1998 Fiat Punto Sporting 1.2 16v

Summary:

Stylish pocket rocket

Faults:

A sensor had to replaced in the engine control unit.

A slow passenger side electric window.

General Comments:

Top car, looks well sounds good now I have just fitted a K&N air induction kit, this has given it better performance.

All in all a good performance bargain for a 1.2 16v engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th January, 2001

21st Apr 2001, 11:04

All puntos seem to have a slow passenger electric window.

8th May 2004, 16:29

This is a common problem because the passenger window isn't used as often, it tends to stiffen up.

Easily sorted with a bit of lubrication on the runners is all it needed for mine, and a quick up and down every so often. Don't use WD40, use a professional lubricant from a dealer, it won't smear oil all over your window, doesn't smell, and doesn't go gunky and attract dirt!

1998 Fiat Punto TD70 SX 1.7 turbo diesel

Summary:

Fuel guzzling slug

Faults:

New discs and pads at 19,000 miles due to the near side calliper catching a disc.

New rear brake shoes and rear suspension bushes at 28,000 miles.

Just had new glow plugs fitted at 39,300 miles.

Also the car often refuses to turn over due to the code light staying on even though the whole immobiliser system, ignition, keys and locks were replaced a year ago because the supplying garage had lost the red (master) key.

General Comments:

To say this is a turbo diesel, the amount of fuel it uses you would think it was a V8. I struggle to get 300 miles out of a tank even driving sensibly. With all that fuel the thing drinks you would think it was a flyer, wrong, tractors ploughing fields go faster than this making overtaking trucks, never mind cars, a nightmare. It makes me think that Fiat forgot to hook up the turbo because I can't feel it. Take my advice, DON'T GET ONE OF THESE.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th December, 2000

10th Dec 2000, 23:54

I would agree 100%. They are utter crap. I've owned a 1999 1.7 TDSX for six months and I can't wait to get rid of it. I too have problems getting 300 miles to a tank full, and considering diesel is now more expensive than unleaded, I wish I'd never bought the damned thing.

I've got one comment about the turbo on this car. The reason they're so slow is, being a Fiat, the turbo dropped off long ago!

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1998 Fiat Punto 85ELX 1.2 86bhp twin cam

Summary:

Terrific value, and great performance from 1242cc

Faults:

On delivery, there was insufficient fuel to reach the filling station - 1 miles away. Odometer reading as recorded in disbelief by the RAC - 7 miles. They was no apology or offer of payment towards losing my RAC no callout bonus.

A loose windscreen wiper.

Of all the new cars I have owned, this was by far the best delivered vehicle.

General Comments:

Boringly reliable, nothing has failed, not even a light bulb nor fallen off. It goes like the clappers all the way to 6,500 rpm.

Nearside door rubbing strip came loose, and few rattles in the roof lining.

Oil consumption about 1 litre/1,200 miles which is too much in my opinion.

Rear tyres are still OK at 37,000 miles and the second set on the front are due. Very good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th November, 2000

20th Feb 2003, 14:59

I suspect you haven't had the car serviced at a garage, hence the excessive oil consumption!!!

The first few services are extremely important on a new car. I currently own a j reg mk5 1.4 escort and it has done 118,000 miles and has used maybe a cup of oil in 6000 miles!!!

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1998 Fiat Punto GT Turbo

Summary:

Seriously fast supermini

Faults:

Turbo not boosting correctly, a constant problem finally 75% rectified by a bleed valve.

General Comments:

Seriously fun car, enjoy the factory black leather interior and burnt orange paintwork as well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th November, 2000

1998 Fiat Punto Sporting 1.2 16v

Summary:

Good looking, cheap second-hand car

Faults:

Gearbox gave up at 26k, leaving me with 6 neutral gears! Other than that, no other real problems.

General Comments:

Nearly 90bhp from a 1.2 litre engine means you can have the economy of a 1.2 liter car with the performance of a 1.6.

Low gearing means that it's not that economical on the motorway, it really does need a 6th gear, and maybe a 7th!

The interior doesn't look good quality, but in use it's as well made as any other car.

Needs better front seats to hold you in when you throw it 'round the corners!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th November, 2000