I have a little Seicento - great about town but I need something a bit quicker. So I'm looking for Punto Mk2 Sporting. Apart from the usual things when buying cars -
# Smoke
# Leaks
# Panel fits
# Paint
# Creaks and groans

I cant afford anything low miles so the car will likely be well used. What should I be looking out for.

Forgot to add -

I have just looked a high mileage black Punto Sporting year 2000. The interior is worn but ok. The headlining is grubby.
The bodywork is mostly ok except for -
what looks like a stone chip on the bonnet just between the round badge and the bonnet edge. Could this be sign of rust coming through from behind (e.g. the first of many)?
A crease that has cracked the paint on the drivers door near the lock. There does not seem to be any filler but being black I'm not so sure how well it'll clean up.

Door bottoms and boot bottom edge all look clean.

Not knowing these cars - are these "standard" issues and/or am I being too fussy.

Whats your budget?

Not much sadly I can go to £1500 so not expecting the earth, but dont want to get a pup either.

Might be able to scrape a bit more cash. What's the HGT 1.8 like? Obviously more powerful but does the big lump spoil the car?
Again can anyone say what I should be looking out for.

Sporting is the best one. HGTs will be in your budget but will cost more to run insure and maintain.

The problem you will have is because sportings are the one to have they command a premium over the rest so still go for 2k minimum for an alright one.


If you are looking at HGTs you just need to make sure that it has had variator/cambelt/water pump done as they will need doing every 40k which will empty your pocket to the tune of £500ish. With a sporting its just the usual stuff you need to look out for really.

Hi mate,
I have a 00' sporting.I'd say go for the sporting too , as it's cheaper in everything and it's quite fast and handly(for it's class).It does the job it's supposed to do quite well.Except for the case of needing something a bit powerfull(sometimes I wish mine had a bit more torque) go for it.It really is confortable and capable at long trips and generally it's a solid one.Suspension a bit firm sometimes , but you can't avoid it by buying an HGT..
Concerning the items to look for , except for the pre said , I'd say check the clutch as it's a bit sensitive.And the rear brakes and suspension for squeaking noises(drive it before you buy it).The gearbox can stick sometimes , mine does it at 1st gear(can't engage).The paint is a cheap one so the marks you saw are normal(I think).Mine had two or three points of paint gone and black(not exactly rusty) color being exposed(It's a yellow one).Other than that..I believe you'll be ok.
Can't pose an oppinion about the price(Greece)