Fiat Punto 2002 - 2005
Discussion
First car sort of thing. Step-sons useless dad continues to be useless, so I'll do the job properly.
How are these? Won't be for loads of miles. On first glance they appear to be reasonably cheap, reasonably ok to look at, and reasonably specified.
Constant trouble or occasional niggles?
How are these? Won't be for loads of miles. On first glance they appear to be reasonably cheap, reasonably ok to look at, and reasonably specified.
Constant trouble or occasional niggles?
Maintenanace wise they're pretty simple (although a clutch change can be a pig), parts are dirt cheap for the pre facelift version so I guess will be similarly good for post facelift.
Main issue I've seen in my small experience of working on a freind's pre facelift one, other than the usual wear and tear parts, is a fair bit of tin worm in the chassis that eventually got it scrapped.
Main issue I've seen in my small experience of working on a freind's pre facelift one, other than the usual wear and tear parts, is a fair bit of tin worm in the chassis that eventually got it scrapped.
I'd try and go for the facelifted version (about 2003 onwards) The Active sport 1.2 8v is a nice enough car, but has no real steering feedback, and check for the 6 speed gearbox's as they can be known to fail, tell-tale signs are it whines in fourth, (I think the gearbox code is M32, not sure)
Other than that great little cars, the OH wants one and I've got a Grande Punto so i've been looking.
Parts are quite cheap but check the cambelt has been done, the 1.2 8v active sport is (personally) a better one as it has alloys and looks quite funky, but isn't to bad to insure, my OH as a new driver would be paying about £1k, which is a lot cheaper than mine was!
Other than that great little cars, the OH wants one and I've got a Grande Punto so i've been looking.
Parts are quite cheap but check the cambelt has been done, the 1.2 8v active sport is (personally) a better one as it has alloys and looks quite funky, but isn't to bad to insure, my OH as a new driver would be paying about £1k, which is a lot cheaper than mine was!
Mr SFJ said:
I'd try and go for the facelifted version (about 2003 onwards) The Active sport 1.2 8v is a nice enough car, but has no real steering feedback, and check for the 6 speed gearbox's as they can be known to fail, tell-tale signs are it whines in fourth, (I think the gearbox code is M32, not sure)
Other than that great little cars, the OH wants one and I've got a Grande Punto so i've been looking.
Parts are quite cheap but check the cambelt has been done, the 1.2 8v active sport is (personally) a better one as it has alloys and looks quite funky, but isn't to bad to insure, my OH as a new driver would be paying about £1k, which is a lot cheaper than mine was!
ETA: The Ford Ka might me worth a look at (insurance wise) as it's a pretty low group, and some come with leather, air con cd autochangers etc, and can be had cheap.Other than that great little cars, the OH wants one and I've got a Grande Punto so i've been looking.
Parts are quite cheap but check the cambelt has been done, the 1.2 8v active sport is (personally) a better one as it has alloys and looks quite funky, but isn't to bad to insure, my OH as a new driver would be paying about £1k, which is a lot cheaper than mine was!
Well my friend's had a few niggles but I put that down to other possible factors,
I replaced the clutch due to broken splines and a knackered release bearing (clutch riding &/or poor quality clutch).
The clutch slave seals popped quite spectacularly but the car had been sat unused for a good couple of years so the seals had probably perished.
Started motor went but for a 2001 car that's par for the course I suppose.
I replaced the clutch due to broken splines and a knackered release bearing (clutch riding &/or poor quality clutch).
The clutch slave seals popped quite spectacularly but the car had been sat unused for a good couple of years so the seals had probably perished.
Started motor went but for a 2001 car that's par for the course I suppose.
Solid little cars.
Had a pre-facelift one (51 plate) for 3 1/2 years a while back and apart from the aircon going wonky once it was faultless. Covered nearly 40k miles in that time. Engine had to be worked to get the best out it but was a fairly free revving unit so wasn't too taxing to drive.
I had a 'Sporting' in broom yellow and was a cracking car to own.
Had a pre-facelift one (51 plate) for 3 1/2 years a while back and apart from the aircon going wonky once it was faultless. Covered nearly 40k miles in that time. Engine had to be worked to get the best out it but was a fairly free revving unit so wasn't too taxing to drive.
I had a 'Sporting' in broom yellow and was a cracking car to own.
Mr SFJ said:
I'd try and go for the facelifted version (about 2003 onwards) The Active sport 1.2 8v is a nice enough car, but has no real steering feedback, and check for the 6 speed gearbox's as they can be known to fail, tell-tale signs are it whines in fourth, (I think the gearbox code is M32, not sure)
I thought it was only the 1.2 16v that got the six speed box?Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff