Ok, so I just bought a BRAND NEW 53reg Fiat Punto 1.2 8V (Mk3) from my local Fiat dealer (Reg Vardys) and Ive had nothign but continuous problems with the steering!
(and Ive only had the thing slightly over 2 months!)

In this time, Ive had it to the local garage 3 times to have the tracking sorted on it (cos it keeps going out), and Ive also had it back less than a month ago to the original dealership to have their full £150 trackign service done on the car, and its still not right!

From day one, the steerign has always felt very dodgy. Its hard to describe. When goign rounf corners, it feels liek the car is sliding, or juddering around the bend sideways (as if skidding on ice). It also feels like I am continuously driving on gravel, as the car never seems to grip to the road.
At this point, I have to say that I do not hammer the car much - Im actually scared to go over 70mph in it because I feel so unsafe with the steering th minute I hit a bend on the motorway. As you woudl expect, where I live no road is perfect, theres always little pot holes everywhere, but I have not been over any major holes that I am aware of.

I have been told many bull sh*t storied from Reg Vardys sayign they dont think theres anythign wrong with the car, and thay've said it must be down to the tyres and suspesion - on my brand new £6500 car I have been told I have ot get 17" alloys, performance tyres and get the suspension upgraded, just so I feel safe in it and so it grips the road - what the heck? NO WAY am I paying out all that when Im skint after buyign the car!

Has anyone got any ideas of what could be wrogn with my car because this is past a joke - Im actually up to the stage of writing the thing off just so I can get a new car because there is a definate fault with this one. I have had various other Punto owners drive it, and they have all said it feels liek ti is sliding / shifting to the side, so why can't the dealer see this?

It has UNWORN Dunlop tyres on it, all 4 beign exactly the same, and all 4 beign the original tyres supplied witht he car. Have done 2500 miles in the 2 months Ive had it, so there shouldnt be any problems at all.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated as I am goign to be ringing Fiat DIRECTLY tomorrow to DEMAND a REPLACEMENT car.

Thanks in advance,

Steven

have you tried taking it to another fiat dealer? sounds like something like a misaligned subframe,most likely it will be something expensive that the dealer will avoid if they can

The Fiat Cinquecento
Fun While It Runs

i can think of a few possibles like the wheels are all unbalanced or worn shocks. but both them are highly unlikely on a new car soo i agree with custard boy take to another garage get it checked.the get them to right down the probs then go back to your fiat place with the result and shove it up were the sun dont shine oh ermm i mean show them

2001 Punto sporting in sprint blue with matching Mr Bump air freshner all together now mmmmmmm

Sounds like Vardy's are talking their usual b*ll*cks. Unbalanced wheels shouldn't have such severe effects at low speeds, it sounds like something serious - dodgy steering rack maybe, loose mountings on the rack or track control arm, possibly even a faulty differantial or driveshaft! Whatever it is, take the car in, and basically demand that they give you a courtesy car until yours has been properly and permanently repaired. Unfortunately, getting a new replacement car from a dealer is like getting blood out of a stone.

yeah, i'm thinking it could be the differential

Met Cognac 99 Brava 100 HSX,

Don't give up on it. Keep at them until they sort it. Also try calling Fiat Customer Care directly for help.

Fiat Brava 1.6 HSX, Fiat Uno 1.1 ieS.

Yea us brits are f*cked when it comes to geting faults repaires and replacements on anything because we dont complain [xx(]. In america if you buy a new car and the wipers arnt right youll get a new car and the'll repair the old one and sell it as "Graded" |). Fight for you rights and make sure they sort it free of charge unless its something they can prove you have done to the car.

i have a punto mk 1 , and mine has the same problem. I had the rack recondition, everything i had done underneath. Had my mate strip the car down and turns out theres no suspension travel. I have been told its the shocks on the front ( the legs )and the rear bushes . Have the suspension checked. I no there was a call back some years ago on the mk1 punto's , and front shocks had to be replaced.

g lennon

Hi,

Tell them you want it in writing that the car is 100% safe and that if you have an accident as a result of something they have failed to diagnose and repair they will take full responsibility.

If they claim it is OK and refuse to do anything, tell them you will have the car inspected by the RAC or AA and if they find something you want full compensation for loss of earnings for time spent travelling to the dealer etc.

I rejected a new Fiat Punto MkII in 2001 on the grounds of safety because there was a recurring fault with the electric steering. I got a brand new car 3 months later (factory options) and during this period they rented me a car.

Keep up the pressure and become their worst nightmare.

Another option is to go to another Fiat dealer, it is under warranty after all.

Let us know what happens. If you need a copy of the letter I used to reject the car, send me a PM.

Andy

If It doesnt feel right its probably not. Mk3 Puntos have electric steering different to mk2. mk2 had a lot for problems with the motors themselves making noises and light steering.Mk3 are quite reliable. Does your car pull to one side or uneven tyre wear. If not cant see it being tracking. Might be worn of soft shockers causing the car to bounce across the road.