Right - there is a gap in our guides section
There isn't a Guide on the Punto's what to look out for list/guide

So lets make it a Punto Owners guide on what to check / test / look out for?

This will run for a little while, so we can gather lots of facts up as a group

So lets begin with a Few rules/Structures

1 - Pictures are welcome of what to look out for (examples)
2 - Split it up into catagories
Engine
Transmission + drive line
Tyres + Brakes
Electronics
Interior
Bodywork + Underside
3 - Avoid trying to repost Same things unless you can add more information, if so please quote what you are improving

Know Issue checks (for example P/s, wiper linkages, Misfiring)

General Tips (Dont buy first one you see, 2 keys etc etc)

Dont just wack down for the 1.2 8v, all the mk2 and mk2b punto + engines lists



If you put a good tip or advice up - Dont worry you'll get your name in the credits

As this thread keeps building up and up
I'll be working this into a word document, so hopefully i can just wack it up quickly for all to enjoy

Why should we do this?
Punto's are great when looked after, cheap and cheerful motoring, but there are wrong ones out there, people in the time of the recession need a good little motor
So lets help them before the come on here saying its all going wrong and giving punto's a bad name!

ziggy

I'll start first with the basic's

The Mk2 Punto
Started in 1999 on a V plate, and ended in 2003
Available engines are
1.2 8v
1.2 16v
1.8 16v HGT
1.9 Diesel / 1.9D JTD

How to tell if its a mk2? the headlights is a key give away


The Mk2b
Start in 2003 and ended in 2006 (before the Grande Punto! Completely different car)
1.2 8v
1.2 16v
1.3 16v Diesel (multijet)
1.4 16v
1.8 16v (HGT)
1.9 JTD 8v (diesel)

How to tell
The headlights again will reveal all




Ziggy

Testing the gearbox:

If the car is struggling to get into reverse, chances are the gear selector cable may be on the way out. Happened to me and eventually the socket worn that much that it could just pop on and off. £25 easy fit on your own though.

crazy saying dont buy it if it hasnt got 2 keys
i get plenty with only one so you are trying to do me out of business
might as well join the ford club before i go bust eh

s and b said:

crazy saying dont buy it if it hasnt got 2 keys
i get plenty with only one so you are trying to do me out of business
might as well join the ford club before i go bust eh

Click to expand...

Not in the s+b
Its more of a guide - What it should have
Didnt say 2 keys are a must

Plenty of them come with 1 key - and you get a key copied easily
Maybe thats where you can help more

A Section on Keys + BSI (since you know more about BSI then me)

ziggy

Personally don't buy anything with aftermarket alloys or speaker holes in the parcel shelf

1 key wouldn't put me off (no spare for my other half to lose)

1.9 HGT multijet there are only 150 or so in the country so are pretty rare plenty of people advertise the normal 1.9 as the HGT model. The 1.9 HGT is a multijet unlike the normal mk2b 1.9 jtd

Make sure the following works, Air con (dual zone climate control), electric window One touch up and down (only top models have this so if not its a sign the bsi has been changed), remote central locking.

Door mirrors are electric and heated with the rear window heater.

Should have a 100w subwoofer in the boot and MP3 cd head unit with 6 disc changer
(some have cruise control which is temperamental)

These models have a dual mass flywheel either check it's been changed if car has above 80k miles or factor £700 in to the cost for a replacement. Listen for knocks when setting off to indicate its worn. Gear cables are twisted awkwardly so wear sooner and make changes heavier.
Has a cambelt with 70,000mile interval make sure water pump is changed with it.

1.3 multijet hold value really well came with manual and auto box but 1.3 diesel autos are as rare as hens teeth.
£30 a year road tax (band C) timing chain which should last the life of the engine but can go early in badly kept engines (listen for rattles)

Any mk2 or mk2b with air con can leak water into the passenger footwell if the Evaporator drain is blocked (easy fix)

Most parts are cheap but the thermostat and exhaust is expensive (£70 for a stat and £60 for a back box)

Rear shock mounts often go before the shocks wear out tell tail sign is knocking from rear on speed bumps.

I'm sure I can come up with more given time

First check on any potential new car has to be the engine. Look for any leaks, oil, water, exhaust. Check the dipstick, it should be a clear golden brown oil with little or no bits in. Inside the oil filler cap there should be a nice shiny engine, not dull black goo. Any mayonaise and walk away cause the head gasket has gone. Check the coolant reservoir too, this should also be clear of any floating oil, black residues and rust particles.

Check the cooling system. Avoid cars with lots of lime scale water marks around the radiator and piping. That lime scale is also in the cooling system and is clogging it. Usually the result of the coolant being topped up with tap water.

AndyRKett said:

electric window One touch up and down (only top models have this so if not its a sign the bsi has been changed)

Click to expand...

Is there a way to modify mine so it gains the 1 touch up and down windows?

2002 Mk2 Punto 1.2 8v

IMO you would be better making multiple guides
So make a basic guide about buying a punto(probably split mk1/mk2?)
Then make another with common faults
specific guides such as keys etc
Then link to those in the buying guide