Right so I went to see a Punto (2007, 1.4 active sport, 81k miles) (the guys a trader) and when we got there the car he said itd not be started in ages and the battery was completely flat and might need a new one, fair enough, it happens. Anyway he said he jumped it and it started but the check engine light came on (it also said it on the trip computer) but he said its nothing to worry about its just because the battery had been flat and a new battery would solve it, it made sense and a quick google found out that a completely flat battery can cause a check engine light but I turned the car off twice and it wouldnt start the third time because of the low battery (i assume?).

I only had like 15 mins to look at the car as I had work (i know very bad timing on my part) so I didnt get to have a proper look but i'm going back Thursday to either buy it or not.

With a new battery fitted the dealer really needs to get the codes read to determine what is causing the EML to illuminate.

Thanks for the advice, I wouldn't say hes a dealer he literally just buys and sells cars from a car wash, sounds really bad I know but the engine light and the dirtyness of the car could be away to get me the car for cheap (about £1100)

NotDylan said:

Thanks for the advice, I wouldn't say hes a dealer he literally just buys and sells cars from a car wash, sounds really bad I know but the engine light and the dirtyness of the car could be away to get me the car for cheap (about £1100)

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Tell him you'l take it off his hands for £800 with EML light on and everything. Then get the AA/RAC to diagnose what is wrong and get it fixed. Get it checked over by a mechanic friend just to make sure the rest of it looks and sounds OK.

Haggle with the guy and get it as low as you can. £1100 is too much.

Yeah, I phoned him back today and said look, ill give you £1000 cash today and ill collect it in a few mins. He then just started being rude saying "well ill put a new battery in and I asked my partner if we can take less than £1300 (listing price) and he said no hes not taking no less" so then I started to explain things he didnt mention in the ad like a massive deep key scratch down the side and the car is discusting inside and out and even after a new battery it probably wouldn't remove the EML so its still a risk, he then just put the phone down. There is no way he will get £1300 for that car, he didnt even take the time to give it a quick clean (it was really rank), he also said in the ad it had done 75k but it said 82k on the clock. Not to mention the car has white writing all over it where he bought it at auction so he probably knows just as much about the car as i do.

...Back to the Punto hunt!

Lucky escape it seems.......
Good luck with the hunt

Mmmm yeah. No matter how good a deal, i would never buy from a car wash. I seen a 1.4 MultiAir on an 11 plate the other week with 30k miles on for 4k. But the atmosphere of those places just put me off.

(It was in Rochdale..)

KSauce said:

Mmmm yeah. No matter how good a deal, i would never buy from a car wash. I seen a 1.4 MultiAir on an 11 plate the other week with 30k miles on for 4k. But the atmosphere of those places just put me off.

(It was in Rochdale..)

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Yeah the whole time I was there it was sketchy, the car wasn't even there he brought it to that car wash (looks like it was in a car park from the pics), car was horrible condition, needed a mega clean inside and out, car started twice then didn't start again guy basically kept stating no matter what condition the car was in "its an 07 plate mate", it had more lights on the dash than a Christmas tree but it was ok and worth the asking price cause "its an 07 plate mate". According to the ad it was in perfect working order.

It's a bit of a red flag that even though they are running a car wash, they can't be bothered to clean it!

Robert G8RPI.

NotDylan said:

Yeah the whole time I was there it was sketchy, the car wasn't even there he brought it to that car wash (looks like it was in a car park from the pics), car was horrible condition, needed a mega clean inside and out, car started twice then didn't start again guy basically kept stating no matter what condition the car was in "its an 07 plate mate", it had more lights on the dash than a Christmas tree but it was ok and worth the asking price cause "its an 07 plate mate". According to the ad it was in perfect working order.

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Yup. Stay well away, there's always a better deal around the corner. I know it's a totally different price - but i've just picked up a mint '09 grande punto with just 9k on and one owner for £2,800. Not a mark on it, timing belt + top mounts just done too by Arnold Clark. I found it just by simply waiting, and checking auto trader

And just for comparison, i've just sold my 08 grande punto with 100k on with a **** load of receipts for battery, alternator, starter motor, water pump and timing belt for £800. Just because it's an 08 plate doesn't mean its worth a dime! The guy doesn't know what he's talking about.

KSauce said:

And just for comparison, i've just sold my 08 grande punto with 100k on with a **** load of receipts for battery, alternator, starter motor, water pump and timing belt for £800. Just because it's an 08 plate doesn't mean its worth a dime! The guy doesn't know what he's talking about.

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Sorry for late reply, ive still been browsing for a Punto and the guy has relisted it for 1500 (for that price i assume the problems have been fixed). Anyway im going to buy (hopefully) a 07 plate, 1.2 dynamic, 94k, 8month mot for £1000. So far its the cheapest Punto I can find if I'd have saw your 08 plate id have had that right of your hands, from the last month ive been looking that would have been a hidden gem.

Im trying to get the cheapest Grande Punto I can as my insurance deposit is £400 then £170 a month! no claims or convictions, just first time driver.

NotDylan said:

Sorry for late reply, ive still been browsing for a Punto and the guy has relisted it for 1500 (for that price i assume the problems have been fixed). Anyway im going to buy (hopefully) a 07 plate, 1.2 dynamic, 94k, 8month mot for £1000. So far its the cheapest Punto I can find if I'd have saw your 08 plate id have had that right of your hands, from the last month ive been looking that would have been a hidden gem.

Im trying to get the cheapest Grande Punto I can as my insurance deposit is £400 then £170 a month! no claims or convictions, just first time driver.

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Hope you find something mate, i payed 2 grand for my 56 plate and in hindsight it was probably a little too much but it had 41k on the clock... probably overpriced but it is like new inside and out... just payed FIAT £330 for timing belt and water pump and the only issue i have now is the dualogic is a little touchy when the car has not been driven in a week or two. there really are some hidden gems. i bought mine at a car garage which was attached to a car wash but the guy has a reputation in the local area as well as with local friends of mine. Ex-police mechanic of 25 years too.

Good Luck!

LordFox1998 said:

Hope you find something mate, i payed 2 grand for my 56 plate and in hindsight it was probably a little too much but it had 41k on the clock... probably overpriced but it is like new inside and out... just payed FIAT £330 for timing belt and water pump and the only issue i have now is the dualogic is a little touchy when the car has not been driven in a week or two. there really are some hidden gems. i bought mine at a car garage which was attached to a car wash but the guy has a reputation in the local area as well as with local friends of mine. Ex-police mechanic of 25 years too.

Good Luck!

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Just yesterday I found an 07 plate in nice matalic blue, alloys etc for £1400 ended up getting it for £1000, 90k on the clock runs mint just needs a little cleaning up