1996 Fiat Punto ELX 1.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Poor build quality

Faults:

Exhaust had to be replaced at 20,000 miles.

Brake replaced at 40,000 miles.

Rear sub-frame replaced at 40,000, though had been starting going at about 20,000.

Head gasket broke at 45,000.

Bodywork attracts dents like no other car.

Steering lock never worked properly.

General Comments:

Although the performance and ride of this care are fine the poor build quality means I will never buy another one. I expect to get way more than 45,000 miles out of a car before I give up on it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd July, 2003

1996 Fiat Punto SX 1.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Poor

Faults:

The engine started to leak oil.

Electric passenger window broke.

The drive belt broke (Twice)

Electrical problems with engine.

My head gasket blew at 50,000 miles.

Needed new exhaust at 55,000 miles.

Oil sump had to be replaced, rust.

Front brake disc's needed replaced at 58,000 miles.

General Comments:

The cars pretty fast for a 1.2 but it's handling on corners is pretty poor.

The doors dent really easily.

The car is cheap to run and easy to drive just not that reliable.

I won't be buying another Fiat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd May, 2003

1996 Fiat Punto 55S 1.1 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fun first car, but watch for possible future repairs

Faults:

At 64000 miles the cam cover gasket leaking and rear wiper was not working, but I was able to get the dealer to sort this out.

At 72000 miles front to rear, off side, near side, off side rear break pipes had to be replaced as they had rotten.

Then I needed to replace exhaust front pipe, gasket and rubber mounting.

At 74000 miles the cam cover gasket leaking again, rear shocks needed to be replaced.

Doors prone to dints from other careless drivers swinging their doors open into your bodywork.

General Comments:

Asides from the repairs and maintenance and repairs I have had to endure this is a relatively cheap car to insure and run and I love it. This car is relatively quick and nippy to drive around town, but not so good on sharp country road corners. Road grip is OK, but not great and will need to be watched in poor conditions. The interior is too little basic, but controls are nicely laid out. Other pros include nice rounded looks, lots of legroom for the size of the car, reasonable boot space. I would recommend this for any ones first car, but have it checked over first, as there may be hidden problems as with all second had cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th March, 2003

1996 Fiat Punto S 1.1 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

For the price it's worth, I can't fault it!

Faults:

Faulty electronics at 50,000 miles, resulting in most the rear exterior lights flashing on and off when the indicators came on (resulting in me getting stopped by the police).

Door trim starting to fall off.

General Comments:

Compared to the other cars in its class, the interior styling is second to none, however the seats could do with being a little more comfy in this model.

I still think the engine is a little weak and struggles when being driven hard up a hill.

The car has been extremely reliable and has never broken down once.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th February, 2003

6th Jan 2005, 04:19

Rear light issues like those described are probably down to a faulty earth - I had this problem often on my Punto 1.7D S. Either get a new earth run from the light cluster to the chassis metal or replace the light/bulb cluster innards (not the coloured plastic that sits over the bulb cluster) - they are easy to find in scrapyards.

1996 Fiat Punto Sporting 1.6i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Very good value for money

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car as yet.

General Comments:

This car is very nippy, and comfortable. Although I do think that the top end is a bit "poor" at 115 to 120mph. The handling is pretty good and it is an all round superb car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th January, 2003

1996 Fiat Punto 55s 1.1 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The best small car for the money!

Faults:

The Car hesitated under acceleration soon after I bought it. This was found to be a broken lambda sensor.

General Comments:

The engine is very lively for a 1100cc.

The only problem I've had with the car was the lambda sensor.

It steams up very easily in cold weather and is difficult to de-mist.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th November, 2002