1997 Fiat Punto 75 SX review from UK and Ireland

Constant niggling faults. More creaks than a haunted house!

Exhaust baffle blew at just 10k miles, replacement back box £140 at main dealer car was still under warranty but as exhaust is a consumable item price was reduced to £40, I should bloody think so too!

Idler gear wear identified by a rattling sound when clutch is released disappears when depressed. This is a common fault on Puntos which can necessitate a new gearbox costing £700!

Steering and brakes always pulled to the left, dealer failed to rectify problem.

Awful smell from heater when blowing hot.

Dreadful wet weather grip from standard Michelins.

A great shame because the Punto is a stylish and spacious car with a wonderful engine and crisp exhaust note which fails to live up to expectations on the road.

The dealer charges are extremely fierce, I was quoted £240 for a 20k service. If you buy one of these new take it to Halfords for servicing after the measly 12 months warranty runs out, Fiat dealers are unhelpful and dishonest in my experience and in most other cases if you read the customer satisfaction surveys.

I would never buy another Fiat it is a substandard product with awful build integrity. The reason they are so popular is the style and showroom appeal, sadly the ownership experience is about as pleasurable as having your testicles pierced!