Fiat Punto Hatchback (1994 - 1999) 60 S 3d (1999/V) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Don't know. It's a standard student car, which is apt!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Everyone in the family loves it - probably one of the best cars we've had. It's not going to get you noticed from the outset, and doesn't have head turning credentials but more often than not, anyone who comes in it will make a positive comment.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes. Although i would avoid anything much older (L-P) as i think they can be more troublesome,like any older car. If you're selective though, and check for all the usual things, then you'll find a decent one i'm sure. The 1.2 is one of the best engines i think, with excellent economy and performance to boot. As a footnote i would advise to avoid the older '55' 1.1 model (which was phased out by late '97 i think) as these will be underpowered. My old cinquecento had this same engine and was awful on the motorway, so i'm sure it would be much worse in the heavier Punto.

What are you likely to buy next?

No idea.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£450

When did you buy the car?

August 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

It was a bit of a one off situation. Although we bought it from the main Fiat dealer, it was just an older part exchanged car that they wanted to shift quickly. A friend who worked there told us about it, it wasn't advertised or anything. But yes, it was a good deal, and a very good price. They wanted £500 for this one owner example with fsh. It had been meticulously well maintained by the previous owners who had taken it to this same main dealer garage for the previous 5 years. It seemed a bargain so we offered £450 and got it. I'd have expected to pay double that if it had been for sale anywhere else.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

My old cinquecento was on it's last legs and this came about at just the right time.

What was the dealer like?

It was a friend who worked at the dealership, so not really applicable.

What's it like to drive?

Ok,accelaration is not great but then it is only a 1.2. That aside, i am constantly impressed by this little engine's willingness and ability. For a 'small' capacity, performance is admiral; it will cruise happily at 85 and copes extremely well under load (i've towed with it, had 5 in it, and driven from Hastings to Inverness - and back - in it!). My only slight criticism is that the ride can be quite harsh.

What's it like to park?

Pips, as expected.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nope. It sailed through it's MOT no probs. All it needed recently was new front brake pads and discs (£140 from the same main dealer - not too bad i thought).

What's most practical about your car?

Looks like a small car on the outside, feels like a much bigger car on the inside! I've recently been in a similarly aged Polo and Fiesta, and it beats both hands down in terms of interior spaciousness and aesthetics.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

None really. Although it's the special 'Team' edition, it's essentially a base trim model, so is quite no frills with no PAS or E/W etc. However, unlike earlier base model mk 1s, you do get a few little peripheral luxuries like a rev counter, digital clock and cloth headrests - they do make things a litte more pleasant, if only from an aesthetic point of view! I do particularly like the 'Team' wheel trims - very smart and they make it instantly identifiable as not being a clunky old M reg!