Fiat Punto Hatchback (1994 - 1999) 75 SX 3d (1996/N) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
-
Summary
What does this car say about you?
For a 1st car it is a choice which stands out from the crowd of Vauxhalls and Fords. However it is a bit difficult to make a 'statement' with a super-mini.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
It didn't really attract too much attention; although one 'friend' did once describe it as a biscuit-tin on wheels! At the age I was when I owned the Punto my friends didn't have high expectations from the car. It was independent transport, and that was brilliant in itself!
Would you buy this car again and why?
If I was in the same position I would buy that car again, no doubt. Very reliable and practical, but with a hint of fun.
What are you likely to buy next?
I went on to buy a Renault Megane 1.6, and I now own a Saab 9-3 LPT.
-
Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£1,800
When did you buy the car?
October 2002
Did you get a good deal and why?
No special deal.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
My 1st car! Something that was cheap to insure.
What was the dealer like?
Bought it private.
-
Driving it
What's it like to drive?
In general, nippy and nimple. Tended to under-steer when pushed harder, and badly so in the wet. Engine was powerful for its size and also made a lovely sound at higher revs. It was fine on the motorway for cruising, and had just enough power to get you out-of trouble, but not really the vehicle for stonking along in the outside lane.
What's it like to park?
Really easy to park. Great all-round visibility and even with-out power-steering it was easy to manouvre.
-
Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Wheel bearings a little suseptable to wear, had 3 go in 2 years of ownership. Electrics a bit tempremental; the windows would sometimes decide they weren't going to open/close; and the stereo would sometimes jump to a really low volume setting.
What's most practical about your car?
MPG.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Options? Accessories? Cheep, simple fun was written all-over this car!
