2000 Fiat Punto Sporting 1.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great purchase

Faults:

CD player replaced.

Door realigned.

One screen washer replaced.

General Comments:

I imported two of these from France, for myself and a friend (40% discount). We've both been very impressed with them!

The Sporting looks good and has proved very reliable. 48 miles per gallon and amazing motorway ability for a small car. Ergonomics are superb.

Very hard to criticise in any area. The ride is quite firm but not uncomfortable. I suppose build quality lacks in some areas. Too expensive in the UK!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th February, 2001

2000 Fiat Punto 60S 1.2 8v petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A car that looks good, drives good and is economical and fun

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This is my first super-mini and I can only be impressed. It is a base model (new spec) and comes with central locking, electric windows, power steering, twin airbags, boot light, height adjustable drivers seat and clever electronics (like get you home head lights).

The engine is excellent, very quiet, pulls well and has returned 50mpg. Handling is great and the car is much more fun to drive than my Mondeo.

The front seats are good but the rear bench is hard and not liked by my children.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th October, 2000

2000 Fiat Punto ELX 5 door 1.9 JTD (diesel) from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Beast of a super-mini

Faults:

On delivery:

Exterior plastic and trim developed 1000's of what looked like tiny white scratches. Phoned the dealer and was told it was because they got polish on it.

Very squeaky suspension.

Internal boot release gets stuck (a faulty spring?).

Noisy rear brakes from cold.

General Comments:

If you drive with your heel behind the accelerator pedal then you'll find; like me; the pedals (brake and accelerator) are way too close together. Even a small child would have trouble not hitting both! Does have a nice raised bit to the right of the accelerator pedal for motorway cruising.

Handles very nicely (loads of grip).

Very quiet and does 70 MPH @ 2000 RPM easily. Excellent low down torque (1500 RPM) and power (1500-3500 RPM). 55 MPG on the first tank and I by no means drive 'carefully'.

Stereo is quality and the layout of the interior is excellent (from the ELX model). Everything is satisfying to push, pull and twist. Has very smart electronic features e.g. unlocks the doors when you pull on the interior handles (not the rear ones though, kids etc!), turns the rear demister off after 30 minutes and much more. The electric windows wind up after you key off, but only as long as no one has opened any doors! Very good trip computer, the only criticism is it only shows the average MPG on that tank and not the current MPG.

What else can you buy for 8K with these specs! Best super mini on the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th October, 2000

13th Jul 2001, 02:44

Quote from the review "Very squeaky suspension". " Noisy rear brakes from cold". I have the same problem, amoungst others, although the squeaky suspension is actually the hand brake mechanism!!

I have had issues with the steering - new steering shaft fitted (steering wheel refitted off line). Inside door trim coming away - new trim fitted. Total failure of the ABS pump - new ABS pump fitted (same thing occurred one week later). The engine is very flat in relation to many driven courtesy cars!! The brake warning light keeps coming on. The vehicle has spent more time at Fiat than on my drive way. Never mind, I know what not to buy next time!!!

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