Fiat Punto's how reliable are they?

[Westwoodho]

Am looking to buy an S reg Fiat Punto 60 S but my son has called Fiat's .....Fix It Again Tomorrows. The car looks to be in very good conditiona and will be MOT'ed and I'm taking a friendly mechanic to check it over so hopefully anything major should get picked up.
Anyone know how reliable this make and model is likely to be?
Thanks in advance for any advice

[david1702198]

they arent in my experience, especially in terms of electrics

[bigboots]

They are prone to head gasket failure at about 30 000 miles but this should have already been done, cluthes can go heavy with age and use, gear boxes leak and are genrally weak,the sump often corrodes and leaks and rocker cover gaskets leak,
They are heavy on brake, pad disc's rear shoes and drums all wear quicker than on other cars there was a recall out for the brake pipes to be changed as the rust badly above the fuel tank
rear suspension bushes wear but a modified bush can be fitted very easily, rear radius bushes wear and a complete arm will be needed these are exspensive and difficult to replace
RED KEY this is a must as this is the master key for the imobiliser
dont let all this put you off a good well mantained punto is as good as any car of the same age/size/price

[david1702198]

on tghe plus side (if there is any to owning a fiat!)) the 1.2 8v engine is a freewheeling engine which basically means that there is enough clearance between the valves and piston heads should the timing belt go that it shouldnt cause any damage and will only need the belt replaced. other than that they are s h i t.

[Westwoodho]

Cheers guys! Well I did ask - will look at my potential purchase with new eyes.

[Seafarer1966]

In my experience most Fiats are nailed together. If you're looking for a reliable small car go for a Vauxhall Corsa. Low insurance group, good on fuel economy plus parts are reasonably cheap.

Corsa's are notorious for oil sump pans corroding (these cost about �40 - �50 including the sump gasket off Ebay. You should be able to get your mechanic friend to fit a new one for about the same price). Then again it might already have one fitted.

Also look out for rear brakes binding. The handbrake cable gets gunged up and rear brakes lock on. This is quite common.

Compared to other cars these faults are peanuts and the Corsa is a good small car that will serve you well. There's stacks for sale on Ebay by the way. The 1.2 petrol engine is fantastic and the 1.7 diesel will go round the clock three times at least and not break into a sweat.

[david1702198]

the newer corsa has an aluminium sump which is obviously a bit better as it doesnt corrode!!

[donn1901]

I call fiat the same as your sons but my girlfriend had a M reg punto 55s and in 18months i changed the pads. I had a new BMW and was in the garage more than on the road. Need i say more. I still call 'em fix it again tomorrow but i'd let her have another one.

[blondebimbo]

Have had my fiat punto 60 p reg for 5 months and have got yet another problem which I have yet to solve!