1999 Fiat Punto GT review from UK and Ireland
"A temperamental pile of crap, but good fun if it works!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Driver's side electric window stuck. Required extra lubrication. Dealer repaired quickly.
Valve cracked after 9 months. Car was off the road for 3 months waiting for new cylinder head to be delivered from Italy. Courtesy car was only supplied after 3 weeks. I requested a new engine. Fiat would not oblige.
After the head rebuild, poor workmanship resulted in large oil leak from the turbo. Fixed quickly.
Throttle potentiometer stuck open. Engine management thought the car was being floored all the time.
Car developed misfire. Plugs needed changing because of fouling.
Car developed a misfire again today. Changed plugs again. Misfire still happening. Car only serviced 4 months ago. Going to the dealer tomorrow!
General comments?
This has got to be the most frustrating car I have ever owned. Amazing fun when working.
I have never been able to drive the car properly since the valve cracked, as the engine has always seemed so much more fragile.
I tried taking my complaint through the Fiat customer support channels, but didn't really get anywhere.
I am possibly considering legal action if this is not resolved!
NEVER BUY A GT! Go for the more robust 1.2 Sporting, or a new HGT if you have plenty of cash.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.4 turbo Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 0 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 18600 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Escort |
| Date of Entry | 14th May, 2001 |