Faults:

Water ingress into foot well.

Airbag fault indicator needed rectification.

Clutch shudder.

General Comments:

Nicely styled small car.

Not very quick.

Poor build quality, as to have water ingress problems in the first six months is not acceptable.

Issues aside, the car drove okay and was fairly spacious and practical for a small car.

Faults:

Where do I start?

The clutch has completely gone.

Seals are rubbish.

Power steering detrimental. Clicked off when hitting full right/left lock.

Windscreen wiper linkage torn, had to get major welding work done, costing 300 pounds.

Unpredictable driver's seat, flies back when you're driving, very dangerous.

General Comments:

The car was a first car and served its purpose, but I would never recommend a Punto to anyone. It gobbled fuel like there's no tomorrow, and insurance was quite pricey compared to other small cars.

It was quite comfortable and joyous to drive, but the constant fear of being flown back and not being able to reach the pedals wasn't great.

Faults:

Gear Linkage (£90).

Split in manifold (£170).

Steering column failure (Quoted £1000+ from Fiat, but purchased a 2nd hand one on eBay £170 + £65 to fit).

Cam-Belt snapped valves and head gasket replaced (£550).

Rear suspension replaced (£250)

Electrical failure (car kept stalling when foot brake was applied) (£200)

Gear Box failure (£700)

Total cost of repairs alone in just under 3 years £2195!

General Comments:

I can say with confidence that I will never own a Fiat again.

My first 2 cars were Fiat Puntos, 1.1 S60 first and a 1.2 Active second. My 3rd car was the HGT.

To be honest the HGT is great fun, but little more, very quick at the lights and surprises a few people, but the fact that I have spent £2195 on repairs in only under 3 years and just 15000 miles gives some indication of the build quality.

The ride is very poor due to the stiff suspension, but this helps the handling a great deal. The exterior looks nice, and compared to the 1.2 Active is high build quality, however if you compare it to a Golf, it's not even close, the interior feels cheap and tacky.

For the size of the car, it’s quite spacious inside, boot is on the small side though! The engine is sound, but everything else is frustratingly unreliable! Expect the steering column to fail, as this is a common fault (1st time it happens can catch you off guard too). Another common fault is the electrics which will no doubt also fail at some point.

Overall, I cannot fault the HGT for its fun aspect as it really is like driving a go kart on steroids, but it’s hugely unreliable and cheap feeling!

Faults:

I have had my Punto 1.2 ELX for over a year and already I'm thinking... what have I done!!!

After 2 months, the clutch went.

The oil is going somewhere it shouldn't be (haven't quite figured out where it's going yet???)

Just waiting for the head gasket to go!!!

Brakes also wear quickly and fluid goes with it!!

General Comments:

Although a comfortable drive, I am constantly thinking I hope my gasket doesn't go ETC.

The pedals are very close together... although not a problem for me, it seems to be a major for others...

The car does stick to the road very well and gets a lot of tire screech... bonus for the loons on the road.

...so...

If you're looking to buy one of these... you best have some spare cash or you're in trouble LOL!!!