Opinions - Punto

Padraig Mor

Girlfriend got a (seemingly mint condition) 00 1.25 Punto just over a year ago. Started having temperature problems very soon (as said above, no gauge). Head gasket replaced at about 33k miles. I'd swear there's something still wrong with it as coolant seems to disappear at an alarming rate. Recently exhaust fumes seem to be leaking into the car as well! Would avoid to be honest....

seamus

I drove a 97 that suffered mainly from me driving it into the ground.

Electrics were definitely dodgy though. Rear windscreen wiper had stopped working, checked it out, and water had gotten into the circuit board that controlled the motor, shorting it. Soldered a bodge in place and it worked fine for a few weeks before giving up altogether, and I couldn't find out what was wrong that time.

Brake lights bulbs kept blowing, like every 6 weeks. Fuses kept blowing, again every 6 weeks or so.

Funnily enough, long cruises were where the car was happiest. 60mph+ for long periods, and the car was much smoother and happier than city traffic.

kadman

Better not mention Ladas or Polskies here then

kadman

davidoco

Had a 00 elx punto until 2004 and did 92,000 miles. Only ever let me down once with a blown head gasket (repair cost 280 euro including the tow). It did 50 mpg, a service every 10,000 cost me 100 euro or so, brakes once ? and tyres once 300 euro.

lilulila

I would buy the punto. I bought a 03 punto last month and it is absolutly brilliant. This is my second fiat in a row also they have a bad rep but as long as you keep it well serviced and looked after there should be no probs. Make sure you get a full service history when buying.