issue to head to the nearest Tata-Fiat ASC for a permanant solution?

extreme_torque · 8th June 2009, 16:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCEite

Sorry i disagree.

Things like seat going down on its own (what the heck!) and chrome falling off, forget WagonR, even a M800 owner would be ashamed to experience this in a 9 lac car.

I am sorry I didnt make myself clear last time around. I was talking about minor rattles and squeaks. Things like seat going down its own is a one of case rather than a widespread phenomena so we should leave it at that. What should be of concerns to us is how fiat reacted to it and if the warrantly replacement work was carried out as per the satisfaction of the owner.

VahanPujari · 8th June 2009, 16:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkbharat

My concern is what thread will provide in terms of help ?

If you say all issues in one place, So how does it helps. I do not want to read issue and problems. I want to read Pros and Cons and final verdict. So I make my opinion about the car.

Reading issues will just deter me more from buying a car, which might have many other good things to make over.

But if people think it helps, than it is, surely not for me. I love to see both side of the coin. Rest my case

Quote:

Originally Posted by VahanPujari

Voila,
Since Saturday evening I was contemplating to start a new thread titled "Fiat Linea - Owners' Feedback". The objective was to give feedback to Fiat also of these very minor niggling issues which they can fix to make it even better. These are very minor issues & I always believed the same can be fixed easily. Having said that, its not good that such issues come up in a brand new car worth Rs. 8 Lacs. Hence, was planning to open a thread as above. However, my liking to my Linea superseded & again yday night thought against it to start a thread of niggling issues of the beauty fearing it should not be taken in negative publicity/ feedback from an owner.

Its a wonderful VFM car & Fiat can fix these issues at a very minimal cost.

Agree with rkbharat. This thread carrying only the issues will not help prospective buyers who needs both - pro's & con's.

IMO, the objective of this thread could be only one - to give feedback to Manufacturer on Areas of improvements to further make the car more wonderful

pranava999 · 8th June 2009, 16:17

Have done 1000kms so far. The only non irritant was the rear quarter glass chrome strip. As of now have no rattles,squeaks,etc. Only annoying noises are the road noise and poor quality FM stations.

Will keep the thread updated if anything crops up. Touch wood everything else is working fine.

phamilyman · 8th June 2009, 16:18

Not only is the title misleading - the thumbs down icon is misleading as well.

LOL by that logic - how many thumbs down should we have for other manufacturers?

Prudence is in order when creating such threads.

coolboy007 · 8th June 2009, 16:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by extreme_torque

I am sorry I didnt make myself clear last time around. I was talking about minor rattles and squeaks. Things like seat going down its own is a one of case rather than a widespread phenomena so we should leave it at that. What should be of concerns to us is how fiat reacted to it and if the warrantly replacement work was carried out as per the satisfaction of the owner.

Bingo. Thats what i want to say. On a single complaint tata-fiat are treating customers like baby and trying to find out the issues and solve them ASAP.
This thread is now an excellent place for Fiat bashers

I once made a complaint about the car (engine oil low pressure when car was about to stall), they came to my house (30 kms away from servce centre) and did a thorough check of the car and explained me everything in details and somethings about blu n me which i didnt know initially.

The chrome glue problem is in earlier batches as confirmed by geeash and even mine doesnt has it. Not a single rattle or sqeak anywhere from the car and just 1 issue of thigh interfering with seat heigh adjuster. Should i be ashmed now with this 1 issue that i wasted my 7 lacs

Some chrome lose their colours too, am happy that these chrome strips are atleast provided in my Linea, other car i saw them on was Jetta which costs double than Linea.

rajdoll · 8th June 2009, 16:29

I like such threads, it not only gives inputs/feedback to prospective buyers and owners to handle issues but also to the manufacturer of the product at one consolidated place. There is another such thread on Vista niggling issues. I feel, people buying VFM cars tend more to start such threads and discuss it openly than others who feel doing this will put a question mark on their buying decision, which should not be the case. As we said we are just colleciton the information from the horse's mouth and nothing to belittle any particular product. So le'ts cut the protectionist comments, no doubt car is very good, and focus on the Niggling issues, if any

manish7 · 8th June 2009, 16:43

My god, so many responses in a matter of few hours? Title can be changed to have a question mark though, I can't do it myself now.

Off Topic : Are there too many SEO specialist here worried about search engine results of such titles?

I needed list of problems only because by now I am well aware of all the pluses and I would like to figure out if there is something more serious which could be a deal-breaker. So far, I don't think there is anything serious but few nit-picks maybe which do require attention from Fiat, so that newer batches of Linea don't have those problems. I'd be definitely annoyed if bonnet opening knob or fuel opening knob breaks while normal handling. Let me repeat again - I am most likely to buy Linea or GP despite those niggling issues, and I prefer Fiat over say ANHC which charges premium without any premium features. But at the same time, I am not someone who will take things lying down only because it's a small/petty issue.

Mods, if you think this thread is really redundant/out-of-place, please remove it. The titles according to me is not offending, but it can indeed have a question mark if needed. But the thread is essentially about problems, and owners seem to be satisfied with the fixes provided by Fiat service centers. I think that's a big positive change!

FlyingSpur · 8th June 2009, 16:58

Unfortunately I have nothing to contribute to this thread, all I'd like to say is that the members should stop doubting the credibility of the thread-starter or trying to shoot down this thread only because he is not an owner. As a prospective customer, anyone would be seriously concerned about the issues which current owners have faced in the product.

And as far as calling it hearsay goes, that's just ridiculous. The information stated in his post is based on Team-BHP reviews and feedback, isn't it? What's the problem with that? That's like calling GTO a goof because he worked hard to summarize the reports of problematic cars on the first page of the Skoda thread !!

My sincere apologies for going off-topic.

amit · 8th June 2009, 17:00

Someone has posted that the chrome strip coming off issue is now solved by using Italian adhesive against the Turkish one earlier.

It's now upto Linea owners to get that problem rectified at Fiat ASC and report back if it's a permanant solution. If it is, then the thread title can be updated accordingly. That way we will have a thread that lists both problems and solutions in one place and will be fair to the product and manufacturer too.

luky_13 · 8th June 2009, 17:13

I had this issue of the chrome strip coming off my Linea, reported it to Concorde and they fixed it with some adhesive strip, now i can't pull it out with all my force. So i guess it was a minor problem and they had a solution.

Ferrari1976 · 8th June 2009, 17:19

I for sure agree with the intentions of the thread. There are quite a few TBHP members waiting on the sidelines to buy Linea/GP. Just the response to this thread is a sufficient proof. This would mean that they all know how good the cars are and need the information on this thread to know whether there are any "deal-breaker" issues with Linea.

The name of this thread can certainly be changed to "Linea - Ownership Feedback" to give it a better orientation.

Manish: Thanks for starting this thread. Every new launch should have this consolidated view.

Regards

Minardi · 8th June 2009, 17:23

i understand the concerns and good intentions of the thread starter, but this thread would do more harm than good for an excellent car and for the exciting but struggling carmaker. all car enthusiasts in this country want fiat to survive and thrive, and not close down their operations here.

i don't mean that we shd turn a blind eye towards the issues, but feel that for a car that clearly costs 2L less than what is should, i for one can live with these issues.

pranava999 · 8th June 2009, 17:43

Being a passionate Linea owner myself who generally doesn't like uncalled for Linea/Fiat bashing specially from chachas and uncles who have never experienced the Linea or the A.S.S, and choose to recall the past as an indicator for the future, I don't see anything wrong in Manish's intent at creating this thread.
I think its best left to one's perception as to his/her take away from this thread. Those who hate the Fiat badge will in any case continue to do so irrespective of the existence of such a thread. The positive side is if someone is keen on buying the Linea this thread will shed some light on the 'INITIAL' niggles that owners have experienced.

What should concern us Linea owners is how FIAT/TATA responds to issues raised. For the most part of it, seems like it's satisfactory.

Oh must add that I am thoroughly enjoying every KM with this car.

breezydrive · 8th June 2009, 17:45

Mods, pl remove that "thumbs down" mark from the thread title.
It really does not justifies its significance until it comes from a frustrated owner.

All cars have small niggling issues, IMO this depends on the owner. Some people don't even notice them or live with them while others might create a panic among other future buyers of the car.

The real issue which some owners have reported seems to be low GC of the car & its ability to scrap the underbelly at speed brakers/pot holes etc. Hope, FIAT does something about it while launching 1.6 ltr version.

8th June 2009, 16:17	#34
pranava999 BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: BANGALORE Posts: 845 Thanked: 23 Times View My Garage	Have done 1000kms so far. The only non irritant was the rear quarter glass chrome strip. As of now have no rattles,squeaks,etc. Only annoying noises are the road noise and poor quality FM stations. Will keep the thread updated if anything crops up. Touch wood everything else is working fine.
	() Thanks

8th June 2009, 16:18	#35
phamilyman Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 5,968 Thanked: 4,642 Times	Not only is the title misleading - the thumbs down icon is misleading as well. LOL by that logic - how many thumbs down should we have for other manufacturers? Prudence is in order when creating such threads.
	() Thanks

8th June 2009, 16:29	#37
rajdoll BHPian Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 188 Thanked: 2 Times	I like such threads, it not only gives inputs/feedback to prospective buyers and owners to handle issues but also to the manufacturer of the product at one consolidated place. There is another such thread on Vista niggling issues. I feel, people buying VFM cars tend more to start such threads and discuss it openly than others who feel doing this will put a question mark on their buying decision, which should not be the case. As we said we are just colleciton the information from the horse's mouth and nothing to belittle any particular product. So le'ts cut the protectionist comments, no doubt car is very good, and focus on the Niggling issues, if any
	() Thanks

8th June 2009, 16:43	#38
manish7 BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 508 Thanked: 0 Times	My god, so many responses in a matter of few hours? Title can be changed to have a question mark though, I can't do it myself now. Off Topic : Are there too many SEO specialist here worried about search engine results of such titles? I needed list of problems only because by now I am well aware of all the pluses and I would like to figure out if there is something more serious which could be a deal-breaker. So far, I don't think there is anything serious but few nit-picks maybe which do require attention from Fiat, so that newer batches of Linea don't have those problems. I'd be definitely annoyed if bonnet opening knob or fuel opening knob breaks while normal handling. Let me repeat again - I am most likely to buy Linea or GP despite those niggling issues, and I prefer Fiat over say ANHC which charges premium without any premium features. But at the same time, I am not someone who will take things lying down only because it's a small/petty issue. Mods, if you think this thread is really redundant/out-of-place, please remove it. The titles according to me is not offending, but it can indeed have a question mark if needed. But the thread is essentially about problems, and owners seem to be satisfied with the fixes provided by Fiat service centers. I think that's a big positive change!
	() Thanks

8th June 2009, 16:58	#39
FlyingSpur Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,934 Thanked: 1,422 Times View My Garage	Unfortunately I have nothing to contribute to this thread, all I'd like to say is that the members should stop doubting the credibility of the thread-starter or trying to shoot down this thread only because he is not an owner. As a prospective customer, anyone would be seriously concerned about the issues which current owners have faced in the product. And as far as calling it hearsay goes, that's just ridiculous. The information stated in his post is based on Team-BHP reviews and feedback, isn't it? What's the problem with that? That's like calling GTO a goof because he worked hard to summarize the reports of problematic cars on the first page of the Skoda thread !! My sincere apologies for going off-topic.
	() Thanks

8th June 2009, 17:00	#40
amit Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 3,717 Thanked: 449 Times	Someone has posted that the chrome strip coming off issue is now solved by using Italian adhesive against the Turkish one earlier. It's now upto Linea owners to get that problem rectified at Fiat ASC and report back if it's a permanant solution. If it is, then the thread title can be updated accordingly. That way we will have a thread that lists both problems and solutions in one place and will be fair to the product and manufacturer too. Last edited by amit : 8th June 2009 at 17:03.
	() Thanks

8th June 2009, 17:13	#41
luky_13 BHPian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 580 Thanked: 156 Times View My Garage	I had this issue of the chrome strip coming off my Linea, reported it to Concorde and they fixed it with some adhesive strip, now i can't pull it out with all my force. So i guess it was a minor problem and they had a solution.
	() Thanks

8th June 2009, 17:19	#42
Ferrari1976 BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 213 Thanked: 68 Times	I for sure agree with the intentions of the thread. There are quite a few TBHP members waiting on the sidelines to buy Linea/GP. Just the response to this thread is a sufficient proof. This would mean that they all know how good the cars are and need the information on this thread to know whether there are any "deal-breaker" issues with Linea. The name of this thread can certainly be changed to "Linea - Ownership Feedback" to give it a better orientation. Manish: Thanks for starting this thread. Every new launch should have this consolidated view. Regards
	() Thanks

8th June 2009, 17:23	#43
Minardi BHPian Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Mumbai Posts: 413 Thanked: 15 Times	i understand the concerns and good intentions of the thread starter, but this thread would do more harm than good for an excellent car and for the exciting but struggling carmaker. all car enthusiasts in this country want fiat to survive and thrive, and not close down their operations here. i don't mean that we shd turn a blind eye towards the issues, but feel that for a car that clearly costs 2L less than what is should, i for one can live with these issues.
	() Thanks

8th June 2009, 17:43	#44
pranava999 BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: BANGALORE Posts: 845 Thanked: 23 Times View My Garage	Being a passionate Linea owner myself who generally doesn't like uncalled for Linea/Fiat bashing specially from chachas and uncles who have never experienced the Linea or the A.S.S, and choose to recall the past as an indicator for the future, I don't see anything wrong in Manish's intent at creating this thread. I think its best left to one's perception as to his/her take away from this thread. Those who hate the Fiat badge will in any case continue to do so irrespective of the existence of such a thread. The positive side is if someone is keen on buying the Linea this thread will shed some light on the 'INITIAL' niggles that owners have experienced. What should concern us Linea owners is how FIAT/TATA responds to issues raised. For the most part of it, seems like it's satisfactory. Oh must add that I am thoroughly enjoying every KM with this car.
	() Thanks

8th June 2009, 17:45	#45
breezydrive BHPian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NOIDA Posts: 750 Thanked: 125 Times View My Garage	Mods, pl remove that "thumbs down" mark from the thread title. It really does not justifies its significance until it comes from a frustrated owner. All cars have small niggling issues, IMO this depends on the owner. Some people don't even notice them or live with them while others might create a panic among other future buyers of the car. The real issue which some owners have reported seems to be low GC of the car & its ability to scrap the underbelly at speed brakers/pot holes etc. Hope, FIAT does something about it while launching 1.6 ltr version.
	() Thanks