(G) Thinking about joining the Cento world...

Well... Thinking ahead and such, I've(and my dad) come to the conclusion that my Punto is going to fail its MOT quite miserably. So, that got me thinking.

I reckon I could pick up a Cinq Sporting pretty cheap. If that fails I know someone selling a 52 plate Sei Sporting fairly cheap. Gadgets and stuff don't bother me, I just want go-kart handling, nice nippy little motor and decent fuel economy. Both of which point to a Cento.

What do you all reckon? The MOT isn't for another few months yet but I'm thinking ahead.

In your opinions, which offers best value for money? And more importantly, which is quicker and handles better? (Re-sale values don't bother me, it's a Fiat, I'm not expecting to get any money back )

I'm more tempted by a Cinq Sporting though...

im biased, but Cinqs are much more a drivers car than the Sei. The Sei will be quieter, and has rounded stuff all over, but the Cinq is a cento in its purest form.

If it were me, i'd pretend to buy the 52 Plate Sei - buy a Cinq Sporting instead and use the change left over to fit the engine into the Cinq that it shoudl've had to start with, the 1242cc 8v.

The fact that they're both in the same insurance group as my Punto, but both offer better performance really tempt me. Basically it should be a straight swap over with my insurance.

I have to admit that the Cinq is very tempting right now... lowered... GSR'd... Tints... mmm...

How are they to drive as standard? with normal suspension and such? are they boatish, lots of body roll etc...?

they roll around a bit.. ive never driven a mk1 punto, so can't compare it to that - but they roll around less than a mk2.b punto!

I don't know if puntos have anti roll bars, but the cinq sporting does - that helps.

I only drove mine 2 weeks before i slammed it to the floor

OK... You're making me VERY tempted... My Punto isn't all that nice to drive.

How much do you think I'll be looking to part with for a decent little sporting? Ebay doesn't really shed much light. Autotrader isn't much help either. May buy a free ads paper tomorrow and see what they've got.

I'm thinking also.. that the money i can make off these alloys i've got, i'll be able to afford to lower it.

Go for the Cinq, any savings could be spent on getting the car up to scratch. Most things that it could fail MOT on would be pretty simple and cheap to put right and you know you can get plenty of advice! Ditch the punto and join the cento world!

Gaz sold his lovely Imola Blue Cinq the other week for £700 i think, that was a cracking little car. I'm not really sure of prices, i bought mine waaaay back in Oct 2003!

Until you said about lowering and tinting I was going to put you in touch with an R reg Cinq Sporting (yellow) owner with 27,000 miles on the clock maintained in pristine condition.

Now I think I'll keep it for myself.

whats wrong with lowering them? They handle MUCH better lowered.

It's ok, I'd probably end up going for an Imola Blue Cinq if I can find one

There's an N reg Cinq Sporting in Norwich up for £595. I may go have a look next week. If possible I'll see about a p/x.

Will see what I can do.

Nothing WRONG with lowering it, I'd just rather it went to someone who would maintain it in some semblance of concours condition.

Besides, he prefers that disgusting blue. So nuff said right? ;-)

i thought i was asking too much for my cinq, but it got snapped up pretty quick

man purple is the colour to go for, once it all clean and polished it a cracker

the cinq has a much more raw feel than the sei, the heavy steering, rickety dash and road noise all add to the excitement

my sei handled on rails as that was lowered on apex, the cinq could be thrown around corners without thinking too much, lowering it could only help the situation

The Cinq Sporting is a far better drivers car than the Sei Sporting. I've owned both in standard guise and the whole time I had a Sei Sporting, I wanted the Cinq Sporting again. Not to say the Sei Sporting isn't good, just the Cinq Sporting is a better package.

That's the kinda answer I was looking for

Now... To find someone who wants to buy my Punto...

dont do it,you will only want a turbo next