You can only get a brand new Punto Mk2.5 as a 1.2 8v Active 3/5dr or a 1.2 8v Active Sport 3dr.
They are the same price as their 'Grande' replacements (!!!) but when I spoke to the stealer he said the old Punto had nice big discounts attached to it and there would be plenty of finance offers too. So list for a 1.2 8v Active is about £7,500, but the impression I got was there would be change from £6,500 and a good finance deal, where as the Grande will only get £300-ish off in the next few months.
I would ask a few stealers if there is a Mk2.5 multijet hanging around; they have only just stopped selling them and I would imagine a bit of leg work will yield a brand new Mk2.5 Active Multijet for £7000 somewhere in the system. However, it's long term value will be much less than the Grande so a new 'Grande' 1.3 Multijet Active for £8500 would be a better place for your cash.
Having driven this model and a Mk2.5 1.3 Multijet Active, I know I'd rather spend the £1500... You'll get much of that back at resale.
EDIT: 1.3 has 70 bhp in Mk2.5, 75bhp in 'Grande'. 1.9 had 80/85bhp. The way they deliver their power means they are totally different beasts to drive; take it from someone who knows
As for reliability, larger slow-revving engines are seen as more reliable (that's how the Yanks like 'em) but there is also an argument to say that engines with lighter internals (i.e smaller engines) have more longevity. I don't think anyone could say with true conviction that one is more reliable than another. One thing to remember; common-rails start degenerating from the day they are first used and do need replacing eventually (when depends on usage).
