Faults:

Where do I start?

The clutch has completely gone.

Seals are rubbish.

Power steering detrimental. Clicked off when hitting full right/left lock.

Windscreen wiper linkage torn, had to get major welding work done, costing 300 pounds.

Unpredictable driver's seat, flies back when you're driving, very dangerous.

General Comments:

The car was a first car and served its purpose, but I would never recommend a Punto to anyone. It gobbled fuel like there's no tomorrow, and insurance was quite pricey compared to other small cars.

It was quite comfortable and joyous to drive, but the constant fear of being flown back and not being able to reach the pedals wasn't great.

Faults:

Gear Linkage (£90).

Split in manifold (£170).

Steering column failure (Quoted £1000+ from Fiat, but purchased a 2nd hand one on eBay £170 + £65 to fit).

Cam-Belt snapped valves and head gasket replaced (£550).

Rear suspension replaced (£250)

Electrical failure (car kept stalling when foot brake was applied) (£200)

Gear Box failure (£700)

Total cost of repairs alone in just under 3 years £2195!

General Comments:

I can say with confidence that I will never own a Fiat again.

My first 2 cars were Fiat Puntos, 1.1 S60 first and a 1.2 Active second. My 3rd car was the HGT.

To be honest the HGT is great fun, but little more, very quick at the lights and surprises a few people, but the fact that I have spent £2195 on repairs in only under 3 years and just 15000 miles gives some indication of the build quality.

The ride is very poor due to the stiff suspension, but this helps the handling a great deal. The exterior looks nice, and compared to the 1.2 Active is high build quality, however if you compare it to a Golf, it's not even close, the interior feels cheap and tacky.

For the size of the car, it’s quite spacious inside, boot is on the small side though! The engine is sound, but everything else is frustratingly unreliable! Expect the steering column to fail, as this is a common fault (1st time it happens can catch you off guard too). Another common fault is the electrics which will no doubt also fail at some point.

Overall, I cannot fault the HGT for its fun aspect as it really is like driving a go kart on steroids, but it’s hugely unreliable and cheap feeling!

Faults:

I bought it with a broken engine pillow and leaking transmission oil, so fixed these immediately.

Handbrake froze in winter and the cable broke.

Changed front suspension arms.

Power steering failed.

Windshield wiper failed.

General Comments:

It is really nice, driving my little hot hatch, which is truly a sleeper. Looks like a regular city car, but beats BMWs easily on the drag, however there is lots and lots of torque steer when taking off!

Handling is perfect around the corners, holds the road superbly and it seems it's impossible to lose grip with it - it's both perfect in the dry and in rain. However the suspension is really hard, so you will feel even the smallest bumps on the road.

Of course it has reliability problems; it needs to visit a mechanic for small problems once or twice a year, but the cost of spare parts is very low. And the performance makes up for any quality mistakes.

One thing that does make me worry about it, is fuel consumption. I get 20-22 mpg in city, and 30mpg when driving 110km/h.

Faults:

Head gasket blew 3 months after I got it.

Thermostat and water pumps needed to be changed one and a half years later.

Some unidentified problem causing misfiring during cold weather. Switched airflow sensor, but the problem remains. Neither the dealer nor my garage can identify it.

General Comments:

Pros:

It's so comfortable to drive; the seats are great.

Steering is like a breeze. I steer with my index finger.

Spacious both in the front row and in the boot.

Very economical. I get c.a. 15km per liter driving in town (good traffic here).

But.

Cons:

Breakdowns are like daily routines.

Unidentifiable cause of misfiring makes it impossible to drive during winter and spring over here.

So it's a cheap summer toy at the best. Not something you can count on as an automobile.