Hi everyone, new to this forum!

I'm currently looking into buying a 1.9 JTD Grande Punto, however I was wondering how reliable these engines are. What are the common faults that occur on these cars and are there any tell tail signs of problems to look/listen out for?

Thanks

Cambelts, water pumps, EGR valve and dual mass fly wheels.

Check to see when they were done if not and its an older car which lets face it all grandes are now then the cambelt will need doing and always get the water pump done at the same time (if you don't you risk it seizing and breaking the new belt) EGR valves on all fiat diesels clog up and eventually need replacement and will cost about £150 plus fitting.

Fly wheels on cars which have done 70 - 90k mile or more and never been replaced can be expected to need replacement. You'll want a new clutch at the same time even if the clutch is good so you'll need to budget £700 ish for a new flywheel and clutch plus all the labour time to do the work which is many hours.

If it's had a new cambelt, clutch flywheel and egr valve in the last couple of years then snap it up as its not got a lot left that will go wrong with these engines.


N.B not the engine but do watch the gear boxes carefully on these cars, they are basically made of chocolate and it doesn't seem to take a lot to break them.

Take a minute or two to read this...

https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto/89495-recalls-known-fault-issues.html

In my own experience I've come across;

Top front suspension mount.

Drivers door lock not opening from inside.

Drop links (on previous 1.4 model, replaced on this one for piece of mind when top mounts were done).

Turbo blew on me.

Gearbox bearings.

EGR valve.

Glow plug relay.

Reverse/fog light water ingress.

...one or two other silly things I cant remember.

Since replacing all of these I've not had them go wrong again in nearly 2 years ownership.

Currently having trouble with my power steering.

I wouldn't let it put you off though. For what it is, the 1.9 is a good performer with decent efficiency. If you find a good one that's been well maintained and drives well after a proper test drive, go for it just try your best to get a decent length warranty so at least if you find anything you didn't notice in a test drive, you can get it sorted.