Fiat Marea - Owners Experiences?

[Foxhound]

Per the title, has anybody owned one of these? what did you think of it? expensive to keep going? Comfortable to drive?

I'm looking at buying one for my new commute in January (specifically a 1.8 Estate version - on the cheap), but can't find a great deal of information on them. Honest John's page on them seems to suggest they need Belts changed at great expense every few years?

Cheers to anybody who can help!

[Jon951]

My Dad had a 2.0 20valve model a few years back now. Was a really nice engine with plenty of poke and sounded good. Not sure how the 1.8 goes in comparison. From memory it was pretty comfortable and reliable and nice to drive, interior rather plasticy but rattle free.

BUT yes the belt change was a big thing - certainly for the 2.0 it was an engine out operation