1999 Fiat Punto 60S 1.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A cheap and cheerful runaround. Ideal for town driving

Faults:

There was a minor problem with the driver's door lock. This was fixed under warranty.

The rear washer hose stopped working.

Thermostat failed causing the head gasket to blow at 47000 miles.

The gear box has not aged well.

General Comments:

Although I have had the problems listed, it has still been a very reliable and economical car to own. For a full tank I get 400 - 450 miles.

The front of the car is very roomy, without taking too much space away from rear passengers.

I have a 3 door model and with the rear seats down there is a surprising amount of room.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th May, 2004

18th Feb 2005, 05:09

I bought a 3 year old 13,000 miles Punto 60S in 2001 and will sell it in 2005 at around 70,000 miles.

It's a nice car to drive, and good looking.

Build quality has been a problem. In the time I have owned it the clutch has worn out; the thermostat silently failed at around 55,000 miles, which meant that the head gasket went a couple of thousand miles later; the gearbox had to be changed shortly after, and the clutch was very worn at that time. The rear windscreen wiper developed a fault, and the passenger door rattles.

Bodywork has held up fairly well, although it has been parked outside: no complaints on this.

This is the second Fiat I have owned. But I fear that Fiat quality control has slipped. I will not buy another.

I've also found servicing at Fiat main dealers has become very expensive here in the UK lately -- I am unsure why, as it used to be fine.

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1999 Fiat Punto ELX 1.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A car with many faults

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.

General Comments:

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

1999 Fiat Punto SX 1.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Modified SX

Faults:

Shocks are poor quality, not helped be 60mm lowering springs.

Poor quality brake materials, would recommend Mintex as a cheap quality replacement.

General Comments:

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

1999 Fiat Punto 60 S Team 1.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Has something for everyone

Faults:

One of the cylinder heads in the engine has cracked. General bulbs needing replacing.

General Comments:

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

1999 Fiat Punto 60 S 1.25 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Prone to faults on higher mileage

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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