User Reviews

1.2 ELX 8v

Chats

Overall Rating

I've had my Punto for three years now and despite various encounters with inanimate objects at different speeds it is running like clockwork! Only problem has been the gearbox, which crunches between 1st and 2nd, but as a cheap and reliable runaround it has been great. To be honest, in its 1.2 8v form it is, in true boy-racer terms, underpowered, understyled and not terribly inspiring from a dedicated driver perspective. However, not many people who care about power, style and driving experience would consider an entrance model Fiat anyway. So, for those who want fast hard fun, I've heard that anything from an Alfa Romeo to a Zonda will flick your proverbial switches. In contrast, for anyone who's looking for a cheap, reliable small mule and who isn't too bothered about 1/4 miles and track days, I recommend the Punto! Innit!!

1.2 5dr hatchback

David

Overall Rating

I had the older Punto on a 96 P plate which had 113,000 mile on the clock when I sold it its still running, thats why I bought this shape on a 2002 02 plate. i I think it drives really smooth and the gearbox is good to it has good mpg the turning circle isn't very good and I'm glad I didn't get the standard stereo in it because its rubbish and I had to put a set of speakers in the back cos I didn't have any. It's good on the motorway and if you're lucky you might hit 100, its nippy off the mark too. Would buy another one but the facelift model cos it's ugly plus a lot cheaper than its rivals.

1.2 ELX 3dr hatchback

Furrynavel

Overall Rating

I bought my Punto to replace a much larger car as I had to downsize. Typical woman - I bought it for the gorgeous moonstone colour and sexy shape ;) Such a nippy smooth car to drive, love it. Can fairly shift on the motorways much to my surprise. I can comfortably fit in hubby, two kids and a rottweiler in the back - it's like a Tardis inside. Bad point - the electric power steering is a heap of pants and fails fairly regularly, which can be a bit scary when suddenly you are veering into the path of oncoming traffic. Apparently it's a common Punto fault, and even after spending almost £600 on a new steering column, it still does it. I'd like to buy another newer Punto but the new shape is really ugly :(

1.2 ELX 3-dr hatchback

Giovanni Maio

Overall Rating

I've had two Puntos and both have been excellent little runners. They are very strong - as I found out when I was driven into with my first one. They are quick off the mark and will usually beat most cars costing twice the price. Puntos have buckets of room for bags and people, and they do well on long motorway trips staying within UK motorway speeds.

1.2 16V Speedgear

Jaky

Overall Rating

I originally bought the Punto because it was cheap, but when I got it, I realised it's very economical, surprisingly nippy in the city, and gives excellent mpg. The Speedgear automatic gearbox works very, very well. The quality of plastics is not that good, but overall it's great value for money. So far, no problems at all.

1.2 3dr hatchback

jordan bushell

Overall Rating

Good overall car, for cheap hassle free motoring, but does struggle on motorways, however it makes a great city car, with its light steering and compact size.

1.2 8 valve

Kevin

Overall Rating

Awful, awful, awful. The build quality is non existent. Handles like a roller skate and spends more time in the garage than on the road... and your gearbox will spend more time on the road than in the car. Don't ever buy one. You're better off cycling and throwing your money into a fire - at least you don't lose your pride.

1.2 ELX 5dr Hatchback

machinehead

Overall Rating

Bought new in 2000. Needed cambelt tensioner replaced at 2 weeks. Sqeeky rear suspension spring from new - never fixed. 22000miles, head gasket went. Bent valves and cost several hundred £ to fix. Power steering stopped working totally. Cost £365. Wore out 3 sets front brake discs over 35000miles of easy, gentle driving. CV joints wore out at about 30000miles. Trim fell off from new. Door speaker stopped working at 2 years old. Warning lights on dash very erratic giving false alarms every month or so - never fixed. Very roomy, economical on petrol, nippy and nice to drive, split rear seats good. Good quite M-way cruising. Great design let down by poor build. Never, ever buy one. I'll never have another Fiat. Kept it for 7 miserable years. Dealers were not interesteed in helping. AVOID.

1.2 Mia

Raymond Craig

Overall Rating

Hard to beat for the money. The 8-valve engine is superb and easy on fuel (50 mpg with no problem), is cheap to insure, and starts first turn of the key every time. It will be hard to replace as the newer model is ugly compared to the >02 one. Definitely one of the best cars I've had. I also have a Saab 9-3, so it has a bit if competition!

1.2 5dr Hatchback Eu3

Rob

Overall Rating

Mine is 7 years old now and has never broken down. The only parts replaced have been due to wear and tear, e.g. tyres, exhaust etc. I'm still using it to the full, sometimes as much as 700-800 miles a week, and it still keeps on going with no problems. Maybe if people looked after their cars a little better they might last longer?

1.8 HGT 2004

Tony Ward

Overall Rating

A "no-brainer" of a bargain price with 8000 miles on the clock. Thankfully in silver rather than one of the other brighter colours which is funny as I traded a modified Cinq in yellow! Fiat have made a MASSIVE improvement in build quality and "feel" to the latest facelifted Punto. My dad has a 2003 1.2 and it feels quite awful compared to the mine. Excellent kit list but would have liked rain sensitive wipers and cruise. Only real gripe is that the gearing is a little low and therefore economy suffers on the motorway. Then again, buy an oil burner if you want economy. To the guy who wrote such a scathing report - you probably had an early car or a "Friday afternooner" It happens - my first Cinq was SHOCKING but the next one was spot-on. Dual - Zone aircon is great. Oh and you don't have the slightest clue about handling mate because I can assure you my HGT handles exceptionally well - accoring to my friend it is miles better than his 206 GTI and he also thinks the engine is more flexible. This bloke knows a thing or two about cars and this is high praise indeed coming from him. Don't give up - try a late model - the facelift looks great on the higher spec cars due to the front airdam. Anyway, what do you want for the money? It's a bloody bargain!