1996 Fiat Punto Reviews - Page 3 of 11

A minor fault with the fuel injection, the car still worked perfect while the fault esisted.

This car is one of the best cars for its year, its extremely nippy for a 1.2 car and extremely comfortable. I first chose the punto because so many people have them, so if its popular it must be good, and it has been. The 1.2 version has an enormous amount a power for that little engine! I have a green 3 version, the doors are really big and its so easy to get into the back. Generally a good performance car! Although a slight rattle has appeared, but this is to be expected in a car of its age

TOP MARKS FIAT.

Steering unit, broken at 20.000 km

Clutch, broken at 15.000 km (it's my wife's car so...)

Guarantee fixed by Fiat (dealer didn't want to do anything, parking the car in front of showroom door helped him changing his mind)

Accident at 55.000 km, new front suspension, new steering unit (until now perfect, older units have problems), new shocks etc.

Nothing serious until now, very cheap to run when serviced by NON-Fiat dealer!!!

Suspension is very hard.

Little engine only suited for short distances.

Fun to drive around town.

Biggest small car on the market.

Beautiful design.

Car has been bought from large dealer, serviced later by other Fiat dealer. They both charged me with things they didn't do, one time 750 euros for parts which were not replaced!!!

The problem with Fiat is not the car, but the dealer! At least in my case and that of everybody else I know with a Fiat or Alfa.

Have it serviced by Toyota and you will have a perfect car.

My oil sump sprung a leak one hour after purchasing the car.

Had problems with engine over-heating.

Also had problems with heating system in car.

Bad condensation in cold weather difficult to get round.

Brake Pads worn at 65,000 miles.

Squealing sound coming from front near side wheel.

Steering wheel rock, solved by getting new front tyres.

The car is quite nippy for a 1.1.

The room inside is extremely spacious with plenty of leg room.

The glove compartment is a disappointing size compared to dash.

The side pockets also are very little.

The front and rear lights are excellent in dark due to the shear brightness.

Before I got the car it had only the Front Brake Pads, and Rear Arm Bushes repaired.

Once I had it the Exhaust fell off at 86,000 miles along with the Head Gasket and replaced Spark Plugs all for £400.

Also the Rear Shocks went again.

Brake Pads went again after 88,000 miles.

2000 miles later the Water Pump went taking the Head Gasket with it costing another £300.

Other faults are Dipped Headlights and Rear Lights both not working.

Plus my Dashboard and dial lights.

My Rear Washer doesn't pump out water.

Battery also runs flat easily, Hazards only last about 5 minutes.

Have had balding on Front Tyres and Balancing was fairly dodgy.

Smooth running car when all good and running, quite nippy around town, but does struggle to keep up on motorways.

Watch out for overheating, Punto's are well known for Head Gaskets blowing. On the 55s there is no temp meter, only a red light which comes on after the Head Gasket has blown.

Large Dashboard and storage space with a reasonable boot size.

The small wheels makes it look too shabby, 15" wheels will fill up those large wheel arches nicely.