1998 Fiat Punto SX review from UK and Ireland

Head gasket was replaced by previous owner.

Car periodically overheated for no apparent reason, maybe a bad job by the mechanic on skimming the head (if at all) when the head gasket was replaced.

Seat fabric somewhat like a mesh curtain from cigarette ash blowing around the car.

Dents all over, not worth fixing.

Very sporty for a 1.2. No doubt due to the tinfoil body.

Fuel economy was good,

Handling could be termed good if you're into driving something that feels like a skyscraper on rollerskates.

It's a deceptive car, makes you believe that it handles well, which is OK if you're steady and don't spring any surprises on the running gear when you're committed to a line. Things change quickly for the worse when the local inbred moron comes around a corner on the wrong side of the road in his nitrous-kitted Nissan Twinkie giving every appearance of being totally out of control but doing it as fast as he can (or can't)

Fortunately the Punto folded in on itself one day after connecting a Sprinter at 30kms in torrential rain. Thus ending a somewhat torrid and risky relationship. Not a car I'd trust with my life.

Bought a far more dependable and sweet-handling Mitsubishi Colt.