04 Punto 1.2 engine lifespan....HELP

bubbuz

Hi all, would love some expert opinions on the expected lifespan of a 04 punto 1.2 petrol engine. I've been looking for a cheep run around for a while now as my 1.6 vectra is killing me with fuel costs due to all my driving being short runs, ie, 20 mile school run, 4 mile work run, 3 mile shop run..etc. A friend told a dealer friend of his what I was looking for and earlier this eve went to view and test drive a 04 1.2 punto, the car was immaculate and was so tight to drive I really couldn't fault it but the only thing that scared me off was the mileage 165000..... very high i thought and really didn't think these small cars were capable of such high milage. The timing belt was last changed at 131000 and the oil in her was very clean but unfortunately all service history has been lost by previous owner but by the looks of it ( and the feel of the car ) has been very well minded. I've been offered this car for 750 euro due to the high mileage. What do you reckon guys, will it see me another 20k or so as I really cant afford heafty repairs in the near future. Thanks in advance for all replys.

Nissan doctor

Indefinitely ...with correct maintenance.

I've seen 1.2 8v punto's with over 200k on them.

Of course how long one will actually last you could depend on how well its been looked after previously.

Mycroft H

LIGHTNING wrote: »

Also remember the 1.2 8v FIRE engine in the Punto is a non-interference engine so if the belt snaps no damage is done. They are great little cars and my one was really good on fuel.

That I did not know.

The FIRE engines are great things though. The 1l Uno was a nippy little car for its size.

Ardennes1944

As you can see from the 3cars thread my punto is still my favourite car that ive had. Was 99k miles on mine when i sold it, never a days bother. Talked to thennew buyer a few months after i sold it and he said no hassle at all either at 108k miles.
So economical too!

trixyben

As i've said on previous threads my very first car was a 96 Punto 1.1, i bought it fairly fresh and all service history, it went well for a while but then it was just one thing after another, at the time I knew nothing about cars and everytime something went wrong it broke my heart! BUT as it was my first I still had love for it (as we all do with our first motor!)


I had problems with it over heating, head gasket, replacement engine as started drinking oil and got caught out, battery draining fast, lights, clutch and gearbox needed replaced very early on...all this and it didnt get to 50k :eek:


On the plus side it was a nice car to drive, good enough power for the 1.1l engine, plenty of room in it, 2nd hand parts were cheap, very handy on petrol, easy on tax and insurance, although i spent a small fortune on it I still have to think well of it


Question is would I buy another one errrr NO

bubbuz

Thanks for comments guys. I decided to buy it and collected it sunday, delighted with it, it drives like new and is a mizer on fuel, lets hope I get another 20-30,000 miles out of it.

Pottler

Punto 1.2 also the simplest car to work on bar none. Timing belt?Doddle. Head gasket? Easy peasy but bleed it REALLY well or you will be doing it again in three months. I had about 12 "scrapper" cars laid up in my yard due to go to the scrappie in the sky, everything from carinas, 90's mercs and a punto. Guess which was the only one that started and drove. Yep, the punto. I was quietly impressed. Still scrapped it, but had a sneaky regard for the fact that it fired up and nothing had seized.

bubbuz

UPDATE...... The punto is driving away beautifully but there is one thing thats bugging me, the power steering light came on the other day and since then seems to do so intermittently but is now remaining on more than it is off, i've also just noticed that when I start the engine it is off bet the second I turn the wheel it comes on, however the power steering seems to working perfectly all the time. Does anyone have any idea whats causing this. Many thanks in advance

mgbgt1978

The power steering is provided by an electric motor on the steering column. If there is any loss of Battery power the BSI (computer) will usually shut down the steering first to enable everything else to function.
Possibly the Battery is on the way out.
Or it could be a bad Earth between engine and body.
www.fiatforum.com is a good resource for all things Fiat, just be aware that while there are a few experts on that forum there are quite a few people that are liable to give incorrect advice etc.

Pottler

"city" mode power steering can also be troublesome and is the achilles heel of the punto, but where once you were facing replacng the entire motor/column there are now specialists that can repair the motor - check the other punto threads on here, there is one guy who posted that he repairs the racks. I had a new 02 punto steering motor give up the ghost after 1 month of driving so age and mileage does not contribute to when it will go, neither does the myth that having the "city" mode button engaged too long causes it.

bubbuz

mgbgt1978 wrote: »

will usually shut down the steering first

Thanks for your reply , the power steering is working fine all the time it's just that the light is on.

bubbuz

oh and would the light being on cause an nct fail even though the steering is working fine, thanks