Oh dear not good. I have to say I'd think twice before buying a brand new model of car, I'd like to give it at lease 6 months before I bought one to make sure all the problems have beem ironed out, which is to be expected.

TBH sounds like a typical fiat and diesel noob!

expecting the same quality as his german cars, he was in for a shock

I would take most of those comments with a pinch of salt

I think he got a Monday morning version. I know they used the petrol version for most of the media reviews but nowhere I read about rear brakes that squeals or a heater motor that squeaked.

diablo_NL said:

I think he got a Monday morning version. I know they used the petrol version for most of the media reviews but nowhere I read about rear brakes that squeals or a heater motor that squeaked.

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I may counter his review, mine's sweet, nay problems whatsoever

Where is the proof there? I bet he works for one of the german car companies. How better to put people off buying a competitors car than by posing as a unhappy customer?

I think this guy has just been unlucky (If he is a customer), I've had diesel cars for a few years now, it is isnt common place for these noises.
Nor was it on the Punto Sporting that I test drove.
I didnt get to test drive it on a motorway so everything I did was at low speed, and I never heard any abnormal noises or rattles.
It was quite a nice smooth ride.

My car must be one of the very first in Belgium. He was built in december 05. I Haven't had any problems. Or maybe that one that the guy mentions ... the peeping brakes. If you could see this as a problem. I have it, when i start my car in the morning. Just one small beep from the rear brakes, a split of a second. And then no more.

Ik love my car, i'd just call it a smalle morning kiss from to brakes tot the discs

Screwy said:

I didnt get to test drive it on a motorway

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It's bloody brilliant on the motorway, it's so so quiet, and just hoons on into triple figures without any drama

Hellcat said:

Where is the proof there? I bet he works for one of the german car companies. How better to put people off buying a competitors car than by posing as a unhappy customer?

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I've got to say I agree with this comment. I've read a lot of what car reviews and another online review thing and once in a while you spot comments made either to cause anger or to counter a good review ( possibly competitors ). You get to recognise the genuine complaints from the bull-droppings.

This one raised a few questions in my head as I read it, especially "I was told they are all like this".

Who by? Who would even say that? The dealer? No. Fiat Group? No. They haven't been out long enough for received wisdom to say 'they are all like this'.

I've been expecting some kind of shock backlash from the VW fan/corporate camp, and this could be seen as a start.

I don't have my head in the sand over FIATs ( or any other car ) as I keep abreast with the foibles reported on the forum threads. But I do know a plant when I see it.

Eventually we will see the insidious comment "Rust is no longer a problem" dropped from reviews, and then "Reliability and build quality is no longer a problem" dropped but the final thing people say about FIAT, the dealers, isn't exaggeration or myth. That will not go away unless FIAT Group takes more control over the dealers and more responsibility towards its UK customers.

Reader beware, you are going to see more stupid stunts like this "review" as the Grande Punto popularity grows.

One wonders why the car wasn't immediately rejected.