Fiat Punto Hatchback (1999 - 2003) JTD HLX 5d (2000/W) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Its a Punto so possibly young and not especially well off but still likes an acceptable car. However it's grey, 5 door & diesel so for a 23 year old lad possibly that 'he takes life abit too seriously at times. Not far from the truth really!

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

They seem pleasantly suprised once theyve travelled in it. I do keep it pretty tidy so that helps, but i've converted another friend from a Corsa to a Punto & have another who's considering it. My family are shocked at how good it's been & are now talking about buying a Fiat for the first time.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Most definately. I'd buy any Punto for it's space & price, though i would particularly get another HLX JTD model as the specification level and engine on this model are very good. It's cheaper than alot of rivals & has proved to be cheap to run and hassle free.

What are you likely to buy next?

Another Fiat. Either a one owner Stilo JTD or a newer Punto. Or if im mega rich by then, an Alfa 147.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,500

When did you buy the car?

June 2004

Did you get a good deal and why?

This car wouldve been £11000 new, but 4 years old with just 25,000 miles on the clock & one owner, it was up for £4995 at a Renault main dealer. I used to work at the dealership & got it for £4495, plus new MOT & Tax. It seemed a good enough deal to me.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Had a Punto 75 SX (1996 P Reg) which had far exceeded my expectations so i wanted to get another Fiat but something with a few more comforts like air con, and also safety features as my mileage was increasing. The fact that this was a diesel & more economical added to the appeal.

What was the dealer like?

I knew them so they just let me go for a drive and look round the car by myself, but were still helpful where needed & the car was prepared to the same high standard of other customers cars. I don't use them for servicing purely because i chose to take it to the Italian car specialist that the previous owner used.

What's it like to drive?

Steering can be quite short of feel, but not really any worse than many electrically assisted systems. Brakes can feel abit weak in emergency stop situations but if i'm as alert as i ought to be theyre fine. Gear change & clutch are light and positive, engine is very responsive if a bit noisy & will overtake at motorway speeds in 5th without any bother, whilst still doing 47mpg or more. The suspension can be harsh over potholes etc, but on motoway crests and less severe bumps, its okay.

What's it like to park?

Easy. Good wing mirrors, height adjustable seat and a flat back end make it easy to judge the edges of the car, whilst the city 'girly' button takes the dread out of parking in tight spaces.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Bought with 25,000 on the clock, just under 3 years later it has 69,000 showing & it has been great. Air con has needed a re-charge a couple of times but once was probably down to me not switching it on over winter. A hose for the air con system split at around 60,000 miles & since 65,000 miles the power steering has cut out a couple of times if i hold the wheel on full lock, but i hardly ever need full lock & it will come back on if i stop the car and re start so it's not much of an issue. Other than that just routine maintanance & servicing. Very pleased.

What's most practical about your car?

The back of the car is particularly spacious for this size of car, far more roomy than my previous 02 reg Clio. The boot is a good size & well shaped, the seats split/fold and it's a 5 door so for this type of car, it's all pretty practical.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Not much of a gadget anymore, but i like having air con. The trip computer & oil level check on this model are good too. But i especially like the standard fit 100w subwoofer in the boot, which makes the stereo sound decent. Shame there was only a tape player fitted - i've now changed that to CD.