Buying a used... Fiat Scudo

Date: Wednesday, November 22, 2017

This second-generation Fiat Scudo built on the strengths of the original and still plays a minor role on the LCV scene, writes Ian Shaw.

The Fiat Scudo was one of a trio of vehicles built in conjunction with the PSA Group, the others being the Citroen Dispatch and the Peugeot Expert.

This second generation of Scudo appeared in 2007, with only a minor facelift in 2011 to keep it going all the way to 2016. These days that’s a relatively long model life for a mid-size LCV, proving that it was pretty much on the money from day one.

On that note, the Scudo’s earning potential looks good, with payloads from 1,000kg to just over 1,200kg, with load volumes of 7m³, 6m³ and 5m³ depending upon wheelbase length and roof height. There are two wheelbase lengths, of 3.0m and 3.25m, with roof heights of 1.49m and 1.75m internally. Load lengths range from 2.25m to 2.6m, with an internal width of 1.6m and a decent 1.25m between the wheelarches.

A growing trend in this sector during the early noughties was for crew and combi vans, while the full-seater version of the Scudo found much favour in the minicab and airport shuttle market across Europe, particularly in wheelchair-accessible applications. Since these vehicles usually pile on many more miles per year than the average self-employed trades van ever does, that should bode well for long-term reliability.

The Scudo’s engines are various versions of Fiat’s respected JTD series four-cylinder common-rail injection unit, which powers everything from Alfa Romeo saloons and coupes through to lower-weight full-size LCVs and every taxi in Rome. Here the unit generates 90hp in 1.6-litre guise with the attendant 180Nm of torque chiming in at just 1,500rpm – no wonder it only needs a five-speed ’box. The 2.0-litre offers 128hp and a substantial 320Nm of thrust, but at a slightly higher 2,000 revs. This feeds its force through a choice of six ratios.

Quite a few faults are reported across the Scudo range. Power steering failures on the earlier versions due to an assembly defect were subject to recall, so main dealer vehicles should have had this rectified. Also, both 1.6- and 2.0-litre versions of the otherwise pretty bullet-proof JTD engines have been known to develop fuel leaks on the low-pressure side of the system prior to the common-rail injection pump. However, once these concerns are addressed, the Scudo looks like a good worker.

Best options…

128hp engine
6-speed transmission
Long-wheelbase version
Standard roof
Combi version

Best avoided…

90hp engine (if towing)
Tow pack on 1.6 engine
Crew van
Business trim
Dealer editions

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