Fiat Punto Owner Reviews: MPG, Problems & Reliability

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Absolutely great car I love it only complaint is that it's a 1.2 8v so it's very slow but does its job only problems I've had with the car is the dash lights you sometimes have to hit the dashboard for them to come on and the heater stopped working which was a wire which had melt and the cover which covers the part next to the streeing wheel breaks very easy but other then that best punto I've had and I wouldn't mind having another one!

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No Red thumbs down

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We have been dissapointed by this car and wouldn't buy another. Its too small everywhere, they've cut every corner possible, ie reduced pockets behind seat, no mirror behind front sun visors, leg room small, odd cd player, short seat belts, short seat belt "clip" between rear seats, no spare wheel, no light in the rear seats, very small glove compartment etc. It has no acceleration, we've replaced the clutch, brakes front and back, belt, the knob broke off heating control (has to replace that panel), odd manual, comes with no explanation of bluetooth etc...(expected a manual) no storage area in rear leg room when you collapse the back seats, very small boot...do I need to continue?

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No Red thumbs down

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Bought as a first car with 120,000 miles. An ideal first car just for short journeys - on the three occasions I took it on the motorway it broke down each time. Third time it was due to the engine overheating and it was a write off, even though it was driving fine for an hour before hand. Had issues with power steering turning itself off, had to have my gear box replaced and brake pads wore down quickly due to frequent use. A good run around but not ideal for long journeys or motorway driving.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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I bought the car used in 2007 with 2,000 miles on the clock. Since then we only had a problem with the power steering sensor which we replaced (2014) and a few week ago with a dead factory-installed battery (2016). In all the car is reliable and doesn't break down although I don't drive it a lot (it's got only 18,000 miles). The engine does suffer from lack of performance and is insufficient for high speed accelerations and sudden bursts of power but it does pull like a train if needed to. With 4 of us and some luggage you can feel the lack of power but it can sustain a certain tempo on the highway. The interior is a bit cramped and seats aren't very comfortable and offer very limited side grip. The steering is precise and to the point but feedback is limited because it's electrically assisted. Gearbox is very light and can change gears in an instant but does sometimes float out of gear. Brakes are very much sensitive and can catch you off guard if you are not expecting it but they do their job to the max. Storage space is typical for city cars but it serves the purpose. My car is rust-free but still it is parked in a garage and rarely driven. In all the only fault I can find is the lack of power from the 1.4 but it's still a city car. If you want performance from this engine type, I suggest you dive into your finances and find a grand or two for some power mods but still this car is not made for the Autobahn type chases. In all I am very happy with the car and as it seems she will stay with me for at least 10 more years.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Owned my bright orange 1.4 sporting for 2 years, start with the positives... it's roomy, lovely inside even the sports seats are comfortable, cheap to run (tax and insurance) which I was surprised to say a sporting, 43mpg usually short journeys, very happy nippy engine. Sadly quite a few problems coming up to 70k have started —electric windows motor, seat belt sensor, steering bushes, steering column which was £560, lots of rattles in side panels, rubber under bonnet keeps slipping, front grill slipping. However mostly problems and parts have been easy to fix, and it has been amazing in the snow and ice really handled well in 4-5 inches of snow where 4x4 struggled!! Again for a low sporting I was shocked. Lively engine which is nice and sweet. I feel generally it was made cheaply but is a good economical car.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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I have the dualogic (semi-automatic) version of the 1.4 5dr Punto Grande Eleganza. Other than the low MPG and the "Eco mode" I can't really fault the car. I've had the car for around 2 months now, admittedly almost all of my journeys are in fairly heavy traffic but I'm getting between 27 and 29 MPG in "Eco mode", bizarrely getting around 32 MPG in the normal mode. So the "Eco mode" really does seem to be a waste of time as not only does it make the car sluggish off the mark and slow to build up speed but it also doesn't save any fuel. With "Eco mode" off, as I've had it for the last 2 weeks, the car is lovely to drive! It picks up from 10mph and 40mph in a couple of seconds (mainly keeping itself in 2nd gear) which is handy for coming off all of the roundabouts onto busy dual carriageways near to me and I'm getting on average around 32 MPG in this setting. The ride isn't the softest I've experienced but it's nothing like as harsh as some of the previous reviews I'd read had suggested. For a small(ish) car it has a very large boot, however this does seem to be at the expense of leg-room for rear passengers. The DualZone climate control is excellent, as is the Blue&Me feature and the ability to play music straight from a USB stick via the USB slot in the glove box. The interior is lovely with a generous amount of space between the driver and the windscreen which gives the impression of a larger car and it feels well built. One thing I have noticed is that the windscreen seems to Ice up/mist up very easily and takes longer to clear than other cars parked in the same area. On the whole, I'm very happy with my Fiat Grande Punto Eleganza 1.4 5dr but I would only recommend it to other people with the concessions made above.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Honestly the worst car I've ever owned. Bought from main dealer at 6 years old and had done 50,000 miles. I've had it for 2 yrs and covered 15, 000 miles. In that time, I've replaced: steering rack, steering column, heater matrix, alternator, starter motor, ignition electrics, fuel injectors, wiper motor, flywheel, anti-roll droplink, window regulator, door lock and boot lock. It's damp inside and the CD player doesn't work. Stay away! Never again!

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No Red thumbs down

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We have owned several Puntos in the family over recent years. These cars are built to a price and certainly not over-engineered. They don't survive abuse well. However, if maintained carefully and used with care they can be reliable. They are nice to drive and perform adequately. I am not really a fan or advocate of the car or brand, but I find them to be quite nice to look at, dependable, comfortable, fairly economical to buy and run and easy to maintain. Also, spare parts are widely available at reasonable prices. I have clocked-up over 150,000 miles in Puntos since 2000 and I have had little trouble. I can afford a "better" car, but I'm just not interested. I like the economy and relative simplicity, although I would agree that the list price is rather too high, making a low mileage used buy with good service history and warranty the only sensible choice.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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I purchased my Punto whilst the government scrapage scheme was running in 2009 and paid just over £7K for it brand new, this price included metallic paint! What an absolute bargain it has proven to be, cheap to insure, over 50mpg on a run and I still get mid 40s across town. The 77bhp engine is willing and nippy enough, it is also quiet and refined to boot, I can easily drop into 5th at 25mph. There is some body roll in tight corners but you would have to be pushing on quite hard to notice this. I don't find the handling bad at all, it would certainly not be a problem with normal driving. The brakes are good with a nice progressive feel, unlike some French cars. Interior space is generous for a supermini, it can easily accommodate 4 large adults with ease. I test drove a 2009 Fiesta prior to driving this car and found the steering very slightly sharper along with the handling. The difference in handling between the Fiesta/Punto was minor but I believe most would appreciate the smoother more refined & quieter Punto. You may save yourself a couple of grand as well. The review on Carbuyer is biased as regards to the Punto, but don't take my word for it, book a test drive consider the price difference between a Punto/Fiesta & make you own mind up.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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Loved it from day one. Nippy little car, fun to drive, good visibility, great steering, quiet engine, easy parking. Replaced clutch once, apart from that no problems with it. Quite spacious for a small car, good size boot. Have punto grande now, not as nippy.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Fiats seem to run forever,i have never been recovered in it

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No Red thumbs down

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Faulty fuel cut off switch

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Yes Green thumbs up

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hAD PROBLEMS starting the car, so a friend who vlives next door to me is a mechanic he gave me a new battery. After fitting the car was fine for a few days rhen problems started again. Next thing a friend helped me fit a new alternator to the car and car has been fine. Cost me Ł30 from a later fiat punto model but was relitively easy to fit. The car was somesone daughter before mine so theiir dad was very conscious the car was in good order full service history and oil filter were changed regularly. I have had enjoyment in servicing the car myself changing oil etc.

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No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

VERY

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No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

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Its a very good car in general

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No Red thumbs down

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not let me down so far.

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No Red thumbs down

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Had the car 5 years now, great car for me, geta me where I need to go with no issues

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No Red thumbs down

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A couple of minor niggles nothing serious.

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No Red thumbs down

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Apart from niggles due to age, always starts and not let me down.

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No Red thumbs down

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I haven't owned it for long. Replaced the exhaust.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Has never broken down. Always starts in the morning. Very happy with it.

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No Red thumbs down

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always starts first time,has not broken down,gives a nice smooth ride.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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Parts occasionally need replacing.

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No Red thumbs down

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the exhaust system has been unreliable but that's all.

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No Red thumbs down

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Absolutely reliable,no one problem on the road

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Yes Green thumbs up

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So far it's been very good, although I think the battery may be on its way out.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Have'nt had it long but it seems fine, so far.

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Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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I have absolutely no issues with the car since I bought it at 4 months old

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Although the car is relatively new I have covered 9500miles in 7 months with no issues at all except new tyres on the front. Discs had to be replaced which was done under warranty.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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fiat electrics have played up a lot and dealt with a lot of rust issues

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No Red thumbs down

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This is the 3rd car of the same model, never had problems with any.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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No Red thumbs down

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in 1st year, bearing in gearbox failed.

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No Red thumbs down

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The car is great looking and for 60 HP it seems to shift, but the electronics are a little temperamental though, without a warning something just gives up, with my car it was the heater fan, horn, clock spring in the indicator stalks but I have a feeling there's more to come.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Yes Green thumbs up

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No Red thumbs down

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Electrics/warning indications suspect

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No Red thumbs down

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never broken down on me yet.

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No Red thumbs down

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not many problems in first 5 years, but since then it eats exhausts and batteries, and suspension components

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No Red thumbs down

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Not a days problem, excellent vehicle

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Been a very reliable car, always starts never broken down, however start&stop is unreliable

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No Red thumbs down

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No breakdowns but two warranty claims. EGR valve and heater fan

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No Red thumbs down

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I am always having issue's with the steering, but besides that it has not been to be bad. I'm into my 4th year with this car now, so its been pretty good considering its a used car (2003).

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No Red thumbs down

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My car starts first time every time. Drives smoothly and only goes to the garage for its preventative maintenance.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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No probs with starting or most of the time

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Yes Green thumbs up

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PERFECT - NO FAULTS YET, JUST LIKE MY PREVIOUS PUNTO

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Yes Green thumbs up

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In the four years I have owned the car I have not experienced any problems other than the replacement of normal wear and tear items.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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It's a Fiat - enough said!

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No Red thumbs down

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Doesn't have any major problems despite it's age

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Yes Green thumbs up

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No problems yet

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Yes Green thumbs up

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It has never had a problem or become unreliable so far

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Never had any problems. Feel as though it may start to as it gets older.

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No Red thumbs down

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As a second hand purchase, my punto has far exeeded my expectations. For the size of the car, the practicality, styling and performance it gives it still puts a smile on my face! It is also happy at speed or cruising and has many extras you would expect to find on more expensive cars. Even though it is a 10 yr old vehicle some of the costs in terms of service or repair have been higher than normal and friends have told me to change it as they think fiats are money pits but if you look after them properly they are not, because i know of what it's capable of and it's quite solid reliable robust engine i swallow the cost. It is still a pleasure to drive ever since day one and starts first time every time. To sum it's character ?, To coin a phrase 'it's ferrari performance for fish and chip shop money'.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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I love my punto City parking button easy to manouver nippy at times and very practical

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Yes Green thumbs up

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I am more than pleased with my car,the dealer has asked me several times if he can buy it,but i hope it will go on for a few years yet,it is easy to drive comfortable and as i do not go too far not bad on fuel,and you would not believe how much stuff i can get in the boot with seats down.

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Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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No Red thumbs down

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It has prooved to be excellent value for money,the car returns an average of 44 miles per gallon,it carries three large adults in comfort and has proved very reliable.It Also has a large oot for a super mini and the rear seats fold flat togive extra room.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Does what it says on the tin

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Awful, fiat are unhelpful, and don't do warranty work if your car wasn't serviced with them, even if the garage uses genuine parts

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No Red thumbs down

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For the price, this car takes some beating.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Bargain, nice little runner with low milage and good economy getting me essentially from a-b (usually just backwards and forwards from work). Only owned the car for 1 week incidentally.

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No Red thumbs down

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I bought this car for it's reputation as the most eco friendly car in europe. The jury is still out on this question, but for all that it is an amazing vehicle and i am completely satisfied with my purchase.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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It takes me from home to work and shopping. Next time i will buy something to do a bit more travelling in, around the country to visit family and friends etc.

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No Red thumbs down

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Great reliable car

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No Red thumbs down

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Car has been a great little car for me to communte and the ocasional long drive to scotland from leeds and also down somerset only main problem i have had was when the gear box cable link broke after 52000 miles

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Practical, nippy, nice to drive, but had a string of problems crop up at service. It's not broken down, but at service have needed 2 radiators, new cam belt, reset electrics, new exhaust pipe.

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No Red thumbs down

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On balance it's what i expect for year, brand and typical use.

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No Red thumbs down

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Yes Green thumbs up

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It's a great first car, but after a year of driving, it's too underpowered. Replacing small parts like light bulbs is too complicated. Styling is still desirable even with age.

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No Red thumbs down

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Fun to look at but unreliable.

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No Red thumbs down

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Constant overheating, central locking, handles bad but so good looking you just have to put it past you.

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No Red thumbs down

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Simple, no frills motoring

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Its been very reliable other than a dodgy fuel injection unit

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No Red thumbs down

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I love it very much and it is a perfect first car

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Good run around, no frills, nothing special but quite economical

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No Red thumbs down

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Ideal car for town or distance driving (best car i,ve owned )

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Yes Green thumbs up

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I give the punto ten out of ten, i've never had any major problems with mine and i would deffinately buy a fiat punto again. I love the styling, the comfort, the performance every-thing about it.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

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Meets my requirements, looks and drives ok too

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Very nice and fast little car that has not let me down on acceleration when no passengers present. Unfortunately the power is an issue whent it comes to passengers. However when compared to other cars with the same engine (1.2 8v) i am 100% satisfied with the performance. This car is very commonly purchased by young drivers even though it is one of the more expensive little- engined cars to buy. I am non satisfied, however, with the overall economy of my punto, as it costs about £80 per month to run it (used daily- about 15 miles through town or motorway). I would recommend this car for young drivers who are looking for a small car they could drive to college. In my opinion, punto is a reliable car, while the parts if something goes wrong are cheap. I have purchased this car due to low price and because the part are easy to get.

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No Red thumbs down

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A nice practical car which is pleasant to drive

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No Red thumbs down

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My car gets me from a to b but would like a better car to go forward with

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No Red thumbs down

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Best thing since getting our old e-type astra

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Good value and performance

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Yes Green thumbs up

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It''s a very suitable car for town driving and in this 1.2 16v guise, it does just as well on motorways. This 80bhp engine is powerful enough yet its fuel consumption is low. The handling is fun, considering it is quite a tall supermini; interior space is also very good, and so is the visibility from the driver's seat. The reliability has been excellent apart from a clutch change at 60000 miles.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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Bought to for 3 childred to learn to drive, has proved very reliable and practical. Better value for money than offerings from other manufacturers. Easy/cheep to insure and run

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Value for money ,future classic

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Yes Green thumbs up

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No Red thumbs down

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Great small commuting car with space and some style

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Very good

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Brilliant

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Fiat Punto owner reviews

"The Fiat Punto supermini is an affordable Ford Fiesta rival, but it’s based on older technology and hampered by a poor reputation for build quality"

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