Hi guys,

New to the forum. Am wanting a second run a round car and one that i can develop my DIY car mechanics on. Looking at Grande punto 1.2 petrol as don't think i would want a diesel with some of the issues they can bring.

How easy are they to work on? I'm competent with brakes and basic servicing but what about the timing belt & clutch, how easy/hard would they be on one of these?

So really I'm after any advice on what to watch out for when buying a 1.2 petrol in the UK around the 2006, 2007 years.

Also, mileage wise am i ok going for a higher mileage, do they last?

And finally, what are the common issues on these cars?

Many thanks in advance....

Worth reading the watchdog and recall threads: https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto/

Don't let them scare you many GPs are fine! My 2006 has the usual issues of door wiring that I need to fix, I've never had the heater wiring or steering issues

There's also a really good Guides section so you can see how easy these cars are to work on: https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto-guides/

Great info, thanks. I'll have a read of those links.

Check underside for corrosion, mainly on front subframe but also rear arch lips. These are hard things to sort anything else just bolts on really.

As above check FAQ page and recalls. On that age car unless they have been changed, expect most suspension components to be past their best, rubber bushes etc, probably also lower rear engine mount. Parts are cheap and if you have access to decent tools these are easy cars to work on.

Any reason you want a 1.2 rather than a 1.4? I have a 1.4 and it is slow, can only imagine what the 1.2 is like! Insurance on the 1.4 is dirt cheap too.

Cheers

Ben

Thanks Ben. Am looking right now at a 1.4 dynamic sport. Good history & cambelt done. Mileage is at 123,000 though. How long will these little engines go on for?

My 1.4 8 v is going strong at 78000 but I'd personally be reluctant to buy a small petrol engine with over 120000 on the clock regardless of history. They aren't the quickest cars and do need revved to get them to move. Hopefully someone with a high mileage car will comment.

Cheers

Ben

Ben D said:

I have a 1.4 and it is slow, can only imagine what the 1.2 is like!

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Ouch Ben! lol

I have a 1.2 8v and yes i agree it is painfully slow...if you can get one definately get the 1.4, there will negligible differences in running costs/insurance but that ~10bhp extra will help a lot in modern traffic.

I think there is only a second difference 0-60 between the 1.2 and 1.4 but thats enough to stop it being a nuisance to other cars IMO.

FYI my 1.2 is doing 47mpg on the dual carridgeway, on slower roads i can get over 50 so that shows where its best suited...

Hi and welcome.
If you need any help with insurance at all for any model you're looking at then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.

But with 1.2 you will not have any damage with a broken timing belt.


And it's a reliable engine.
My 1.2 has now 100.000km without any repair or maintenance.
Except one oil change at 60.000km and a few light bulbs.

But with 1.2 you will not have any damage with a broken timing belt.

Click to expand...

Certainly true for the older 8v 1.2 FIRE engines but I'm not so sure about the Grande Punto?

https://www.fiatforum.com/panda/357352-interference-non-3.html?p=4106826

https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto/324075-who-said-valves-couldnt-touch-pistons.html

Hi there,

I definitely wouldn't buy a GP for learning purpose; if you're not Lucky, you might find a GP without issue and you'll never have to open your Tools box !

Kidding apart, those are very good cars, nice looking and reliable when due care is taken, as almost all the cars nowadays...

My 2 cents, BRs, Bernie

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