9th Apr 2019, 17:50

Me again. Just to say that I have now had the timing belt changed, as I am optimistic that it will still be around for a few more years yet. I hope so. We'll see.

11th Oct 2019, 20:20

Was this a red one, last 2 letters on number plate -JE?

30th Dec 2019, 17:53

Hi there, no it is a silver one. Y reg. Also I have now got a smallish dent in the boot hatchback as I backed into a skip - more than once actually! Well it was opposite my garage. Have bought a dent puller just to have a go. Hey - well I might as practice on an older car. Will update in March with MOT news. Here’s hoping...

4th Mar 2020, 15:28

Hallo there. Exciting news! Just to say that it passed the MOT again today - without needing anything doing. So I’m good for another year. Yes there’s a few rusty spots underneath, but still pretty good. Who knows how we’ll be next year? It is now legal to reach its 20th birthday next March! Woohoo!

3rd Mar 2021, 11:55

Hello there,

Another update - it has only gone and passed the MOT again. No further advisories either. Still just a few slight rust advisories - thankfully nothing too serious but hey, it's a 20 year old Fiat Punto.

It all still works, is running well and great around town.

I am a happy bunny - should get another year out of it - fantastic!

It will be 20 on March 28th and I will have had it for 19 and a half years...

And there are now less than 1,000 on the road - it's becoming a classic just by being around.

I mustn't get ahead of myself though - I've been fortunate thus far. Anyway - still going...

3rd Mar 2021, 18:07

Thanks for the updates. Glad this car has been good. As someone already commented, they tend to fall apart after 5 years, so you are doing well to have it this long. A mate had an 02 reg Punto that he just scrapped last year. Was another rare durable Punto.

14th Sep 2021, 17:23

Hello there, me again.

Just another update. Big Anniversary.

Today is the Punto's 20th birthday with us! Have had it now for 20 years. How about that? I can't believe it. Fantastic!

Still going well and still a hoot to drive (I must pull out the dent in the tailgate).

I'll be raising a glass.

As they say - 'I'm loving it!'

Another update next March (MOT).

Take care now...

7th Mar 2022, 17:26

Hallo there,

Me again. I guess this is getting tedious now. Apologies.

Yes - another MOT Pass!

We are still going. Okay a few corrosion advisories but come on...! In the summer I will get under it and maybe sand them down and coat them etc. That said, am having a little celebratory drinkie now...

Our church minister always said that an MOT day encourages your prayer life.

Anyway again I am a happy bunny. It is still an enjoyable drive and all works well. I love it and I know I am very fortunate. I have bought a couple of rear shocks to change as all of them are still originals. And it's insured at £45 - insulting!

If FIAT are reading this - I just want to say thanks...

Blessings to you all...

9th Mar 2022, 00:48

You are having a good run with the Fiat. I have owned older Fiats 131 Mirafiori and 2 500Fs generally. One of my sons had a 128 Coupe. I have found these to be mechanically good with bodywork strong but prone to rust.

We would be interested to know what your mileage is now? You are doing well to have kept it on the road in the UK for over 20 years.

10th Mar 2022, 10:42

Hallo my friend,

Thanks for the encouragement and yes I feel I'm pushing my luck.

The annual mileage has dropped in recent years - like most cars - but it now stands at 100,400 and is averaging about 2,500ish a year.

As mentioned before I am not a mechanic but intend to get underneath it in the summer and try to slow the rusty bits which are now an MOT advisory. Maybe even change the springs which are an advisory as well. I've got nothing to lose as it were. If I can manage the underneath a bit, the rest of it is still seems absolutely fine. We'll see.

Blessings to you...

22nd Sep 2022, 22:32

Hello. What is the consumption like with your old Punto? I am considering buying one 2nd hand… 170,000 km on the clock for €3000.00 plus 500.00 to change owners. The interior is great and the body. Anything I should check before buying?? Suspension, brakes?

Thanks, Nicky :-)

3rd Mar 2023, 13:51

Apologies for not responding to the above questions, but am not on here very much. Well, it's that time of year again for an update and yes... another MOT pass! My word! Our relationship is now in its 22nd year. I am very blessed.

So I did roughly sand down and did a basic job in treating a few rusty spots underneath last year, which will now always be advisories on the MOT, but hopefully I can slow down the deterioration. We'll see. But, it still runs marvellously and is even compliant in the London ULEZ zone - woohoo! Yes, still a few minor dinks in the bodywork, but I don't mind.

I must be into my last year now...

Anyway, thanks for all the support.

Blessings to you all...

29th Mar 2024, 11:38

Hello all,

Me again. Well it had to come, but it seems that although I have delayed it a few years, the rust has won. It would not pass another MOT so I have had to call it in. Yesterday was its last legal day so it is now in my garage - I have declared the SORN and stopped the insurance. It's been a difficult time coming to terms with it.

The real shame is that it ALL still works and runs smoothly even now.

But what can you do?

I have had a fantastic run with it - 22 and a half years together. It has never failed to start or let me down. And I love driving it. I could not have asked for more from a car.

Just to say - Thank you FIAT.

Blessings to you all.

Over and out.