An unreliable mistake!
The Brakes Warped at 6000 miles.
The Airbag Light remains on, even after seven attempts by the dealer to repair it.
The drivers seat bolsters collapsed.
The car is generally quick and good fun.
It is let down by some serious electrical design faults and dodgy electronics.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 6th February, 2004
Great value not quality
Picked up the car from dealer to find hose clips not attached to cooling pipes to engine, glove box hanging from dashboard and no space saver wheel in boot, to be told the car had been checked against a 120 point delivery check.
Stereo shows error message on cold days asking to reload CD changer when no changer has been fitted.
Interior lights e.g. dashboard, heater knobs, radio screen go out at random, this has happened 5 times, dealer says they cannot find the fault.
For £7,500 this car is great value. I have had mine for two years and it still drives like new.
I know the 1.2 8v engine can be weak on the motorway, but in town it is great fun.
I had the previous Punto model before this (S Reg, 5 Door) and it was great encouraging me to buy from Fiat again.
A small problem with the "Active Sport" is that Fiat keep changing the standard specification, and trying to convince your insurance company you've got the "1.2 8v without alloy wheels" instead of the newer "1.3 16v with alloy wheels" can be a bit of a pain.
My advice would be to find a dealer with good reviews from someone you know personally, as owning an Active Sport can mean a life spent in the dealership garage.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 26th January, 2004
A low insurance band yet a nippy vehicle, perfect for learners!
A new radio/CD player was fitted, and the dealers failed to install it properly, so the radio interference was constant. Not a problem with the actual car though.
My first car, a great learning vehicle - not overpowered enough to push up insurance, but big enough to be comfortable, and the engine is really very nippy for a car of the size.
Bought new, though registered '52' - Fiat pre-registered it before purchase and so it was still in effect bought new from the dealer.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 19th January, 2004
Potential Headturner
Driver's side door was not hung in the correct position, causing the door rubber to wear and eventually tear.
Because of a stearing faulght I needed to get a new stearing column fitted.
Headlight condensation that does not go away.
This car is very nippy for a 1.2.
You can fit 17" alloys with no problems what so ever.
Nice range of body kits available.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th December, 2003
A low performance, Hard working, Gem
The heater fan started squeaking when set to 1, any higher than this, it can't be heard.
When going from a standing start the car juddered, a new clutch was fitted after 10,000 miles whilst I was away on holiday, nothing has gone wrong since.
I find the car nice to drive, and I work it quite hard. I think 13,000 in 5 months is a lot for a Punto, but it has taken it all in it's stride.
I know it might be quite obvious, but the 1.2 8v engine is a little under powered for motorway driving, but it just means you get to see more of the scenery.
The trim shows no sign of wear.
The paint finish seems a bit thin, as even the smallest of stone chips have made there way through to the metal (But are not rusting in any way)
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st October, 2003
26th Apr 2004, 15:00
Hi There.
Interesting about the changing of standard specs.
Our 2004 punto was supposed to have MP3 player, Sub woofer, remote central locking.
(so the dealer said)
On collection and looking in the brochure none of these things were included.
However after being told they should be there, they are going to be fitted.
Its hard to moan at our dealer because they are nice, and helpful. But deep down I don't even think the dealerships know what spec comes with current models.
But hey, that's Fiat I suppose. Buying a new car could be so predictable...