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
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.