Faults:

The most drastic incident happened last week - when out of the blue, the engine fell off the mounts writing the car off (at only 80,000 miles). The only upside was I was only travelling at 15mph at the time, had it been on a dual carriageway/motorway it would have probably been fatal.

Before its death, it had other problems - the window wiper motor ceased up twice (£95 + vat for a new one).

ECU had been playing up for a while, causing the car to overrev for no reason - Fiat could find nothing wrong and never solved the problem, despite 2 visits to a main dealer.

Head gasket went at 60k, clutch about 55k, front pads at 30k.

General Comments:

When it was working it was great, cheap to run.

For the first 2-years it ran like clockwork, however then it was one thing after another. Hindsight is a brilliant thing, and with it, as soon as it started playing up, I'd look to change.

I'm still in shock about the engine - I've never heard that happening to another car, especially cars of a similar age and mileage.

Faults:

Head gasket went at 70000mls, replaced at service. No issues, gave plenty warning signs of overheating. Ran it for a few weeks checking water level regularly before replacing head gasket. Very low cost repair, €45 for parts from Fiat, 6 hours labour.

Rear drum breaks prematurely worn at 25000mls, suspect 1st owner drove it with handbrake on for extended periods. Replaced shoes, no issues since.

General Comments:

Fantastic little car to drive.

Very light power steering in town.

Great fuel economy, great in traffic.

Great handling and breaking.

Very reliable.

Could do with a bit more power, only 60hp with CVT automatic gearbox option. Very nippy around town, but a bit slack on motorway and high speed overtaking.

Faults:

Lumbar support in Drivers seat broke.

General Comments:

Excellent fun to drive very throw able.

Very quick revving makes for good thrashing through lanes etc.

Suprisingly quick for engine size with only 85BHP.

Seats aren't as supportive as they should be in a sporting model.

Ride is firm although too high as standard.

Cheap to insure, tax, run etc.

Faults:

New clutch - (85K miles)

Drive shaft boot needed replaced - (85 -92k miles)

Cylinder head gasket - fixed, not replaced. (92k miles)

Fan seized - rock salt best suggestion. (103k miles)

Temperature sensor - £10 from Fiat dealer. (103k miles)

Cylinder head rings? - 'cylinders 1 and 2 were fighting each other', as explained by the mechanic. (103k miles)

Near side shock absorber - (104k miles)

Seats are beginning to show signs of wear, although this is to be expected of a car that is above 100K miles and is approaching 8 years old.

Drivers seat belt tensioner is sometimes faulty. Sticks in certain positions and eventually frees itself.

General Comments:

As I am taller than most people I was initially restricted in my choice of vehicle when learning to drive, lack of leg space was proving a serious issue. The punto accommodated my long legs, and is even comfortable.

Despite this car being a 1.2 8v, it is nippy - wouldn't say its fast, but can be quick off the line. Beaten a Saxo VTR on numerous occasions.

Cabin is quite pleasant to look at, doesn't look too cheap and nasty.

I personally find it a very comfortable car to drive, although my knee can get sore on longer journeys - possibly my oversizedness.

The fuel consumption is decent. I typically get between 80 to 100 miles per £10 of fuel. This translates to around 29 - 36 mpg in old money. Obviously this changes depending on the preferred method of driving... foot heavy or IAM style.

I have never been to a dealer for servicing as I my own mechanic. Although there have been several costs involved with this car, its nothing too excessive and comes part and parcel of motoring. When compared to some of the repairs I hear about from my friends it nothing.

Lastly, the insurance in my case for this car is reasonable. Due to my age (now 20) I am a named driver on this car. However, I pay the entire cost of insuring it which is currently £390. Three drivers, myself and my parents.

Overall, it's a decent car, may have some issues, but which car out there doesn't.

The only real downside I can think of regarding this car is it handling ability going round corners. If you drive in a cautious manner on faster roads, you will be unlikely to have an issue regarding its 'cornering ability'. However, if you try to keep a progressive style of driving you may feel uneasy as the high speed, twisted road cornering ability can best be described as 'A brick on an 80's skateboard'.

Just remember, every fiat is half alfa!