27th Mar 2004, 08:03

I own a mk1 Punto S60 1.2l, just clocked the 36k mile. I'm burning about 1 liter /1500 miles, so it doesn't seem that unreasonable to me. The owner handbook states 1 liter / 1000 kilometers.

9th Apr 2004, 15:42

Your oil consumption is probably due to you not allowing the car to be run in. Running in does not include regularly going "like the clappers up to 6500rpm". I hope my next Punto isn't your cast-off.

8th Sep 2004, 18:03

(Original poster - update.)

The car is approaching 100,000 miles.

The car was carefully driven for the first 1,000 miles or so and has been dealer serviced every 9,000 miles as per the schedule. (Full record available)

Oil consumption has eased slightly to about litre every 1500 miles, and the engine still spins easily and readily all the way to 6K+ revs easily. Far more lively than the Mrs's Ford Focus.

Full cam belt replacement at 72,000 miles as per schedule, with brake disks replaced at the same time.

At 81,000 miles as dealer advised sump was rusty and it was replaced. At the same time, rear suspension bearings were deemed to be worn and replaced. Rear brake pipes replaced under recall/warranty.

At 90,000 miles, rear windscreen wiper motor failure.

Central locking failure - traced to damage caused by offspring messing about with near-side rear locking button.

Radiator fan failure traced to corroded power cable.

At about 93,000 miles clutch slave cylinder found to be leaking and whole clutch replaced. (£200)

Radiator fan failure traced to corroded power cable.

Traces of rust appearing around top of windscreen, mostly from stone chips.

Electric sun roof and windows work as new.

Most of the light bulbs are the originals.

Verdict.

Superb twin cam engine with terrific performance and excellent fuel consumption (about 6.5litre/100km). Good service from local Fiat dealer. Hard wearing seat fabric - car cleans up a treat.

Car will be put up for sale soon. I don't like the style of the new Punto, and am looking at a VW Tdi.

This was one of Fiat's best…

12th Mar 2009, 06:15

Why do Fiat Punto sumps go so rotten. My daughter has not long bought a lovely MK1 85 ELX 5 door - 82000 miles for a good price. I am really impressed with the car, never having had a Fiat before. We took it to have the camshaft drive belt replaced (as the seller could not verify it had been done - knocked over £100 off the price) and the garage announced it will very soon need a new oil sump! I noticed it was rusty when we looked at the car before buying it, but never could imagine a sump could get that bad!