1999 Fiat Punto GT 1.4 turbo

Summary:

A temperamental pile of crap, but good fun if it works!

Faults:

Driver's side electric window stuck. Required extra lubrication. Dealer repaired quickly.

Valve cracked after 9 months. Car was off the road for 3 months waiting for new cylinder head to be delivered from Italy. Courtesy car was only supplied after 3 weeks. I requested a new engine. Fiat would not oblige.

After the head rebuild, poor workmanship resulted in large oil leak from the turbo. Fixed quickly.

Throttle potentiometer stuck open. Engine management thought the car was being floored all the time.

Car developed misfire. Plugs needed changing because of fouling.

Car developed a misfire again today. Changed plugs again. Misfire still happening. Car only serviced 4 months ago. Going to the dealer tomorrow!

General Comments:

This has got to be the most frustrating car I have ever owned. Amazing fun when working.

I have never been able to drive the car properly since the valve cracked, as the engine has always seemed so much more fragile.

I tried taking my complaint through the Fiat customer support channels, but didn't really get anywhere.

I am possibly considering legal action if this is not resolved!

NEVER BUY A GT! Go for the more robust 1.2 Sporting, or a new HGT if you have plenty of cash.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th May, 2001

20th Sep 2001, 06:09

Sounds like you've been unlucky. We've run ours since 95 and now selling it with 66,000 miles. Apart from a flat battery, its been extremely reliable - more so than our 'new' VW Passat. But that's another story.

1999 Fiat Punto Sporting 1.2 16v

Summary:

This car is serious fun, I have done 12,000 miles in 9 months

Faults:

Had a sticking valve which was repaired under warranty.

General Comments:

Tends to go through tyres and 185/55 14 tyres are not cheap. Addition of a K&N induction kit and Supersprint exhaust have made it sound amazing under hard acceleration. The handling is not bad, but could do with a set of aftermarket gas shocks and lowering springs (Eibach or Abarth).

The gearbox can be a bit notchy, but other than that, quite good.

The car revs high at motorway speeds due to close gearing.

A must modification for any Punto is to get rid of those god awful orange side repeaters for some colour coded or clear ones.

The ride can be a bit harsh so the car can tend to rattle.

Also, if you change the discs or pads yourself, all sportings have 257mm solid discs. Halfords sold me 240mm discs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st April, 2001

18th Jan 2002, 12:31

You said you fitted a K&N induction kit to your Punto Mk2 16v.

I have not managed to find a kit.. just a K&N cone filter which the retailer said he would fit for me in the engine bay.

Would I be doing a good job?

Thanks.

DAVID

djf@onvol.net

1999 Fiat Punto ELX 1.2 8v

Summary:

Has spirit and character

Faults:

Besides a few minor trim faults the car seems robust in all aspects.

Major fault/problem is with the dealerships, who seem incapable of doing anything right the first time.

General Comments:

A joy to drive, though has to be worked a little hard in the 8V form, a delight to look at and be in - very pleasing, fun little car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th February, 2001

1999 Fiat Punto Sporting 1.2 16v

Summary:

Cheap speed demon

Faults:

Passenger electric window slow on closure.

Driver's electric window runner broke.

General Comments:

Quick and fairly cheap car for 19 year olds like me. Get saving for the insurance though.

Easily modified.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th February, 2001

20th May 2001, 04:21

For insurance, the Punto is expensive for a 1.2.

For lower insurance and better performance, try a Micra Sport+ or Lupo/Arosa Sport.

4th Jun 2001, 13:38

Micra Sport!!!??? LOL, I don't think so.

11th Oct 2001, 12:29

Micra no way, a MG Metro Turbo more like.

8th May 2004, 16:24

As a 19 yr old myself, when I phoned the insurance company I expected a heart attack!

It did not come, I was very surprised and pleased with £525 tpft for a 99 1.2 sporting. this also covers me to drive other cars, track day cover, I can modify it and it covers my stereo, which is a good thing as it is worth almost £5000 its-self!!

2nd Oct 2005, 16:37

Well I just brought a punto sx 60 and and its true the passenger window is slow it even stopped and the insurance is very high £1500 just 3rd party, but my god it shifts I love it just don't thrash them to much the 1.2 seem to like blowing head gaskets.

1999 Fiat Punto Sporting 1.2 twin cam

Summary:

Bargain hot hatch

Faults:

None!!

General Comments:

Lovely little runner, spot on little Escort XR3i basher.

Looks the part, runs not far from it. A must for any want to be boy racer at my age >21!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th December, 2000

1999 Fiat Punto 60 S 1.2 petrol

Faults:

Nothing really went wrong with it, but that's probably because I didn't give it chance to. Took it back whilst still under 30 day exchange and got a Honda Civic instead.

General Comments:

An abysmal little car. Felt like sitting in a shed attached to a go-kart chassis. This car has no acceleration, uncomfortable seats, dire spec (manual everything).

An allround nightmare. Embarassing to be seen in.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd May, 2000

22nd Aug 2001, 10:17

I am very confused. You think the Punto is small, underpowered, uncomfortable and hasn't got enough gadgets, but you still go out and buy one!!!

11th Oct 2001, 12:30

Exactly.

9th Apr 2004, 15:50

Too true. Just exactly what did he do in the way of a test drive to miss all of that?

1999 Fiat Punto 60S 1.2 petrol

Faults:

Nothing yet.

General Comments:

A very pleasant car to drive, willing acceleration, good cornering etc. Brakes are a bit poor though. Basic model is a bit spartan. Lots of headroom, but the positioning of the steering wheel means I can't see the warning lights or part of the speedo!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th June, 1999