I've got a Fiat 1.9TD which I believe is either very similar or the same as the Talbot one. The M/H has covered over 140,000 miles of which I have done over 80,000, so it's quite good for high mileages, regular oil changes being essential. I imagine the non turbo version could struggle a bit when fully loaded on steep hills. We go over the Alps 2 or 3 times a year and on very long inclines it tends to get a bit hot.
We have the 2.5 turbo (on a talbot) there is 50,000 miles and we have done 18,000 of those, we have absolutley no mechanical faults whatsoever, and it starts much better than our 04 reg fiat van on a cold morning. We went to her after she had being standing for over two weeks and she started up first time. As Nimrodphil says regular servicing is essential (every 5,000 miles according to the handbook) but IMHO i think the 2.5TD is necessary on a bigger motorhome.
Hi, my brother had a 2.5 that had about 180,000 on it, bit ratly at start up, but went really well once warm, I think all he ever really needed to replace was the diesel pump, which are expensive on any diesel.
We bought a 1998 fiat 1.9TD with 16,000 miles on it last year and if I had the choice again I'd go for the 2.5 engine,as the 1.9 seems a little bit underpowered
Anyone have any views on the engines as fitted to the express van are they good for high mileages which is the better the 1.9 or the 2.5 ?
I've heard of a 2.5 TD with 250,000 miles on still going strong i think that for a motorhome you would need the 2.5 TD
I've seen a Fiat Ducato (same as the express) in a dealers forecourt with over 300,000 miles on the clock, but i don't know if it was the original engine
Thanks for all the replys they certainly seem a decent engine,ive been looking at the camelot,avalon,rambler hightop conversions and its good to get information from people who have experience of these engines cheers all.