29th Jul 2004, 07:42
My 1999 Fiat Punto 60S has had a leaking head gasket diagnosed this week, at just over 60,000 miles.
24th Sep 2004, 10:33
Got a Punto 75SX (1997). Bought it at 43,000 miles with a blown head gasket. Just blown it again at 61,000 miles. According to the garage, Puntos are prone to head gasket problems so I will be looking for another make car inside the warranty period of this repair.
31st May 2005, 05:51
I am absolutley gutted!!! My head gasket has gone at 32,000 miles. only bought the punto 3 months ago from a garage- Now they are telling me it was underwritten by Rover and my warranty may not cover it! GUTTED! Never will I buy a fiat again. :0 (
28th Apr 2007, 08:33
Just stopped driving my car, think my head gasket has blown!!! what sort of price will I be looking at to get it repaired??? the engines started shaking more than usual and is making funny noises such a whistling and blowing!!!my car is a 1.2 16v sporting abarth. its done 66000 miles and I love the car!!!hope someone can help will my question.
23rd Aug 2007, 06:47
Funny to see all of your comments. I have a 96 55sx Punto which is now sitting in the garden with a blown head gasket at 53,000 miles.
I have had a bit of a nightmare with the car for the last year, but blamed myself because I left it idle for over a year due to lack of funds to pay my insurance. So reading this has made me feel less guilty.
But to make you all feel better here is what I have replaced on the car in the last two years: Battery, Clutch, Timing belt, Spark Plugs, Timing belt again, Exhaust, Exhaust pump, Brakes, Brake lining - at around the 2/3 of the original cost of the car. I didn't want to get rid of it because my dad who recently passed away bought it for me and I like the car. But I think at this stage it's time to bite the bullet. Wouldn't mind, but I've just waxed it :-)
Christian.
22nd Feb 2008, 04:19
I am a apprentice mechanic; I drive a 1996 55sx Punto, and to be quite truthful I don't know why. I got given it by my Gran. All of the problems that people have listed are very common with this first model of the Punto, but they get worse in the 2nd newest model (Y-06). I have seen as cylinder head go at 35,000 miles. Being honest, if these cars aren't cared for, they rust all over. I have had to weld new plates near the jacking points underneath back passenger side and driverside sill. I wouldn't recommend this car as a first car; they can cost an arm and a leg. Thankfully I can do most of the work myself.
29th Jul 2008, 12:47
Hi, I'vev got a Punto mk1 55s (my first car) which has been fully modified; full exhaust system, rims, lowered, air filter, interior styling, etc etc.
And now it's at nearly 135,000 miles, I've had it about a year and a half and not once have I had any problems with it, looks amazing, sounds amazing, drives amazing (obviously not fast at all, but is VERY nippy for only a 1.1), and to top it all off I only bought it for 650 quid, which is an absolute bargain if you ask me, care free motoring!
I am actually looking to sell soon for something a bit faster, but this car will certainly be a good memory for me!
22nd Jul 2009, 04:54
My Punto 55 SX 1995 has blown its head gasket at 90 000 miles. Radiator poured some water, but was fixed by added liquid in the garage. Now 180 000 miles and going on.
Safe at least for the next two years.
17th Aug 2010, 15:12
I have a S reg (99) Fiat punto s 1242cc.. Done 76000 miles and no problems yet!! Love my little car =)
1st Oct 2010, 02:49
I have an N Reg 1995 Fiat Punto 55 SX.
Its brake lights have just gone, and a common fault with the model is the boot not opening due to a cabling issue.
Lucky for me, these have happened at the same time, and now I can't access the lights due to not being able to open the boot!!
The engine is a little noisy for a 1.2, but the steering is fantastic, the ride is smooth for a little car, and the driver's position is perfect.
As 1st cars go, it's terrific, but... I have no idea how much fixing the boot and lights is going to cost me.
I bought it for £450 6 months ago.
20th Jan 2004, 13:01
I bought my punto 4 months ago for £800 as my first car. The garage refused to give me a warranty which I thought was because of its age (96 N-reg) but a week later I realized that I had been sold a dodger. The cylinder head gasket had already blown. I tried to live with this for a month, but it was pot luck weather it would start or pump out steam. It is now fixed and proved to be a fantastic car.
The roof has rusted around the windscreen and the area around the broken, but fixable boot-lock has corroded.
The doors dent too easily though. The Cam cover Gasket has also gone, but that is nothing serious.