Fiat Grande Punto (2006 - 2010) 1.4 16v Sporting 3d Owner Review

How reliable do you find the car?

Where do I even begin with this absolute novel of a list? I've had an absolute nightmare with this car from day 1. Every common fault with this model has occurred with it. First, the rear wheel bearing went which would've been £130 to fix in a garage, then the flimsy glove box (and other trim pieces) fell off which were £20 a piece. Then the fuses kept blowing and the dashboard "failed" - as in ALL of the dashboard including speedo, rev counter, airbags, radio etc. would not work (Italian electrics). The most recent (and expensive) fault is that I now no longer have a 3rd gear (a VERY common fault on the 6-speed Sporting gearboxes, to do with the Synchromesh failing so it just makes an angry grinding noise when you try to put it into third) , this will cost around £800-900 to fix and, at this point, I don't even think it's worth it anymore. However, this car is ideal for you if you like the colour pink, as that's what ALL of the red plastic outer trim fades to very quickly and there's NOTHING to fix it. In summary, if you enjoy working on your car yourself, then this is the ideal Italian Stallion for you. If not, then prepare to spend about as much as you originally paid for it in bills from the garage and maybe something more reliable would suit you better (for example, a 1980's Lancia that has spent a month in the sea).

Does the car do everything you expected it to do?

For a 2007 1.4 it was fairly nippy, especially compared to my previous car- a 45bhp '98 Corsa. It is also great on fuel on a motorway run with the 6th gear (50mpg is easily reachable on a good run). However, due to the new wave of turbocharged small capacity engines, this naturally aspirated unit just cannot keep up with the modern equivalent. I would recommend the 120bhp 1.4 T-Jet instead.