Hello!

I currently drive a 2003 MKII 1.2 8v Punto with 107,400 miles and will be looking to upgrade soon. My question is above, which do I get? The insurance and tax (Ireland) are the same for both (give or take a few €) so it comes down to real world MPG for me. I'm ~20 yo with 1.5 years NCB as a named driver. Insurance works out at about €1,350 for the year, which is actually less than my current Punto.

I drive about 80 miles a day to and from college. 10% back roads, 40% main roads (50 mph) and 50% motorway (60-75 mph)

Is there much in the difference between economy in the two cars? Obviously, I'd prefer a T-Jet for the extra oomph, but couldn't afford to run it if it's a guzzler!

I currently manage about 40mpg in my Punto, and I don't hang around at junctions or lights etc....

Both cars seem to cost around about the same so MPG wins really.

Cheers, aido1196

If you're doing 80 miles a day you should be looking at diesel versions imo.

The 1.3 mjet has the power and the economy you are looking for.

Ok, cool. Which version is better, 75bhp or 90bhp? The insurance for the 1.3 mjet is more expensive to insure than the T-Jet (believe it or not) but is far more economical.
Would be an all-round more sensible option

If I had to choose I would say 90bhp. Engine is stronger and more powerful. Also has more room for tuning upgrades etc (if you're into these stuff)

That'd be the one I'd go for too. I'd like to tune it for a bitta extra power and torque. I've been in a 75bhp one before and it felt nippy. Don't the gearboxes give trouble in the 90bhp?

How about the 1.6 diesel 120 bhp and 30 quid tax

That'd be the one to have, but sadly it's rare. My mum has the same engine in her MiTo and it's a cracking little yolk! It'd be €270 to tax here in Ireland. I have looked at bringing one in from the UK, but they're expensive when the exchange rate and VRT are taken into consideration....

aido1196 said:

That'd be the one I'd go for too. I'd like to tune it for a bitta extra power and torque. I've been in a 75bhp one before and it felt nippy. Don't the gearboxes give trouble in the 90bhp?

Click to expand...

The gearbox is an issue with the 90hp, plus the 90hp has a DMF which makes replacing the clutch a pricey job. Since you've already said the 75hp felt nippy, that would be my recommendation (I'm sure I remember speaking to a guy on here who was on about 160k miles and still going strong with his 75hp with no major repairs!).

Cadabena, I see you have a 90bhp 1.3 Grande. Have you had your DMF and clutch replaced?

aido1196 said:

Cadabena, I see you have a 90bhp 1.3 Grande. Have you had your DMF and clutch replaced?

Click to expand...

Not yet, I bought it on 29k miles and since then it's done mostly A roads to bring it to its current 100k (plus I'd like to think I'm careful with the clutch and make sure Mrs Cadabena is too ). But one careless owner could leave you with a pricey job!