Being very new to Fiat Punto's thought Id ask for advice between the two models above ...

Was wondering what order these different models were produced by FIAT and if there was any big problems with either. Was surprised that the 1.2 ELX had a new gearbox with that mileage and the timing belt had been done

Any advice would be great.

Both cars are '99 and have reasonable service history details - theres a price difference - interested in reliability and having something on the road rather than costing me in the near future ...

Punto 60 SX STILE £2,200
61,000 miles

Fiat Punto 1.2 ELX £2600
43,000 miles
Gearbox - new
Exhaust - new
Timing Belt - done at 41k miles

Hi

The ELX is a mk2, new shape Punto. I think it has more equipment than the mk1, old shape 60SX. Other things like crash test ratings will be higher for the ELX. Mechanically I dont really know, but someone will

The 'Stile' was certainly not a UK special edition; is this car a right hand drive import Mk2?

The only reason I mention it is that I noticed a Mk2 Punto 5dr the other day with the same wheel trims as the 3dr ELX, so I took a closer look. I notices it had an 'SX' badge on the boot so I reckon it was a parallel import to the UK.

Therefore, I am not sure of it's spec but from what I remember looking at this car I think it is close to UK 'ELX' spec.

As for which is best, buy on condition; I would also expect the timing belt to have been changed on the 60SX 'Stile' model. If it hasn't this means scrimped-servicing to me (I know we can discuss when it should/ shouldn't be done but as the car is over 5 years old, it should have been done by now).

If it's an import get some quotes for insurance before you choose; it might be more expensive

what years are the cars? £2,200 seems way too much if its a mk1

Thanks for the prompt responses guys.

Am about the view the STILE this afternoon - Im certainly more armed with questions based on your advice.
The amount of work done on the '99 ELX suggests its had
a) some problems
b) a very careful owner

Is it fair to say then that the two models are pretty close in comparison ?
Question is on a model basis rather than the specific cars Im looking at - I do know the ELX has both passenger and driver airbags and the STILE just has a passenger airbag

Cheers

dave said:

what years are the cars? £2,200 seems way too much if its a mk1

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Both cars are 1999 - ROI prices at the moment unfortunately

mnewbie said:

I do know the ELX has both passenger and driver airbags and the STILE just has a passenger airbag

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That's odd. My 2000 ELX only had a driver airbag. I guess it might have been an option on a '99 Mk2. And are you sure the other one has only a passenger airbag? I wouldn't want to drive it if that's right!

Gav said:

That's odd. My 2000 ELX only had a driver airbag. I guess it might have been an option on a '99 Mk2. And are you sure the other one has only a passenger airbag? I wouldn't want to drive it if that's right!

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cant be certain til later today - and apologies - meant 'only drivers airbag' doh !

mnewbie said:

I do know the ELX has both passenger and driver airbags

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The Mk2 Punto had a drivers airbag only until summer 2000. X-reg models onwards (although not the very early X-reg models...) had a passengers airbag as standard (except for the Mia special edition); they got ABS at the same time too (except for the Mia, 1.2 basic and 1.9D basic)

I did a nattly little Mk2 specification guide a while back but I can't find it