Fiat Punto Hatchback (2003 - 2006) 1.4 Sporting 3d (2004/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

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

They like the look of it but don't like clambering into the back. Compared to the clio & other similar cars, it has more legroom in the back.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I wouldn't because I like a change, but I've enjoyed having the punto sporting edition.

What are you likely to buy next?

A mazda 3.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£7,999

When did you buy the car?

September 2004

Did you get a good deal and why?

Bought it from a car supermarket. European import so £3k less than a dealer.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Good deal, ideal for city driving, looks good compared to similar cars.

What was the dealer like?

Car supermarket was very good, not too pushy offered me much better trade in price for my old car than the dealer did.

What's it like to drive?

Overall it is good to drive, but the suspension is very hard (apparently this is typical on sporty models). So speed humps can be quite painful! It is also quite noisy when driving at speed on a motorway.

What's it like to park?

Brilliant! This is one of the best features! Especially when using the "city" mode it can get into the tightest of spaces.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes! Overall it has been a good car, hovever... the clutch was juddering within the first year (not that the Fiat garage or myself detected it was the clutch). On it's 2nd service when it was out of the 1 year european warranty the dealer worked out it was the clutch. I had to fight for them to honour the warranty as I reported it to them when it was still guaranteed. After much battling they agreed. The services since have been quite expensive with various things needing attention (suspension, brakes & horn making it's recent 4th service amount to £635).

What's most practical about your car?

Parking is brilliant especially with the "city" mode. It is very nippy round town and equally speedy in 6th gear on a motorway. Very economical to run too.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I like the speed indicator warning that tells me when I hit 80 on a motorway. You can set it to any speed to beep at you and tell you to slow down!! Can be useful if you are like me and at times you forget what speed you're doing!