Basically an evolution of the original Stilo Abarth, which was the same 2.4
engine but only came with the Selespeed clutchless gearbox.

I have the original version and am fairly happy.  I say fairly because with
over 32 years of owning and servicing Fiats, my Abarth has been the most
interesting and troublesome.

First of all my major problems have been, in my opinion, dealer induced.
Like all Fiat engines the 5 cylinder model is very reliable and pretty
bullet proof.  Just my luck mine developed a rattle when only 3K miles old.
Fiat UK to their credit were not prepared to subject the engine and customer
to stripdown and repair  traumas.  A brand new engine was fitted instead.
That engine is still running strong, towing a caravan from the UK to Italy
every year.

However I have experienced some interesting problems which I believe are
design and dealer related

1) on the selespeed model the gearbox electrical connectors appear to be
fragile and don't appreciate anything but delicate handling
2) the radiator cannot be easily blead.  It is difficult to explain but I
will try.  The top radiator hose is some 10cm from the top of the rad.  The
bleed screw is located and TOTALLY hidden behind the air intake tube
resonator box which is located 1/3rd of the way down the tube.  This inlet
tube cannot be removed without removing the whole air intake system, which
requires the battery to be removed.  This means that proper cooling system
bleeding  is a multiple step process.  My dealers took a one step process
which I believe resulted in subsequent suspect thermosat replacement and
finally radiator failure .
3) The original Stilos had both front and rear wheel tracking problems.
These should be sorted by now.
4) Like all large engine modern cars space in the engine comparment is very
much at a premium and component failure can be expensive in labour charges.

Having said the above I'm still behind my Stilo.  Will I eventually change
it? YES!

Reason:  The Selespeed gearbox.  If you tow then this gearbox is not for you
or the car!

I did not have that choice/option.

Apart from the above the Stilo 2.4 is a great car and very much underated in
my opinion.

Nick /////