.... and i'm quite liking it so far. i got it in carribean orange, but kept the spec basic. i forgot to get some floor mats, so can anyone recommend an alternative to the fiat ones, that might be cheaper.

also, i read that some people say the engines can take a while to loosen themselves up. is this the case? what kind of milage period are we talking about? i have to admit when i got it, it seemed a bit sluggish, and a lot less so now.

also im 21, and am fishing round for an insurance quote for this august when its due again. at that time i'll be 22 with 1yrs ncb. im finding it quite hard to find a cheap quote despite it being a group 4 car? any ideas or recommendations?

also, is this the same engine they put in the 100hp panda? if so how does it achieve the extra 5bhp? just a remap?

I'm probably from a different part of the world so can't help you with most of your questions. However it does take a bit of time for the engine to smooth itself out; generally it'll take the initial 1000kms. Try not to slog the crap out of it during this period, as it will make a difference later on.

Good luck with it

I'm thinking of getting the same model as you but in New Orleans Blue.

From ordering it how long was it before you got the car? Some on here seem to be waiting 12 weeks, whilst others get it in 2.

Have you had any problems with it since you had it?

New2Fiat79 said:

I'm thinking of getting the same model as you but in New Orleans Blue.

From ordering it how long was it before you got the car? Some on here seem to be waiting 12 weeks, whilst others get it in 2.

Have you had any problems with it since you had it?

Click to expand...

About 12 weeks for a factory order.

it depends on whether or not its a factory order, or if there is one knocking around... i have been told if mine has to be a factory order then it will be 6-8 weeks... but this could easily change to 12... i would have thought my car will be a 'normal' order, so i hope there is one around. i have gone for a 1.9 sporting in black with the silver interior. i should find out tomorrow when i get it.

If you go for the 'sunroof' it's a much longer wait mate.

i've just gone for a 1.9 sporting in black with the silver interior... i am hoping there is one knocking around, the dealership had one with the orange in, but i didn't like it as much as the silver.

cheers, david.

The dealer can tell you instantly by looking on the computer.....shows all cars in the country held by dealerships, all cars just landed and unsold at Bristol, all cars at Melfi waiting to be shipped and all cars on the boat coming over that are unsold.....takes them about 4 minutes, they can then immediately take that car and allocate it to you.
Black on black should be no problem, they should have at least 50 available.

another thing.... i havn't been driving very long, just a few months. until now i drove a 1.4 8v saxo furio, which was fairly nippy. it certainly doesnt feel as comforable at speed compared to the punto.

anyway, the saxo's peak power the at about 3500rpm so it was easy to get the 75bhp out the car. the 16v punto's power is up at 6000rpm i beleive. im wondering hows best to drive the car (when to change gear etc) if you wanted to go quickly or overtake. in the saxo, if you shifted at 4k, you were gettin good pace out the car, but this cant be the case in the punto can it? thoughts?

well, mine is going to be a factory order, and according to the dealership, it is being built on the 10th of march, so he reckons i will have it at the end of march/beginning of april... i have a few doubts about the date though lol...!!!

and in regards with your 1.4 sporting, if the peak power is at 6000rpm, then you are going to have to work the engine to get the best of it... the majority of 'sporty' petrol engines are like this. at what point is the peak torque made at mate? that also plays a factor.

cheers, david.

No, mine was made on october 10th and I picked it up on Nov 3rd.

sounds about right then... thanks mate.

cheers, david.

minnnt said:

well, mine is going to be a factory order, and according to the dealership, it is being built on the 10th of march, so he reckons i will have it at the end of march/beginning of april... i have a few doubts about the date though lol...!!!

and in regards with your 1.4 sporting, if the peak power is at 6000rpm, then you are going to have to work the engine to get the best of it... the majority of 'sporty' petrol engines are like this. at what point is the peak torque made at mate? that also plays a factor.

cheers, david.

Click to expand...

peak torque at 4500 i beleive. thats when its gonna be pulling most is it?

basically yeah.

cheers, david.