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

What does this car say about you?

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

My Mum liked it enough to buy a Punto herself, but my Dad's less impressed with my begging for money every time something goes wrong.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, but I'd make sure it had been serviced properly.

What are you likely to buy next?

An Audi TT.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,000

When did you buy the car?

July 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

I thought so at the time- the car was good value, had a low mileage & was in good nick.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It's far better looking than any of the other superminis built around that time.

What was the dealer like?

Classic Cars of Wirral was friendly & helpful enough but nothing particularly special.

What's it like to drive?

The Punto is really good fun to drive as it's pretty nippy. It may not be the best handling or most comfortable car ever made, but the cabin is great, the driving position is good, & there isn't much wind or road noise. It makes reasonable progress on the motorway too.

What's it like to park?

It's a doddle like any other supermini- the steering is light but not as light as the electronic steering on the replacement model, making it more fun to drive.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Unfortunately lots has gone wrong, making the car look less & less of a good buy. Some things were just routine (tyres, exhaust & brakes) but some were not. The engine sump needed replacing after a year because of corrosion, and the replacement was refitted 3 times before it stopped leaking. The head gasket went at 30k miles, which was the most expensive problem to fix (450 quid). The alternator's playing up at the moment (making a squealing noise when the engine's cold) & despite the body being galvanised, there's some rust appearing around the wheel arches. Basically, I'm constantly worried that something else will go wrong. Most of the work was done at Regency Autos in Cambridge, which is an honest, good value garage.

What's most practical about your car?

It's got a spacious interior & boot & it makes good progress on the road.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

White paint really suits the Punto (especially with the alloy wheels fitted on this model) & I like the steering wheel operated stereo controls (even if they're a bit temperamental sometimes).