Hi everyone, recently I bought my first car a Punto 1.2 litre (2001 5 dr) and although I only have it a short time Im already experiencing a lot of problems :bang: :bang:
I dont know much about cars and never drove a Punto prior to this. I bought it from a "friend" who told me he didnt have any problems but already I had to put in a new battery, the shocks are worn, brake sounds a bit dodgy and also its leaking oil! Im just wondering if anyone with the same model experienced a lot of problems? Or if anyone has had good experiences with this car? As I wonder whether to hang on to this car and go to the bother of NCT'ing it (it currently has NCT but only until January) or whether to get rid! I have one extremely smarmy friend telling me that Fiat is the worst car ever etc but I havent had any more balanced opinions..thanks!

Hi and WELCOME TO THE FORUM

First of all, there are plenty of Puntos out there that are running with vary few, if any problems at all! At the end of the day it comes down to maintenance and how well they have been looked after!

New battery - - well that happens to all cars. They are a servicable item that do require replacing from time to time.

Worn Shocks - - Again these are serviceable items... they wear out and need replacing. They may even be the original ones from 2001.

Brakes - - Again, serviceable items. Have you check the pad/ shoe thickness? disk thickness?

ALL of the above items relate to ALL cars no matter weather its a Fiat a Ferrari or BMW etc etc so there's not much for your mate to be smarmy about to be honest,.

As for the oil leak, at a guess its most likely to be from the rocker head gasket cover at the top of the engine. This too is classed as a"serviceable item" as well by the way. If it is the rocker cover gasket then do it yourself, follow the guide in the guides section and it will only cost you a few quid!

Sounds like your "mate" may have sold you a tired but perfectly fixable car!

Alan