Since acquiring the car (formerly business-owned) :
Handbrake cabling of poor quality.
2nd failure of head gasket within 10 months.
Fan cut-out and overheating.
Replacement of fan.
Poor quality shock absorbers.
Sticky doors and squeaky boot door in motion.
Windscreen drainage blockage.
Vehicle catches side-winds.
Handbrake cabling of poor quality - needing regular replacement often requiring gears to prevent rolling.
2nd failure of head gasket within 10 months - currently undergoing cylinder skimming and replacement (£440)
Fan cut-out and overheating due to poorly mounted thermostat.
Replacement of fan motor and housing (£85) due to warped plastic grating sounds.
Replacement of poor quality shock absorbers (£70)
Windscreen drainage blockage - needs regular clearance (common fault), but has now corroded windscreen wiper motors - resulting in constant 'hey hey' sound when in rain.
Vehicle catches sidewinds on motorway -substantially more than other cars.
My '98 60SX is similar story. Two head gaskets in 12 months. New cooling fan. New front shocks. New rear trailing arms. Corroded brake pipes, caused brake failure. Fiat Puntos are cheap to buy, but need constant maintenance.
I know the feeling, e.c.u computer failed which costs £600 new (i got a second hand one for £160), cam belt sensor failed, every year a fuse blows at the most inconvenient times - I have to say not very reliable car after 40,000 miles.
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