going to look at a fiat punto today anything i need to look for?

fletcher1985

can a mod please close this topic please.

Inactive

mr_tickle wrote: »

As we're way off topic here, I should point out that the Panda is better for moneysaving, as it gets 65-70 mpg, when the Primera got me about 36.

Possibly, but unlikely, you need to factor in the initial cost, depreciation etc, before drawing that conclusion.

judderman62

and you need to factor in repairs too

DuFfMaN_2

Stay away from Fiat Punto's, nothing but problems. I dont have one myself but have spent enough time fixing my girlfriends mothers to know they are awful.

Her car was around the same age as the one you're thinking of buying. It had the notorious starting problem which I diagnosed using the fiat forums (alot of other people have had the problem, which should tell you something). No sooner had I sorted that the car started idling rough and stalling. Then the radiator started leaking fluid and needed replacing. The shocks at the back of the car went and passengers normally left the car feeling sick (UP AND DOWN) lol. Finally the poor car gave up and the head gasket went which wasn't worth repairing. Only other person I know with a Fiat punto is my girlfriends sister and guess what...her cars currently in the garage having the head gasket done £400!

By the way, you talk about the engine bay being clean... I would be very wary of this, engine bays are naturally dirty places. I like to see a bit of dirt on a second hand car. If its been steam cleaned or pressure washed you have to ask yourself whether the seller is trying to hide something. e.g. leaks, be it oil or something else.

Anyway, if you're still going to buy one, ask the dealer to throw in a set of jumper leads;)

Good luck

clio

I sold my 2000 model punto 1.2 16v a while ago due to being very unreliable
i had 2 head gaskets replaced 1 under warranty 1 cash. my car had 19000 miles
on the clock when i got it and 36000 when i sold it . I joined the fiat forum its great
for info on all fiat cars. go and read up on there about Punto

http://www.fiatforum.com/punto/

PS do a search for clio and see my posts on my nightmare punto lol...

goldspanners

clio wrote: »

I sold my 2000 model punto 1.2 16v a while ago due to being very unreliable
i had 2 head gaskets replaced 1 under warranty 1 cash. my car had 19000 miles
on the clock when i got it and 36000 when i sold it . I joined the fiat forum its great
for info on all fiat cars. go and read up on there about Punto
www.fiatforum.com

you shouldnt have written this,this isnt what fletcher wants to hear,tell him about some of the good times you shared with the punto.

judderman62

yes and how well built and reliable they are and how one us likely to cost little in repairs

clio

lol goldspanners what makes you think i had any ??
i had mine 3 and 1/2 years in that time my milage was under 6000 a year so tell,s you how much it was being used. BTW head gasket costs £350 pounds or thereabouts if you hear water running around behind dash it,s deffo the gaskets gone.

goldspanners

clio wrote: »

lol goldspanners what makes you think i had any ??
i had mine 3 and 1/2 years in that time my milage was under 6000 a year so tell,s you how much it was being used. BTW head gasket costs £350 pounds or thereabouts if you hear water running around behind dash it,s deffo the gaskets gone.

could you not tell the sarcasm in my post?

clio

yes i do now coz ive read the full thread.