Fiat Punto Hatchback 1999

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Much cheaper than anything else in its class, but also depreciates more than anything else in its class - therfore good second-hand buy! Has driver and passanger airbag, CD player, electric windows and sunroof and trip computer.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    50mpg around town, 60+ on a run. DON'T GO TO MAIN DEALER - they try and rip you off with high servicing costs and fault diagnosis. parts quite high too. Cheap insurance though (group 6).

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Good firm ride, feels sporty, but can be a bit bumpy and hard on country roads. Quite engine and excellent performance for only 80bhp.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Quick and responsive, feels more like a petrol. Great midrange, more torque than the HGT petrol! Tall gears so it can cruise at high speed with ease yet does 40 in 2nd! No turbo lag and very smooth.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Windscreen wipers failed on mine due to a small clip, however Fiat recommended a whole new motor for £200. I went and got a clip for 20p and fitted it myself! Gearbox stiff on mine, although I don't think it's a common fault. Engine is brill!

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Personal preference but I think it's one of the best looking cars in its class and looks quite sporty. I think one of the nicest small diesels around and ok for a bloke.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    I am 6' 2" and fit in with ease. Firm, supportive, fully adjustable seats with lumbar support. On the whole feels solid, but back window openers rattle as does my steering column and some trim which can be very irritating. Comfy but some road noise.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Only an immobilser, which is a serious let down for a modern car. I had mine broken into with a screwdriver in the lock which is too easy! Would advise to spend £££ on an alarm.

    Service

    2 out of 5 2.0

    FIAT dealers charge too much. Way too much! They want almost £500 for 72,000-mile service with cambelt change!

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Other

    Interior rattles is the biggest problem and it drives me mad on country roads.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No