Where to start

[RaneeHobbs]

My fiat has been though a couple owners including me (1985 -1993) but I will tell you that my car needs some TLC. I just bought it back a couple months ago. So where do I start?

[spider2081]

If you don't know the last time the timing belt was changed I would start there. Many people replace the timing belt, front engine seals and water pump at the same time because labor wise it makes sense. Then I would go through the brakes.

[lglade]

+1 on the timing belt, water pump, tensioner and accessible engine seals (these are often available as a package). After that, get fresh fluids and tune it up (sparkplugs, cap & rotor, and sparkplug wires). If the brakes have been neglected--and many were--then tear into that project. Get a good service manual and you'll find there's very little on these cars that a motivated (or cheap) owner can't do by themselves.

[RaneeHobbs]

That you for the advice. Ranee

[narfire]

Personally if the seals are not leaking, they might be fine for the time being. However DO change out the timing belt as a start and tensioner bearing. You now have a mileage point of reference.
On the driveline is a rubber "doughnut" that is just behind the tranny. Does not cost a bunch to swap that out. They do crack over time and if it lets go you have a bigger problem.
Ok next is to make sure the brakes are sorted. I'd flush the brake lines and add new fluid. Take a look at the flexible hose from the steel to the calipers and the hose on the diverter at the rear. If they look dodgy then swap them out as well ( consider the steel lined flex hose)
Calipers them selves...any wet spots? if so re-build ( cheap and not really difficult) Brake pads...
Plugs and regular tune up or if electric ignition then consider replacing the electric pick up under the dist. The two wires get brittle over time and if they or one breaks the car stops...
Oil and filter change...wiper blades.
If it runs, make damb sure you can stop straight and well before venturing out.
have fun
Chris

[RRoller123]

+1 on all, plus remember to pull the block drain plug to get all the old coolant out of there too.