1997 Fiat Punto 55S 1.1 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Spacious and excellent value
Faults:
The LED display on the stereo is very slightly defective, but this has not affected usage (this fault was present at the time of purchase).
The rear exhaust fell off at 36000 miles.
Cam-belt also needed replacing at the same distance.
Otherwise just normal wear and tear items (worn brake pads, tyres, blown bulbs, etc).
General Comments:
We acquired the car for just £5695, it having previously spent a year as a rental vehicle.
It is extremely spacious, with fantastic headroom and decent legroom. Four tall adults can be accommodated comfortably.
The performance is very good for the engine size, but it suffers with a full load.
The stereo is first rate, despite the problem with the display.
Cheap to service/repair (but note we have avoided the Fiat dealerships).
Overall we are extremely happy with this car, so much so that we are currently upgrading to a new Punto 16v ELX.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th August, 2001
17th Oct 2001, 11:58
I have seen a couple of reviews mention reliability problems once you pass 40000 miles. Well, we are nearly there (39000) and the problems are coming thick and fast.
Since submitting this review, it has needed a new clutch (surely this is early, even for an ex-rental?) and the radio has entered some weird mode in which you cannot adjust the volume/change station for about an hour at a time! And we only just replaced the cam-belt and rear exhaust.