I am wondering about buying a Punto. I need one that is basic, not too hard to service. I understand the doing cambelts on some models are tricky and expensive, like the Sporting model.

I do not need the latest model, buyt maybe somewhere around 2000 year model.

Any comments welcome.

Probably a 1.2 16v would be the best compromise between economy and still have enough 'go' to not feel sluggish. Think the Active Sport was a 16v and (certainly here in UK) they're pretty cheap to buy nowadays and come with decent kit as standard.

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/equipment/Detail.aspx?deriv=23044#amount=7669&years=3

Edit: According to Parkers it's an 8v, still good though

I drive 20miles to work, mix of carriageway and town driving and trip comps reporting 53mpg which is pretty ok.

03 Punto 1.2 8v Activ sport

I have a Mk2b 1.2l 8v. In the Active Sport specification.

Local and town useage gets around 45mpg. if i have a bit of the lead foot it drops to around 38mpg.

Distance motorway work has returned +65mpg before. Leeds - London - Leeds on just under 3/4 tank (374miles return) cruising at 72mph

Depends on how much driving you do. The diesels are less thirsty but depending on your local tax/fuel costs you would do 6000 a year miles before you break even on the higher diesel car costs.
For 10000 miles a year or less imho nothing beats the 1.2 8V for reliability, fuel economy, low road tax and easy diy servicing.
You probably already know from reading on here but watch out for any sign of headgasket blowing into the coolant system, electrical steering failing ( load it up full lock in reverse - might be just battery failing) , wiper links falling off, rusty sump, clicking/stiff clutch action as well as all the normal stuff. And make sure you have two functioning keys - not cheap to replace.

The basic cars can be less economical as the engine is working hard just to keep going. The 8V does however have its torque at lower revs than the 16V so an MPI version might be marginally more economical.

Also consider a gas conversion - £600 to £900 depending on engine. Break even point varies so do some googling on the subject.

my active sport is an 8v

i vary rarely drop below 42mpg and on long runs iv had it as high as 56mpg

this is what the dash says so not perfectly accurate but gives a rough estimate

My HGT thinks it does well over 40mpg. At the pumps its never got above 35 so that trip reading can be optimistic.

Active Sport is one of the better spec 8Vs yes?

i suggest a car under 56,000 miles 8 valves for simplicity
but must have central locking/leccy windows so no mia cats thanks.......

Look for a new model than 2000. You can get a 2004 Active for cheap money now.

if you can get a Active Sport spec then go for it. It only really gives visual upgrades over the Active car with the body kit and better interior. But its worth it.

The 1.2l 8v engine is a strong and reliable engine. but look for one thats had the clutch and coil packs changed engine and build quality are fine. but electrical's are shocking.

WhiteSei said:

My HGT thinks it does well over 40mpg. At the pumps its never got above 35 so that trip reading can be optimistic.

Active Sport is one of the better spec 8Vs yes?

Click to expand...

yeah i keep meaning to set up a fuelly account tbh


Active Sport is basically a sporting with out the engine and suspension i think

Very many thanks for all the replies.

Most of you say exactly the same thing.

1.2 8v with Active Sport

I will definitely look for that.
I want 2 airbags, and economy. It will be a daily driver, replacing one of my Unos.

HGTs can be silly cheap then get it gassed and you will be doing the equivalent (in ££s) of 45mpg. If you refill the car from 47kg bottles its close to 60mpg (in fuel cost terms).

The gas system (much of it) can be removed and put on your next car.

But be VERY careful there are some smart looking dogs about.