General Millage opinions!

[ladylaura23]

Hi all. Just bought a 2001 fiat punto ELX 1.2 8v. I got a really good deal but the only thing that put me off slightly was the 92k on the clock
Its only a little run around to get me to work and back and the price was worth it even if it only lasts me 8 months or so. It needs a new head gasket as its got an oil leak but we managed to get £100 off the price to get that sorted and my machanic friend is doing it for me this week. He's also going to put in a new timing belt as it was last done 6 years ago according to the service book.

I was just wondering what other people's opinions are on millage and what to prepare myself for in terms of repairs. Looking at receipts i've found, in the last 2 years it's had a new exhaust, new suspension and new brake hoses.

Regardless of the miles, i was very impressed to find it doesnt rattle in the slightest and the engine is so quiet!

If there is anyone out there that has similar or more miles than me, i'd love to know how the car runs!

Thanks in advance for any replies!

 

[colinf1]

well with that £100 you got off your not losing money. Is he a mechanic friend, or a friend who is a mechanic? 1 will do it for free, other will do it for mates rates...

Headgasket set and timing belt will come in around £60, so might aswell spend remainder on a service.

 

[ladylaura23]

Thanks for the reply. He's a mechanic friend that my dad met years ago. He's done all my cars for the last 6 years charges very low labour and wont rip me off. On my last car, my brakes were making a funny noise so took it to the dealer as it was under warranty and they said I needed new brake discs and quoted me nearly £300! Took it to my mechanic and he said it was just dirt in the brakes and the discs would last the life of the car! So I feel lucky to have him!
I'm hoping when he looks at it he doesn't find more things that need doing... It has just passed an MOT 2 months ago. The handbrake doesn't work on a hill either but apparently the cables are still there and I'm just hoping they need tightening. Theres no mention on the MOT about it. Any idea how much a whole new handbrake system would cost just in case?

 

[will4318]

Mine is at 104K and working fine, never broken down or not started

There are others much higher, as long at they are looked after they can be fine

 

[DaveMcT]

The oil leak is unlikely to be the head gasket.

Get the cam cover gasket replaced and chances are the leak will stop. They are cheap as chips from Fiat or Shop 4 Parts, EuroParts, etc.

Hand brake might be the cables but much more likely due to worn out brakes. The good news is you can get an axle set of new drums, shoes and wheel cylinders for about £70. The other £30 will cover the cam cover gasket. Garage labour for the brakes should be about 2 hours.

 

[ladylaura23]

Mine is at 104K and working fine, never broken down or not started

There are others much higher, as long at they are looked after they can be fine

Thanks for that! Makes me feel better about it I'm going to make sure I really look after it properly once its all fixed (looks like it needs new power steering now :-( now I know why the guy really wanted rid of it).

 

[ladylaura23]

The oil leak is unlikely to be the head gasket.

Get the cam cover gasket replaced and chances are the leak will stop. They are cheap as chips from Fiat or Shop 4 Parts, EuroParts, etc.

Hand brake might be the cables but much more likely due to worn out brakes. The good news is you can get an axle set of new drums, shoes and wheel cylinders for about £70. The other £30 will cover the cam cover gasket. Garage labour for the brakes should be about 2 hours.

Thanks for the info. Just dropped it off there tonight, he'll sort it for me. More concerned over the power steering now :-(

 

[DaveMcT]

It might only be dry joints in the electronics circuits. Search the forum (use Google and forum search) for "punto power steering" etc. If all else fails, BBA-ReMan do service exchange columns for about £180.

 

[ladylaura23]

Thats what it sounds like to be honest, as the warning light hasnt come on yet and the steering hasnt failed yet. Its only when going round tight corners and sounds like an old swing in a childrens park ha. Thanks i'll do a search.

 

[colinf1]

Have you checked for any signs of rubbing on front wheels?

Also check steering rack & track rods so if theres any signs of damage.

Power steering should be ok if its not failing on full lock. Motors do tend to whine a little, and if you turn the wheel really quick, youll here it more..

 

[ladylaura23]

After taking it out again yesterday its not so much as a whine but more of a creaking sound (like a kid playing on a swing)! Even more confused now! Anyway thanks for all the replies, give me alot of info and ideas. I'll let you know what the outcome is, hopefully get it back tomorrow.

 

[DaveMcT]

Check all the suspension joints for tightness/dryness. It could also be a suspension strut top bearing.

 

[Ziggy122]

92k Is almost average Now-adays

I'm at 100k now well chuffed

Anyway - the Powersteering can be moisture in the ECU / Motor

or the battery is just too weak

Or the Speedo Sensor is Dying

Only way is to get a fault code

Ziggy

 

[ladylaura23]

92k Is almost average Now-adays

I'm at 100k now well chuffed

Anyway - the Powersteering can be moisture in the ECU / Motor

or the battery is just too weak

Or the Speedo Sensor is Dying

Only way is to get a fault code

Ziggy

Thanks as for the fault codes, I understand u have to take it to the dealer to put it on a machine but does it bring up multiple faults? To me it just sounds like creaking suspension (I know it's probs not) but I don't want to waste my money just in case... However I do have an airbag light on so could the machine pick up both those things?

Got car back today he fixed three major oil leaks :-/ there is another slight one coming from head gasket but he wants to keep an eye on it for a while and see how it goes as it's quite a small leak. Also had full service, timing belt changed etc. He also put on a bracket on the drivers door which was missing (only held on by the two hinges) but now it creaks REALLY bad! by the looks of it he's put plenty wd40 on but not helping! That's obviously why the last guy took the bracket out!!! Gona annoy me slightly me thinks haha.

 

[DaveMcT]

Google fiatecuscan and read the forum guides about it.