Hello. I had no idea that such a forum existed until my girlfriends Punto failed its MOT today and I decided to search for parts.

So I am definately glad I found you chaps and chapettes.

My gf has inherited my mothers Fiat Punto 1197 1.2 16v 85ELX. Low mileage because it sits on the drive an never goes anywhere. It has done less than 1k since last MOT. Anyway, another MOT was due today so my gf takes it and comes back all teary eyed because it has failed on brakes and shockers and suprise suprise, windscreen wipers.

My question is are these cars easy to work on because she is getting quoted over £200 inc vat to have two front shocks fitted, a bleed nipple replaced on the front caliper (apparently) and the handbrake sorted (stood too long, probably seized up a bit).

How much are things like front shocks for these cars?

I would appreciate your input help and input as I think she is getting ripped off in a big way. I suspected it when she mentioned the wiper blades. I checked them three days ago when I fitted a new windscreen washer hose junction and they were fine, no nicks or anything. Now the garage claim they are all split! Yes, all three.

I am up north in Durham area so there are a few good dealers and big car superstores like Halfords and such like. Just wondered if you think I can do it cheaper than the garage.

Thanks for your help all and sorry that my first post has to be a cry for help...

If you are sure the blades are fine try just giving them a clean, make them "look" new and they will pass. For some reasons Puntos don't like to sit for any length of time, if this is the case never put the handbrake on (just leave it in gear and put something under the wheels).
Standard front shocks come in at about £50 from Fiat and a bleed nipple is a few quid and quite easy to change.
2 shocks, handbrake cable, bleed nipple, wipers + fitting + VAT
£200 sounds OK to me.

First 3 rules when your Punto breaks down.
1- Don't take it to Fiat,
2- Don't take it to Halfords,
3- Don't take it to Kwik Fit.

Find a small friendly independant garage, ask around for recommendations.


www.puntoforum.co.uk

Evil-Punto AKA Evilution.

Cheers Evil. I appreciate the help. My gf took it to a small independent and the price she was quoted was over £200.

I think I could do the work myself for half that price. I am going to buy a Punto manual this morning.

Even if I just do the front shocks and wiper blades that will be some money saved for her.

Read the failiure sheet last night and it claims that one of the front brake pipes is 'twisted or loose'. It is hard to make out the handwriting. They alos put it through as a Fiat 1000!?

Needless to say my trust in them is slightly knocked...

Hi,

Not sure where you are in the UK, but in Dorset there is an independant garage called Melbury Motor Company who specialise in Fiat's. I bought my new car there and they seem pretty good, although I have never had any repairs done there yet.

The website is www.melburymotorcompany.co.uk

I have to admit that £200 to fix it all seems pretty good though, espcially as you know that it will pass afterwards.

The handbrakes are always a problem if you don't drive them much, my mother's car is the same and used to fail on the handbrake every year (she now has a new Punto). It just needs to be moved a few times to free it up and maybe some grease on the joints.

Poggy

Thanks poggy. I am in N.E. England.

I priced front shockers today and lowest was £19.00 each +vat. Average price seem to be £25 per shock plus vat. I can get gass filled ones for £35 + vat but it is not a Sporting so the oil filled ones will do. I am taking it to my own local garage in my village who serviced and MOT'd it this time last year. It has done 1772 miles since its MOT 1 year ago so I can see why the handbrake isn't too good.

Oh and the wipers? I checked them in the daylight this morning at my GF's house and guess what? All three wipers have had the blades torn at the bottom for about 1 inch. Examined the rubber at the spilt, very new and shiney, not old and marked in any way like you would expect. Funny how they were perfect when I checked them when I fitted a new washer hose junction four days ago. Speaks volumes about the garage and their attitude when seeing a young girl enter unnacompanied.

They must have seen £££ signs when she drove in...[!]

I can sell you a brand new Porters manual for the Fiat Punto (other fiats in the same book). Very big, RRP of £20 but I can do you one for £10 including postage.


www.puntoforum.co.uk

Evil-Punto AKA Evilution.

Aaarrgh! I just bought a Haynes manual yesterday for it!

Thanks anyway Evil. Appreciate the offer.

It is now in the hands of my local garage who I trust who are going to check it over and give me an honest opinion.

Then, if needed, I will whack the front shockers on, sort the handbrake/rear brake and fit new wipers...