How bad are Punto's?

InsomniaCalls

InsomniaCalls

InsomniaCalls

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How bad are Puntos?

Looking to buy a first car in the next couple of weeks - small car with a max budget of around £2500.
Not sure how worried I should really be about mileage but was looking for cars with less than 40k on the clock.

Anyway, from what I've seen on Autotrader, there's plenty of Punto's, a few 106/Saxos, and the odd Corsa or Clio.

Of the above, which would be the best car to go with? I've heard Fiat's aren't great...
Ideally quite economical and not likely to fall apart immediately are the main factors for me.

Cheers

Si
:)
 
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I don't like Fiats.... There build quality is just cheap and nasty.

...but if u just want cheap... then I spose it'll be fine for you...

Out of the cars u've mentioned above - I would say a Corsa is your best bet....
 
A friend has one, and despite it being 2 years newer than my car, it's almost falling to bits. The build quality doesn't feel very good at all IMO. That and the gearbox blew up the other week apparently :o

I would say there's definitely a lot better out there, for £2,500.
 
Plenty of 1.25 Zetec Fiestas around for that money, perhaps slightly more than 40k, but nothing to worry about.
 
I have a punto. 1.2 75hp. Does the job nicely.

Its quite quick for what it is, and in 2nd and 3rd the car feels like a sports car :p

If your looking to buy one, the mk1 and mk2 make sure that the head gasket has been replaced, as these will usually go later on in there life.

Otherwise, as a first car they are preety decent and are quite fun.

Also youl notice that they rev quite highly in 5th gear on the motorway, but thats normal :)
 
InsomniaCalls said:
from what I've seen on Autotrader, there's plenty of Punto's, a few 106/Saxos, and the odd Corsa or Clio.
Click to expand...

I didnt like the 106, but i love my 306. You should get a good one for £2k too. Avoid the corsa unlees you get it free :p, and IMO the clio is expensive for what it is.
 
I like the wife's punto. Its a 2000 W reg, 1.2 basic, but the build is miles better than the Mk1 Punto. Its got loads of space in it, and this is what made me buy it for her, since she has to get clients + equipment + wheelchairs in for them and other cars in its class just couldn't cope with the kit. Its a bit rattly at times, and the seats arent the most comfy but it is an exceptionally practical car, and good value for money.

I managed to get all my belongings including piano keyboard, racing bike, computer, books, hifi, clothes, etc etc in the back of an old Fiat Uno with the seats down. I even managed a full length door (which was podged on my shoulder and the dash!) so for versatility Fiats rock! I couldn't get even part of that lot in my 406 saloon!

And about that head gasket, ours went at 36K miles :( £280 pound got it replaced though. If you think Fiat's are bad for head gaskets, never by a Rover !!!
 
You wont be buying one :P lol

no one posts a title " How bad are Punto's?" then buys one lol.

you know they are bad :p
 
Not had the Punto long enough but my old 1.0 Uno with the FIRE engine did 185000 miles before rust got the better of it. I'm convinced the engine would have continued for a good while longer coz there was nothing wrong with it.
 
If you can go japenese then you cant lose...either that or a VW Polo and im sure you will pick up a nice economical and reliable car.
 
The other half has a 55 plate punto sporting. Good little car while its not at the dealer by all accounts. Its been back to the dealer a couple of times for a few fit and finish issues, and the hill holder gizmo, and the aircon fan, and so on.......... Thank god for the warranty
 
Grande-punto-1.jpg


whats the verdict on these? they are, without a doubt, the best looking small car for years!

hows their reliability compared to the tinny older models?
 
I vote Fiesta 1.25. It's fun and reliable and servicing is reasonable. Insurance is a bit high on them though.
 
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