1997 Fiat Punto sporting review from UK and Ireland
"If only cars like this were around when I was 18!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Clutch was juddering quite badly for about 2000 miles and then it gave out completely.
Starter motor.
Rear suspension arm.
General comments?
OK. So I went from an Alfa GTV 3.0 V6 to this little Punto in order to put a deposit down on a house and I expected to hate the thing.
Oh how wrong I was!
This car is such a laugh! In the Alfa, you had to be careful with the power delivery. (220 bhp going through the front wheels with no traction control can be a bit hairy.) Not to mention the fuel consumption!... But the Punto is a stop or go car. Plain and simple. Just boot it everywhere when you're on the move, and stop at traffic lights!
The car just somehow always feels eager... if it were a dog it would be a Jack Russell puppy! It seems to lap up anything you can through at it. And has a great engine note too. I find myself driving like an 18 year old again and I'm 27 now! But I love it!... It really does put a big smile on your face when you're buzzing around the city. Especially since this little bundle of fun practically runs on pennies.
Downsides?
1/ Well, the ride is a bit harsh. It doesn't soak up uneven roads very well at all.
2/ Some little scrote managed to break into it just by punching a screwdriver sized hole through the door next to the lock.
And 3/... if I'm being really, REALLY picky, the intermittent wipe doesn't have a long enough delay.
So there you have it. Find yourself a well serviced Punto Sporting and you can't go wrong!
Search for New and Used Fiat Puntos available in the UK
Click here to advertise your car
Recommended reviews
|
| For the price it's the best car in the world for me anyway! |
|
| Stylish but badly constructed supermini |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.2 16v Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 82000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 94000 miles |
| Previous car | Alfa Romeo GTV |
| Date of Entry | 7th December, 2006 |