A car with many faults
Head gasket blew even though it had only done 21000 miles.
The exhaust fell off completely after 3 years.
Electrics in car seem faulty as it often states that one of the lights is faulty even though all bulbs are fine.
The car is comfortable to drive and seems quite economical, but very expensive to repair in a short period.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 6th May, 2004
Modified SX
Shocks are poor quality, not helped be 60mm lowering springs.
Poor quality brake materials, would recommend Mintex as a cheap quality replacement.
I was a Fiat mechanic when I bought the car.
It can be cheap to run (depends how you drive).
A full exhaust, de-cat pipe, induction, and cold air feed make it a quick racing hatch!
Original 60bhp was slow (estimate 85bhp now).
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd April, 2004
Has something for everyone
One of the cylinder heads in the engine has cracked. General bulbs needing replacing.
Bought my fiat after reading good reviews on this site, but have had a few problems.
The cars interior is very nice, but spec is low, no electric windows or central locking.
Very roomy inside with lots of leg space for adults.
Flimsy body work on Punto, I read this before I bought the car and have had my own problems. Dents seem to appear from nowhere and are very visible.
I found the insurance for this car high compared to other cars with the same power.
Fiat are in a lot of trouble lately and parts are expensive, plus they've introduced two new models of the Punto which devalues my model.
Handling is good at all times.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 4th September, 2003
Prone to faults on higher mileage
In the first six months of ownership the Windscreen washer hoses were replaced.
After 36,000 miles Pads and disks needed replaced.
Carpet has started to ware badly.
After 50.000 miles thermostat went damaging the cylinder head gasket.
Continual problems with handbrake.
Apart from general ware and tear the car performed reasonably well.
I found the car very economical gaining 400 miles from a 45 liter fuel tank.
Generally a fun car to drive. Ideal for day to day use.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th May, 2003
Really good value for money
No faults apart from minor electrical problems, e.g. the speedometer would occasionally stop working for perhaps seconds or at most a few minutes.
This was a cheap car bought at auction for £3800 and was an excellent buy. The 8 valve engine is smooth and lively and has never given any trouble whatsoever. The seats are comfortable and my only grumbles were the absence of electric windows and power steering, but then it was cheap and has kept me cheerful.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th April, 2003
Good looking, but unreliable
The rear brake drums needed replaced before I had done 24,000 miles.
I now need a new gear box less than three years after purchase.
Despite now giving a three year warranty with all new cars, Fiat UK have refused to contribute towards a new gearbox. Presumably they only expect them to last a year.
Very keen to get my money and servicing business, but unhelpful when things have gone wrong.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 23rd November, 2002
Not a bad little car, shame about the technicalities!
The heater never worked. It always blew out cold air. Eventually traced to debris in the heater matrix.
The clutch cable snapped twice within 750 miles and 3 weeks of ownership. Fixed under warranty.
Often refused to start on cold or damp mornings. This was later rectified by a new ECU.
Within a space of 3 years and 31000 miles, the life of each head gasket was roughly about 10,000 miles.
I have now got rid of the car due to yet another head gasket failure. I was told the head was too warped to survive any more.
Plus, it was due for an MOT which I expected it to fail.
Overall, it wasn't a bad car when it was running correctly, plagued with rattles and squeaks though.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 22nd July, 2002
1st Jan 2009, 10:32
I bought my 1998 Punto SX60 on November 5th 2008, it had 88,000 miles on the clock and worked fine.
There was a fuel problem a week into owning it where I ran out of fuel and it wouldn't start again, I just took it to the garage and they said they had cleared an air pressure problem in the fuel lines, ever since I've had no troubles with it.. great car!!