Fiat Punto Hatchback (2003 - 2006) 1.3 Multijet Dynamic 3d (2004/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I am a cheap skate! No, seriously, I don't really care for vanity, I regard a car as a work horse, I only want reliabilty, cheap running costs, and the hill-climbing torque of a turbo-diesel. I don't care how I look in it - I'm a scruffy engineer git anyways!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They hate the lack of rear leg room! Seriously, there is very little rear leg room, but this is to be expected from this size of chassis, the compromise is plenty of front leg room! :) I don't care what my neighbours think about my car, I don't have to keep up with the Jones'.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No, becuase I wouldn't sell it! This has been a fantastic car to own, I would definetly buy this model again, but definetly not the Grande Punto, it's like a plastic box on wheels!

What are you likely to buy next?

A set of front discs and pads!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,000

When did you buy the car?

October 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

I paid a little over-the-odds (£5K) as this purchase was rushed due to my getting a new job and requiring a car urgently.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Wanted an economic and reliable car, prefer diesel engines over petrol/alternatives.

What was the dealer like?

The dealership that I used was Fiat/Alfa of Stockport, based on St.Mary's way. The staff were fairly welcoming, my salesman was very knowledgable (I know a fair bit about cars), and seemed to have plenty of time for my requirements, very rare these days!

What's it like to drive?

Positives: Feels well planted, and plenty of grip on variety of road surfaces. Engine is full of torque after 1750rpm up to around 2200rpm, good for lugging 3 burly blokes, 3 mountain bikes (rear hatch mounted), plenty of camping equipment etc through some of the finest road Wales has to offer. Negatives: Excessive road noise, even with high-grade tyres. More or less due to minimal sound-insulation in all body panels etc. Suspension is quite harsh, but it is only a small car so can't expect too much plushness due to little weight.

What's it like to park?

Very easy, especially with the girlie 'City' button for parralel and reverse-entry parking. DO NOT use the girlie button for anything other that parking, the steering feedback is similar to that you'd get on an ice-covered surface - very un-nerving!

Have you had any problems with the car?

Front wiper judder at 60K miles (due to corroded contact in wiper motor). Noisy (squeek) rear off side suspension bushing (bit of silicon oil sorted it). (68K miles) Clutch slave cylinder leak, causing frustrating gear changes (75K miles)

What's most practical about your car?

Plenty of front-of-car room, loads of cubby holes for bits, rear seats fold completely flat.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Don't do gadgets, concentrating too much on the road for that.