Faults:

First of all there was a knocking noise when the car was moving coming from the rear of the vehicle, this was eventually rectified by the dealer.

The windscreen wipers have started to judder across the screen, I understand this is a common fault, but as yet this is still ongoing as the dealer cannot get hold of the grease which is required, and even when they did they gave it to another customer so I am still waiting (since November 2002).

The subwoofer which is in the boot of the car was distorted, and it took two trips to the garage and numerous phone calls before they would agree to fix it, and first time I went they could not find a fault with it.

General Comments:

The car is quick for a 1.2 8V engine and has good acceleration speed.

The sporting interior is smart and the vehicle is spacious with plenty of room.

My headlights have started to mist up on the inside, but they do clear during the day.

There should be an interior boot light as it makes things difficult during the hours of darkness.

Faults:

The shock absorbers leaked and had to be replaced.

The air conditioning stopped working five months after I bought it - just two weeks after its first major service.

General Comments:

It's an economical car and very stylish in design.

It can be noisy on fast runs, but is pretty roomy and comfortable.

The brake and accelerator pedals are positioned a little too close to one another - could be a problem for bigger footed drivers.

Faults:

Brakes very spongy on test drive dealer did sort this before delivery.

Car didn't warm up very quick thermostat replaced under warranty after 1000 miles.

Clutch made a loud clicking noise when depressed this was replaced under warranty at 2500 miles.

Both front doors dropped have now been adjusted 5 times by dealer.

Very loud rattles from rear end 3 seat brackets were coming loose fixed twice now under warranty.

Tailgate would not shut properly now fixed under warranty.

Cannot get fuel in quick enough before pump clicks of (2-3lts) tank and filler neck have been out at dealer to no avail.

Front wiper motor worked when it wanted to or not at all fixed by dealer.

Rear suspension getting noisy dealer disputes this so not fixed at this moment.

General Comments:

Good looks, fair equipment and good warranty package (good job).

Poor handling and ride.

Suspension to stiff it makes your fillings rattle.

Poor build quality and quality control at factory.

Engine not bad, but a bit noisy at high revs and a bit lumpy at low speeds.

Depreciation terrible especially if traded in through fiat dealers because they know all the problems.

Good m.p.g. and cheap insurance.

Faults:

My brake shoes went at 20,000 miles & not the pads.

General Comments:

The Punto is swift & nimble & is good all round.

Only downside is the overly sensitive "city" steering which is for girls only!

It plays havoc if you've got alloys as you sonmetimes get too near the kerb.

Faults:

CD changer packed up at 3 months replaced myself at discount price. Car imported so couldn't be bothered with dealer.

No other problems.

General Comments:

I bought an imported model from car supermarket. Came fully loaded for £8k so what can you say.

Lovely interior with nice italian styling although as usual not up to VW interior trim. But who cares it still works and you see loads of 10 year old Unos so nothing should be serious.

Excellent performance from 1.2 engine and six gears to play with. A nice fun car that won't cost a fortune. Very good stereo probably the best system in a small car (when it works!!).

One caveat do make sure you can live with the ride comfort. The car is very jittery over poor surfaces. I would not see this car as a motorway beast. The ride just becomes too irritating after a few hours. However if like me you do 3 motorway trips a year and spend the rest on local 20 minute hops its great value and much fun to own.