The indicator stalk has never worked efficiently, from purchase. We've taken it in once for repair, but it pretty much came back in the same condition. It won't stay indicating for a right turn, apparently it's a design fault.
We had to replace the brake disc's after 12000 miles which I feel is strange as we drive very reasonably and never work the brakes hard.
We've had to replace the clutch at 23000 miles. Again, we do not work the clutch hard, we don't 'ride' it. Fortunately our extended 3 year warranty paid for it.
After about a year the car developed a number of irritating rattles and squeaks.
The 'city' button has been superb and really makes parking the car or driving in confined spaces a cinch.
The Punto is comfortable and we have enjoyed the interior.
We bought the 3 dr hatchback and it has been wonderful whenever we've needed to transport stuff. It's really easy and quick to remove the parcel shelf and flatten the back seats etc. Great space for a small car.
It has a big car feel on the road and drives very comfortably on long distances.
Great economy.
Our greatest fear after having to replace the brakes and clutch is that the Fiat parts are going to start disintegrating at pace, which is a real worry for after warranty expiry.
Mmmm, All your comments sound horribly familiar! My Punto was delivered with sump only half full of oil, wing-mirrors scratched, coolant bottle half full and paint peeling off lip of front wheel arches. Now had it 7 months, and loads of squeaks, rattles, knocks coming from trim and suspension. Engine tappets so noisy that car sounds like a diesel, exhaust blowing, noisy fan, and the worst - the lights have taken to turning off when flicking from main-beam back to dipped. This first happened on a dark road at night doing 60 round a bend. They then come back on after a couple of seconds. This is potentially very dangerous, and my initial poor opinion of the car and dealers is now 10-fold. Fortunately I bought it as a pre-reg, so didn't pay list for it otherwise I'd be gutted. Still losing approx £100 p/month depreciation which I consider a lot when I look at the trouble I've bought. Was going to advertise it for sale this week, but no time, so looks like I'll keep it until summer 2003 when I can punt it on to some unlucky person. It's in at the dealers as I write for it's first annual service and to try to get the more serious problems sorted - I didn't bother mentioning the minor ones as being a Fiat dealer, they will struggle to sort the 4 I've given them.
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