Hi this is my first posting on the site and wondered if anybody could offer me some advice regarding my Fiat Punto.

My car is a 2002 Fiat Punto Sporting 16v. It's always been a little tempremental, when starting, if left for more than a day without driving.

Last week the power died totally so I dropped it into a garage, who told me that the Alternator needed replacing. - All fine however we are really struggling to find an alternator that fits. The garage has told me that they cant locate one in the UK and would have to send to Italy for one.

Has anybody had any similar experiences with Alternators on this model? Does anybody have any suggestions where I could find one? Does anybody have any ideas what a replacement is likely to cost.

I'm based in North West London, so any guidance on suppliers around that areas would be gratefully recieved.

Many Thanks