2003 Fiat Punto HGT 1.8

Summary:

A pocket rocket

Faults:

No major problems as of yet.However, stitching on seats is coming away and slight creases are showing. Front and rear wipers do not seem to work in heavy rain. However, this can all be resolved under warranty.

General Comments:

This would be the second Punto I have owned. The looks are sharp and modern.

From previously owning a Punto Sporting and stepping up to 1.8 HGT, this car really feels like a bigger boys Punto. The MPG is a big difference. But this is a 1.8 and it would depend on how you use your right foot. Little extras (as standard) are a bonus, Satellite Navigation (which are added on by some manufacturers), added airbags and 5CD changer. This car is fun, light, quick and comes in stunning bright colours. I do feel however the Insurance is a little high for the under 25s like myself. But I am happy with purchase so far.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th March, 2004

9th Mar 2005, 06:23

Wait until it starts overheating and/or blows its head gasket. Common fault with that 1.8 engine, had one myself.

9th Mar 2005, 20:57

104k on my 2001 HGT and its fine headgasket-wise.

11th Nov 2005, 14:00

Must agree with the above comment - have never had any overheating probs or head gasket failure neither has any of my friends who own these cars.. It is NOT a known fault with these engines.

12th Nov 2005, 08:17

Same here, I have never had anything go wrong with the head gasket either and I have done a fair amount of miles!

25th Nov 2005, 12:39

When I first purchased my HGT it did seem to over heat until I got an exhaust system, must let more heat out.. the major problem I have had is the timing variator, which cost me 450 at Fiat. When it was faulty, my car sounded like a diesel, especially the 1st 10 seconds when 1st started...

2003 Fiat Punto Dynamic 16v Speedgear 1.2

Summary:

A joy to drive, lively and fun

Faults:

Absolutely nothing.

General Comments:

I was initially wary about going for an automatic, but my fears proved totally unfounded. The Continuously Variable Transmission is a joy to drive. It is instantly responsive and extremely smooth.

Even in Economy mode, I seldom use any other, the car is very quick and the engine is a great improvement on the 8 valve engine of my previous model.

Fuel economy is excellent 50+ mpg is easily obtainable on a long journey.

Of course it's not perfect road noise is intrusive and the indicator warning is too quiet, so with a noisy cabin a greater problem than it should be.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th February, 2004

2003 Fiat Punto Activ 1.2 petrol

Summary:

Nice car, but perhaps not one for long term ownership

Faults:

Don't Know. It was a Europcar hire drive car picked up at an airport for a 3 day hire.

General Comments:

This was a nice perky car to drive. The interior layout, and position of the controls was excellent. The only flaw was nowhere to rest the left foot to the left of the clutch pedal.

The car was able to accelerate well and keep up with the high speed traffic on the M25 London Orbital motorway, and to be easy to handle in inner London traffic. At 70 miles per hour on the motorway the car was reasonably quiet, with good suppression of tyre and wind noise.

My only concern about this car would be the build quality. Some plastic trim was already hanging loose due to clips pulling out of place, and the tailgate felt as if it was made of quite thin metal. There were a number of squeaks and rattles and occasionally buzzing noises from the facia. This was a vehicle with only 6000 miles on the clock, so I would be concerned about how it would be at 60,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 16th May, 2003

6th Oct 2003, 11:56

UPDATE BY ORIGINAL AUTHOR.

I picked up another Punto 1.2 from car hire at Luton airport in September 2003 (not the same car as the orginal review!).

This one had 6800 miles on the clock, and it was interesting to note that the same bit of trim, at the driver's right knee, was also hanging loose just like the car I wrote the original review about. The panel is retained by large plastic plugs which appear to work loose and then never fit properly.

22nd Sep 2005, 09:43

I have a 03 Fiat Punto 1200 Active 4 door, although in itself seems a decent car for the price, I have found it to be the worst car I have ever driven for 'blind spots', the R/H central door pillar makes it very difficult to see what is coming from the right at a junction or a roundabout, also the R/H windscreen pillar causes me the same problem, having to dart my head back & forward in both cases to look around them. I am of average height, so don't have my seat set at extremes.

I can't believe no-else has not noticed this!