Used Fiat Tipo for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.4%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 90
Average Price: Around £5,100

Fiat Tipo (2016-2023) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Reasonably practical cabin	Disappointing to drive
Decent boot space	Hard plastics in the low-rent cabin
Very cheap to buy	Poor safety rating, unless fitted with the optional Safety Pack

Quick Summary

The Fiat Tipo (2016-2023) was reintroduced as a low-cost alternative in the family hatchback market, aiming to compete with popular models like the Ford Focus and VW Golf. While its design is somewhat bland and its interior features hard plastics, the Tipo excels in practicality, offering good legroom for rear passengers and an impressive 440-litre boot in the hatchback, expanding to 550 litres in the Station Wagon. Its low purchase price when new, coupled with poor residual values, makes it an exceptionally cheap used car with relatively low running costs.

Driving dynamics are a notable weakness, with handling and ride quality falling short of rivals, and noticeable wind and road noise. Infotainment systems, initially small, were updated but still lag behind competitors. Engine options varied over its lifespan, including efficient diesels and a later 1.5-litre mild hybrid petrol, which offers a better balance of performance and economy. Overall, the Tipo is a fundamentally underwhelming car in many areas, but its affordability and practicality make it a tempting proposition for budget-conscious buyers seeking basic, no-frills transport.

Best for: Drivers on a tight budget, those needing basic, practical transport, and buyers prioritising low running costs over driving dynamics or premium feel.

Not ideal for: Buyers seeking engaging driving dynamics, premium interior quality, cutting-edge technology, strong badge appeal, or class-leading refinement.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Tipo if: You're on a tight budget, seeking basic, practical transport, or prioritising low running costs over driving dynamics or premium feel.

Consider alternatives if: You seek engaging driving dynamics, premium interior quality, cutting-edge technology, strong badge appeal, or class-leading refinement.

Competitive Position: The Fiat Tipo (2016-2023) serves as a budget-friendly option in the competitive family hatchback segment. While it offers good practicality and low running costs, it struggles to match rivals like the Ford Focus or Seat Leon in terms of driving enjoyment, interior quality, and technological sophistication. Its primary appeal lies in its exceptional affordability on the used market, making it a viable choice for those needing basic, no-frills transportation, though many competitors provide a more polished and engaging overall experience.

Fiat Tipo Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from February 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.