2000 Fiat Punto Sporting 16v 1.2

Summary:

A sensible well engineered 'Sporting' Punto

Faults:

Body side rubbing strips started to become unstuck shortly after taking delivery - these were replaced under warranty and are now satisfactory.

Steering wheel had a small cut mark on the leather cover - replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

This car has modern dynamic styling which the opposition cannot match - currently.

The interior is spacious, comfortable and well styled.

The ride can be choppy over hard surfaces although I've noticed it's starting to settle a bit now I've done over 10000 miles in it.

I would describe the car as 'nippy' rather than fast - the fuel economy is excellent even when driven hard - and the insurance rating also reasonable.

I have found my Fiat dealer to be first class - no complaints whatsoever.

Overall I would say this car is ideal for most driving conditions - enough performance for sensible driving coupled with excellent fuel economy - total reliability - and cheap service costs.

The HGT is faster - but that comes with poor fuel economy and double insurance rating - not a wise buy for me personally.

Its a pity more UK small car owners weren't prepared to look at the Punto to see what they are missing out on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th April, 2001

3rd Sep 2001, 09:57

Although I agree with some aspects of this review, i.e the interior and the fact that it's quite nippy, can I say that the Fiat dealers I have visited are appalling.

My doors have come out of alignment and the screws fell out, my steering locked for 3 days and I was unable to drive the car.

My warning lights keep coming on every time I brake (I was told this was a common problem on this model and not to worry about it).

I've had trouble shutting the boot on several occasions and the indicators do not hold.

This is the second Punto I have purchased and will definitely be the last.

2000 Fiat Punto Abarth 1.2 8v

Summary:

A bag of crap

Faults:

Engine fan on almost constantly. Dealer unable to source the problem so they make up excuses that they all do that. I asked for a courtesy car to test and it works fine and is also twice as quick as mine (same engine). ME THINKS SOMETHINGS WRONG!!

General Comments:

Do not buy a Fiat.

Dealers are crap.

Service is crap.

'nough said.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd April, 2001

5th Jun 2001, 10:00

Air lock in the radiator causing overheating? See the other Abarth review for the same symptoms.

14th May 2002, 09:03

I have had my Punto HGT Abarth for a year now and I love her (my little Abby). Apart from a couple of small problems with window wipers and lights, I can truthfully say that it is excellent on road holding even in the wet, very responsive, very quick!, a definate head turner with its stunning looks (black looks much nicer than the yellow - sorry you yellow owners! plus the satellite navigation has been very useful and works brilliantly (no more maps hooray!)

The only criticism I have is that Fiat after-sales care is not all it should be. From what I can tell, the dealers are the same all over - shame though when the car is so great.

2000 Fiat Punto Abarth 1.2 8v

Summary:

Economical, good looker

Faults:

Engine fan coming on nearly constantly, turned out to be an air lock in the radiator.

General Comments:

Not that impressed with the power of the engine, but that's probably due to me owning a 1.6 before! Once the finance is paid off we'll see if the 2L 20v Turbo out of the Coupe will fit!!

Abarth bodywork and wheels look smart.

Corners like a dream due to dealer fitted gas shocks, lowering springs and 195/45 tyres.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd March, 2001

2000 Fiat Punto Sporting 1.2

Summary:

Great purchase

Faults:

CD player replaced.

Door realigned.

One screen washer replaced.

General Comments:

I imported two of these from France, for myself and a friend (40% discount). We've both been very impressed with them!

The Sporting looks good and has proved very reliable. 48 miles per gallon and amazing motorway ability for a small car. Ergonomics are superb.

Very hard to criticise in any area. The ride is quite firm but not uncomfortable. I suppose build quality lacks in some areas. Too expensive in the UK!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th February, 2001