1999 Fiat Punto 60S review from UK and Ireland

40,000 - head gasket £280.

42,000 - The footwells filled with water in heavy rain (mechanic said a pipe had come loose, but only £5 to repair - but a very wet interior!)

44,000 exhaust (normal wear and tear)

48,000 oil Leak £25.

48,000 & 55,000 radius arms (left and right)

60,000 washer bottle leaked (non return valve replaced) £10.

Normal wear and tear, i.e. new battery, new tyres, new bulbs etc.

The main concern with Puntos in my experience and in what I have read on this site, is the head gasket, as it seems to go on ALL Puntos around 40,000 and is an expensive repair.

I have had other things go wrong (see above) but nothing that has taken it off the road; most were covered when it went in for MOT and Service.

It has been generally very reliable and is very spacious; much more spacious that most superminis and is comfortable.

The 60S is a fairly basic spec, but has a decent stereo with four speakers (front and back) and a good heater. For a 1.2 it is quite nippy, but anything over 80mph is pushing it.

I am a bit disappointed with petrol consumption. 85 miles for £10 based on 90p litre (not as good as my old Micra).

The bodywork has no rust, but even a shopping trolley seems to dent it! I would say they are good cars, not up to Japanese standard, but then again very much cheaper! So if you do need to spend money on it, this is money you didn't spend in the first place if you'd have paid more for a Mazda!