2000 Fiat Punto ELX 5 door from UK and Ireland - Comments

On delivery:

Exterior plastic and trim developed 1000's of what looked like tiny white scratches. Phoned the dealer and was told it was because they got polish on it.

Very squeaky suspension.

Internal boot release gets stuck (a faulty spring?).

Noisy rear brakes from cold.

If you drive with your heel behind the accelerator pedal then you'll find; like me; the pedals (brake and accelerator) are way too close together. Even a small child would have trouble not hitting both! Does have a nice raised bit to the right of the accelerator pedal for motorway cruising.

Handles very nicely (loads of grip).

Very quiet and does 70 MPH @ 2000 RPM easily. Excellent low down torque (1500 RPM) and power (1500-3500 RPM). 55 MPG on the first tank and I by no means drive 'carefully'.

Stereo is quality and the layout of the interior is excellent (from the ELX model). Everything is satisfying to push, pull and twist. Has very smart electronic features e.g. unlocks the doors when you pull on the interior handles (not the rear ones though, kids etc!), turns the rear demister off after 30 minutes and much more. The electric windows wind up after you key off, but only as long as no one has opened any doors! Very good trip computer, the only criticism is it only shows the average MPG on that tank and not the current MPG.

What else can you buy for 8K with these specs! Best super mini on the road.

Quote from the review "Very squeaky suspension". " Noisy rear brakes from cold". I have the same problem, amoungst others, although the squeaky suspension is actually the hand brake mechanism!!

I have had issues with the steering - new steering shaft fitted (steering wheel refitted off line). Inside door trim coming away - new trim fitted. Total failure of the ABS pump - new ABS pump fitted (same thing occurred one week later). The engine is very flat in relation to many driven courtesy cars!! The brake warning light keeps coming on. The vehicle has spent more time at Fiat than on my drive way. Never mind, I know what not to buy next time!!!

1500rpm at 70mph, try and put some glasses on and read it again.

It probably idles at 1000.

I think maybe it's you that needs glasses! Read it again - it says 70mph at 2000 revs. I must say though, this still sounds a bit unlikely unless maybe it's the 6 speed.

Interesting that we all seem to be suffering from the same problems -

Clutch

Brakes

Squeaky suspension

juddering and difficulty maintaining momentum at low speeds in traffic

Problems with the indicator stalk

pedals set too close together, more than once I've almost driven into the back of another car instead of braking!

Punto 16v - reasonably good handling, great dash and controls. Italian electronics though - just a matter of time.

Have had to replace the steering column after only 20'000miles of light driving.

Rattle in the side of the car - possible loose side impact bar.

There is a problem with the steering column - Check this out: http://www.bba-reman.com/powersteering.htm.

Pedals too close.

Not the best for rear visibilty.

Low speed shuddering requires super sensitive control of accelerator.

Break light flashing - probably bad ABS pump connection or bad flow control in cold conditions.

Blaupunkt stereo - what a shame

Still love it though.

OK, I'm sick and tired of not reading any comments on how the very typical squeaky suspension problem is fixed. Can any miracle worker out there just tell me why I feel like I'm riding on a horse drawn carriage in my 1.2 8v 2001 Fiat Punto. Apart from this, the car is brilliant. PS: Regrets for the very hasty appearance of this frustrated message.

The 2001 Fiat Punto has definite problems with the brake and accelerator pedals being too close. I hit a man today while trying to brake. My foot hit both the brake and accelerator at the same time. There simply is not enough room between the two pedals. Thankfully the man was not too seriously injured, but did go to casualty and will need surgery! Anyone else find this problem?