Looking for info/opinions/help please guys........I have a W reg mk2 Punto 60k on the clock ,which has developed a noisy squeak O/S/R .I have been advised by a local garage that the noise is caused by the sub frame ,but the joint cannot be lubricated so would have to be replaced at a cost of around £350 ish .Any views please.

Thats expensive, it just a rubber bush they have to change.

You should be able to buy the bushes and either fit them yourself of get a different local garage to fit them for a LOT less than that...unless your local garage is planning to replace the entire subframe.

My garage replaced the front subframe + wishbones (£50 from scrappy) for £70 altogether. Is that reasonable?

DIY

for the mk2 I don't think there is a known subframe issue, there is with mk1's driven on bad roads o ). and a repair bush is available, I had mine done today.

when the subframe bushs go its like trolls hammering thru the bottom of the car on rough rouads and when braking. you'd know abou it if they were goin.

likely the exhaust is rubbing, that is well known on mk2's to rub in weird locations. car has to be jacked up by its wheels under normal weight to see where it is rubbing

Since when has BAD roads been necessary to smeg up the Mk1 subframes?

LOL

it drives like a car now and less like a punto in a skid pan full of 10w40

Mine was squeeking when the rubber bush on one of my rear shocks went, I would'nt mind betting its that. The actual shock itself was still fine

I would like to thank all the boys who responded with advice and views to my original post ,the problem was the hand brake cable rubbing on the axle/underside ( I gather this is not an unknown problem ).
The car went in for a scheduled service ( at a different garage ) and the problem was sorted
As regards the thieving ,no-nothing local garage I will be calling round to have a chat with the so called "experts "!!!
Once again appreciate the honest and "free" advice !!....Happy motoring and I will be back !!

no problem thats what we are here for (to reverse the common misbelief that fiats are rubbish, just some common sense and a lack of £££ will see you straight!! most problems are already known and quick fixs and free advise for quick troubleshooting are in abundance here)