The Marea Turbo is the result of an evolution of models from the Italian automaker that were successful and today divide opinions. 

In the 1990s, Fiat launched the Tempra here, a sedan that was a success, based on another car that did very well here, the Tipo. 

Thus, following up on these successful productions, the famous Marea emerged in 1998, although its souped-up version arrived shortly afterwards. 

The sedan arrived in Brazil along with its station wagon counterpart, the Marea Weekend. Both were derived from the Fiat Bravo. 

As soon as it arrived, the sedan showed its mettle.

After all, it featured different versions, in addition to the new 2.0-liter five-cylinder engine with no less than 20 valves, capable of delivering 142 horsepower. 

Thus, due to its popularity, the Marea gained a cheaper version, the SX. However, its engine was a bit weaker, a 2.0-liter engine, but with only 127 horsepower. 

The difference here was that it didn't have the variable valve timing, like the 142 horsepower version. 

However, the biggest sensation of them all, and one that continues to be successful to this day, for better or for worse, was the Marea Turbo. 

But it wasn't all roses in the vehicle's life, which even suffered from internet memes. 

However, the specimen has recently attracted attention again, because its value has increased by 18% this year and easily surpasses a number of traditional investments. 

Today we're going to talk some truths about the car and show you where to find one in good condition.

Ready to leave?

As we've shown, the Marea Turbo has appreciated significantly in value. In fact, there are already investors considering buying one to resell and make some money. 

The vehicle has a large number of detractors, just as there are many people who defend it. 

It's easy to find passionate owners who were true fan clubs for the Marea Turbo. 

But was the sample really that bad, or is this just envy from the opposition?

The truth is that the Marea Turbo is indeed often unfairly treated; however, several factors contribute to it literally becoming a walking meme. 

We will now show some of these reasons. 

The mechanics of the Marea Turbo were undoubtedly ahead of their time. 

That's because it featured advanced technologies that were, at the same time, uncommon a few years ago. 

One of the innovative technologies at the time was the four valves per cylinder that utilized variable valve timing. 

Although these technologies are common today, they were rare when this particular model came to market. 

Therefore, many mechanics were not used to or prepared to deal with this. 

Furthermore, some maintenance operations, such as the "simple" replacement of the timing belt, required specific tools and training. 

Thus, while this complexity demanded workshops and mechanics with a high level of training.

However, these specifications gave the Marea Turbo above-average performance for the standards of the time.

In other words, a beautiful middle ground. 

Most mechanical failures in the Marea Turbo are due to lack of maintenance. 

It was common for vehicles to succumb to a lack of skilled workshops, as well as negligence on the part of the owners. 

It's common for serious and up-to-date mechanics to state that the turbocharged version of the Marea is indeed a durable and safe vehicle option, provided that it is properly maintained. 

One of the most common mistakes in vehicle maintenance was using mineral lubricating oil instead of the synthetic oil recommended by Fiat. 

It's important to emphasize here that lubricant plays a fundamental role in the proper functioning and lifespan of any engine. 

But at the time the Marea arrived here, a liter of synthetic oil was up to three times more expensive than mineral oil.

Furthermore, the 5-cylinder engine required an incredible 5 liters of lubricant. 

Using the wrong oil would cause the formation of sludge, which brought problems to the engine. 

Synchronization errors in the way and timing of changing the timing belt were also common and consequently caused problems.

Spare parts were, and still are, cited as a problem with the Marea Turbo. However, there's always a counter-argument.

And since we are committed to the truth here, we will bring it to light now.

Mechanical parts for the Marea Turbo are not cheap, especially for the five-cylinder versions. 

However, it is possible to find them in the aftermarket. 

This is a positive point for the model, which had low production numbers and has been out of production for almost 15 years. 

What actually happened is that a market for aftermarket parts for the vehicle ended up forming.

As we know, aftermarket parts don't have the same quality as original parts.

Therefore, because of the price, many people used, and continue to use to this day, non-genuine parts. 

However, even today it is relatively easy to find original parts and components for the model, albeit at a higher price. 

So, answering whether the Marea Turbo is bad, we conclude that it is not. 

However, as is easy to see, maintenance was not, and still is not, affordable for everyone. 

But let's move on.

If you're a purist and love speed, you'll definitely be blown away by the Marea Turbo's specs. Here they are:

Released in 1998, the copy was modified in the following way:

It received dual variable valve timing, had multipoint electronic fuel injection, a turbocharger and intercooler, in addition to the fateful timing belt. 

Thus, the powerful five-cylinder engine began delivering no less than 182 horsepower and 27 kgfm of torque at a mere 2750 rpm. 

Furthermore, everything was controlled by a five-speed manual transmission, which was also present in the Fivetech 2.0 version, but with only 127 or 142 horsepower. 

Although it was heavy, the Marea Turbo performed beautifully.

Weighing 1,310 kg, the model reached 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and had a top speed of 223 km/h.

For those who wanted or want to travel with one of these with their family, space is not a problem. 

Ultimately, the model measures 4.39 meters in length; 1.74 meters in width; 1.45 meters in height and has a wheelbase of 2.54 meters. 

In addition to its dimensions, the trunk has a capacity of 430 liters. In other words, it has plenty of space and comfort to spare. 

With expensive gasoline, you must be wondering about the average fuel consumption of this big car.

Well, despite all that horsepower and weight, the Marea Turbo performed admirably in terms of fuel consumption.

Fueled solely by gasoline, the vehicle averaged 8.8 km/l in the city and 13.3 km/l on the highway. 

Until the last quarter of 2020, the price of the Marea Turbo was set in a range of R$ 13 thousand to R$ 15 thousand. 

However, the vehicle's bad reputation ended up scaring away investors, since an engine overhaul for this particular model can cost up to R$ 10,000. 

Due to the high value of used cars, driven by the rising dollar and the lack of new cars at dealerships, everything went up.

But in the case of the Marea, the appreciation was even greater. 

Today, this model sells for between R$ 18,000 and R$ 20,000.

From October 2020 to September 2021, the model appreciated by 18% in one year. This is significantly more than conservative or aggressive investments. 

It's no wonder that many people are seeking this item as a literal way to make money. 

Although many people are looking for a Marea Turbo, caution and attention are needed. 

The five-cylinder turbo engine provides a different experience for every driver. 

The vibrations are minimal and the snoring is much more pleasant, for example. 

The Marea, in its turbocharged version, was until now the only domestically produced vehicle with this unusual architecture, which, as we have shown, has its challenges. 

If you've been following us for a while, you already know that we always value the truth.

So, when someone asks us if it's worth buying a Marea Turbo, our answer will be: it depends!

If the vehicle has a good history and has been approved by a mechanic you trust, then we say it's a good buy.

In fact, you can make some money reselling them when prices are rising. 

However, if you're trying to ride the wave of appreciation and you've found a model that needs repairs, our suggestion is that you don't make the deal.

As we mentioned, a Marea Turbo engine overhaul starts at R$ 10,000, which could eat into your profit. 

The Marea Turbo is an old classic. 

Released in 1998 and sold until the mid-2000s, this vehicle may no longer be subject to vehicle property tax, depending on the state.

So, if you're looking for a car to own and drive occasionally, we have a great tip for you:

We're talking about auctions of classic cars. 

Auctions of classic cars are growing in Brazil, and are even considered a great alternative for those looking for a specific car model.

The chances of finding a Marea Turbo at an auction of this nature are high. 

And there's more: Vehicle auctions are cheaper, which allows for profits in the case of resales or simply savings in situations of regular use!

So, if you're looking for a copy of this icon to call your own, our suggestion is simple:

Click below and learn how to find your souped-up Marea at an event of this kind!