Evening everyone.

Got my first Fiat on Monday - a 2004 Punto (1.2 8V). Absolutely love it and wondering why I've not had a Fiat sooner.

Great forum going here - so looking forward to participating.

Attached a photo of my little Punto - she's a little belter!

Hi!

Fiats are epic and yours looks the absolute business. This may be the first of many!

Camo

Smart car ! Speaking personally ,I've had Fiats for 30 years . I originally got one because they could be serviced by Italian blacksmiths. Unfortunately someone thought it a good idea to fit a computer in them and they've gone downhill ever since....
Just joking... still got 2.

I've been into Fiats for 25 years, but have only actually owned 2 - a Grande Punto and a Panda. Currently driving a crap Citroen, but I may have a first gen Tipo by the end of next week! Fiat somehow gets in the blood.

Like Camo16 says, Fiats are extremely addictive, lol!

I wonder if people driving that new Panda will think the same... Or those who buy that US styled new Tipo... What the hell happened to Fiat's design team?

I actually quite like that new Tipo, lol!

If it ain't boxy it ain't a classic Fiat design (although honourable mentions go to 500 and 850)

What about the above illustrated Punto? Distinctive styling, plus the lovely 8v FIRE engine, lol!

I'll give you that.

It is pretty sexy.

Camo16 said:

I'll give you that.

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What about the gorgeous Grande Punto, with its Maserati inspired conk? Or the 90s Coupe?

Oh alright then, you can have the GP (owned one and loved it) and the Coupe is in for sure. Also, I'll accept the Multiplayer, Regata, Marea, Tempra, 126/7 etc... But that new Panda boils my wee.

Camo16 said:

Oh alright then, you can have the GP (owned one and loved it) and the Coupe is in for sure. Also, I'll accept the Multiplayer, Regata, Marea, Tempra, 126/7 etc... But that new Panda boils my wee.

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The Grande Puntos are rather lush. I've had mine nearly 2 years, and still absolutely love it! Why do you hate the current Panda, out of interest?

Tov said:

Evening everyone.

Got my first Fiat on Monday - a 2004 Punto (1.2 8V). Absolutely love it and wondering why I've not had a Fiat sooner.

Great forum going here - so looking forward to participating.

Attached a photo of my little Punto - she's a little belter!

View attachment 164297

Click to expand...

Hi, and welcome

nice Punto:worship:

FIAT had the Punto VERY "right",

then they did a few "Joint Ventures" - so the Grande / Corsa was born..,
not quite the same feel

where are you based..??,
Charlie - Oxford

puntofan01 said:

The Grande Puntos are rather lush. I've had mine nearly 2 years, and still absolutely love it! Why do you hate the current Panda, out of interest?

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I guess because it's so far removed from the original beauty of the Panda. The first come back Panda at least shared a design ethic with the original, but to my jaded eyes the new Panda kind of looks like it's lost its European-ness and has definitely los its funk.

It's one of the first Fiats I've seen that doesn't have any Fiat in it.

Just my take is all.

Camo16 said:

I guess because it's so far removed from the original beauty of the Panda. The first come back Panda at least shared a design ethic with the original, but to my jaded eyes the new Panda kind of looks like it's lost its European-ness and has definitely los its funk.

It's one of the first Fiats I've seen that doesn't have any Fiat in it.

Just my take is all.

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Fair enough. I must admit, I do actually rather like the new Pandas, and I do think Fiat have done a good job of updating the 2004 model Panda. Without doubt, it's THE city car I'd buy, without a seconds hesitation.

Thanks Charlie - I'm in Essex.

Have to say that I am really impressed with this little car. I guess that the styling is a bit Marmite - in that you either like it or you don't - but it works for me.

As you say, they seem to have got this one right.

varesecrazy said:

then they did a few "Joint Ventures" - so the Grande / Corsa was born..,
not quite the same feel

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Out of interest, why do so many people dislike the Grande Punto purely because Fiat worked with GM to design the platform?

puntofan01 said:

Out of interest, why do so many people dislike the Grande Punto purely because Fiat worked with GM to design the platform?

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TBH I really liked the look of them, LOVED the Met. Blues:worship:

but having mine for 3 years (Mk6 Punto), the basic chassis isn't fantastic..,and I've all the built in GM "features" to look forward to..
Dodgy dash wiring, the Brake servo rust, more dodgy wiring

I still have use of Mk2's and they are a far better platform, and my Panda's are better ( Polish?) built..,

I'm tempted top put one of those "because CORSA" stickers down the screen:devil:

I've got the TwinAir in mine so maybe it's lighter noseweight upsets things.., but the ride is NOT composed., and handling feels woeful when pushed hard.

However I bought it as I needed Cruise, and the 6 speed box means I still get 50MPG - so as a car it's fine.., Cabin is nice place to be..,