Faults:
Exhaust pipe replaced at 52000
Swing arms and "wishbones" replaced at 53000
Shock absorbers and brakes relaced at 53000
Gearbox broke in bits replaced together with clutch at 54000
Timing belt replaced at 57000
Original radio/cassette (Blaupunkt) was giving a horribly loud high pitch "beep" when out of town (could be the consequence of automatic TA search, as I was told at the garage). Proved to be impossible to fix, was replaced eventually.
Consistent erratic idle (sometimes will start going up to 5000 rpm and over!) from 55000, lambda sensor and idle valve replaced at 72000, but did not fix the problem.
Water pump failed at 76000, resulting overheating damaged the head gasket. This was the last drop - got rid of the car after that.
General Comments:
Totally unreliable car - a disaster to have one. I spent more on repairs than on the car itself at time of purchase
My advice: never buy a Fiat
Just two positive features: 1) economical on tax/insurance and fuel consumption;
2) very roomy for its class, can carry bookcases and two bikes at a time (without disassembling them)
22nd Oct 2006, 07:39
Fiat Puntos I have found are a unique kind of car.. I first picked one up in feb 2006 with 104,000 miles on the clock.. Yes when I first got it something went in the engine with regards to the heater and I got a free of charge service to it.. Since then I am now on 115,000 miles (P reg 1997) and it works better than any other car I've had.
Admittedly the speed doesn't get there the fastest, but it maintains a nice smooth steady speed.. Overall this is so far one of the best choices in vehicles since having it.. Or did I get the lucky straw???