2002 Fiat Punto Dynamic Speedgear 1.2 16v

Summary:

A fair car, but won't last more than 2 years

Faults:

All switches are making clicking noises.

Passengers airbag failed.

Fabric on seats stained easily.

Squeaky wipers.

Rear suspension creaks like an old piano.

I can't raise or lower rear headrests.

The wheel nuts have rusted.

The interior light has been loose since new.

General Comments:

A smooth ride on the automatic with good fuel economy.

Fast enough and fun at times.

Engine sounds rough when first starts, but settles down.

Reliable enough.

No good in the rain from a comfort point of view.

After a year everything stared to rattle or creak I could not believe it from a new car.

The dash board came with a glossy finish and reflects on the windscreen!

Tiresome on a long journey and noisy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th April, 2005

2002 Fiat Punto Active 1.2 8v

Summary:

Lots of niggly faults, cheap to run, shame about the dealer

Faults:

Early in ownership the clutch started to play up. Now on third clutch.

Since 14 thousand miles have continuously complained about poor paint finish and chipping, especially on the bonnet. Dealer still hasn't rectified or recognised this problem.

Drive shaft on near side has been replaced at 45 thousand miles.

Early leaking door seals into rear passenger compartment.

Snatching drive train at low speeds in second gear. (backlash)

Exhaust has just gone completely. This is a single pipe with one baffle box, and cost £192 from a fast fit garage.

The ECU caused my only breakdown, and was replaced under warranty, but I saw the cost at £470!

Brake slider pin rubbers are prone to perish. This makes the car pull to the side that is damaged.

General Comments:

Although the car is aesthetically pleasing, and in general performs well, I would hate to own one out of warranty.

The paint is my biggest gripe, it's very poor.

Running costs are very good, the car is easy to drive and park, and pretty nippy for the engine size.

Drivers seat height adjustment, is going to be sorely missed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th February, 2005

2002 Fiat Punto Mia 1.2i 8v 60 BHP

Summary:

Good Car

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This was a hire car which we had in Spain for 6 days. It proved to be a good car it could take 3 peoples luggage.

Sluggish off the mark with or without 3 People and luggage. Struggled past 150 KM/H when fully loaded.

Comfy car seats not too bad a little cramped, but they were OK for 6 days worth.

The performance figures are 15.5 seconds to 62 MPH and max speed of 95 MPH.

Overall a good car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th January, 2005

2002 Fiat Punto Active Sport 1.2 8v

Summary:

A very cheap, sporty, fun alternative to a Corsa/Clio

Faults:

Car has generally been fine so far, however drivers door lock occasionally refuses to turn, passenger side woofer had a loose connection (seems to have resolved itself!) and a piece of foam bonnet insulation keeps falling off.

These are all little things that will get sorted in its next service.

General Comments:

I purchased my car from a neighbour a few weeks ago when it was about 18 months old. So far very impressed.

A very neat little package. My car came specified with metallic black paint, alloys and an uprated sony CD stereo. One strange thing is that it did not come with a boot light, this cost me an extra £8 from the dealers!

The car seems very solid and is well equipped. Looks very purposeful from the outside.

The interior is very smart with very nice sports seats. Even has a lumbar support on the drivers-side. Only some harsh shiny plastics on top of the dash let it down.

Has some very neat features like follow me home headlights and 1 minute delay on the electric windows, all very useful. The 6 speaker sound system also sounds very good.

Car drives very well, the engine is extremely perky for 60bhp, not fast, but enjoyably responsive. Is rare to get a car this size that will do 60mph in second gear! It also stop and steers well too. The dualdrive power steering is a brilliant idea, so much so I use it all the time.

Having owned two Fiat-based cars in previous years (Lancia Y10, Fiat Uno) and vowing never to own another, this car has totally changed my opinion of the Fiat brand. A very refreshing alternative to a new Corsa/Clio.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th September, 2004