Fiat Punto Hatchback (1999 - 2003) 1.2 5d (2001/Y) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That's a stupid question. Maybe that your young or just have no desire to travel faster than walking speeds?!

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

Generally like it. It's quite a stylish car and is quite spacious so good for passengers.

Would you buy this car again and why?

The 1.2 8v is just agonisingly slow and I don’t think the 16v makes all that much difference, it’s still a 1.2 after all. Then the next engine size up (excluding the diesel) is the 1.8! The engine range is just ludicrous, as the only options are the entry level and a hot hatch (which doesn’t quite stand up to its rivals). Obviously some people (like young drivers) can only afford small engined slower cars, but even then I would rule out the punto simply because I think it is too unreliable.

What are you likely to buy next?

A Ford

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,400

When did you buy the car?

August 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

Reasonably good, immaculate bodywork, FSH and long MOT

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Cheap to insure

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

The 1.2 8v is hideously underpowered. The engine has to be constantly worked hard, and even then acceleration once in 2nd gear is non existent, making motorways a real pain. You’ll be doing well to get anything over 100mph out of it as well. That said, it is a small car, and most won’t be buying it for performance I’m sure. The handling is precise and very responsive, and corners can be quite enjoyable. However, it can be too responsive at times (felling a little ‘twitchy’), and there is a bit of body roll. The ride is adequate.

What's it like to park?

Very easy, especially with the city button.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes! The clutch went (generally goes at around 40'000 on the punto which is unhelpful), and the power steering was an ongoing problem: it cut out a few times while driving and because its electric it’s difficult to diagnose and expensive to repair. I have heard that this is quite common with the puntos and it’s actually ridiculously dangerous. I was driving around a corner and it’s quite scary because the steering suddenly went heavy and the wheel was wrenched out of my hands! Luckily I was going slowly. There was also the odd niggley problem.

What's most practical about your car?

It's very spacious inside for such a small car - with a decent sized boot and good legroom. Fuel economy is pretty good, but as to be expected from a 1.2. Also, the adjustable steering column (sounds stupid but I found it quite useful for getting into a good driving position).

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The city button (which makes the steering lighter) is excellent for parking