1998 Fiat Punto Sporting review from UK and Ireland

The side skirts were cracked at the front mountings when I bought the car. As I bought it in Ireland and Imported it, the dealer suggested I contact my local dealer to get them replaced under warranty. This was refused, saying I had to get it in writing that they were damaged at purchase. I couldn't be bothered and they stayed like that.

I had an off-side rear blow out on the M25 a couple of months after I bought the car. Trying to get replacements Pirelli P6000's was a nightmare and had to settle for P700-Z's at a cost.

The windscreen needed replacing after a crack developed up the passenger side from a stone chip. This was done on my insurance.

Replaced front tyres at 26K with Continentals.

New front pads needed at last service.

Remote Central locking fob packed up £40 for a new one plus £5 to get it cut!!!

I imported this car from a dealer in Ireland after reading about how someone did the same and would thoroughly recommend it, I saved over £3000 on the list price with all taxes and import costs paid.

I decided on the Broom Yellow over the Silver and I'm glad I did, it is a real looker.

The performance is great for a 1.2 litre engine, beating most cars away from the lights and quickly speeding up from 50-80 on a motorway.

I was sorry to sell the car after covering just over 40K miles in 3 1/2 years, but I am getting married soon and selling the car was a way of saving money.

If I could afford it, I would buy another one tomorrow, possibly an HGT.