Well I've read all those posts and seems like all your problems come back to one thing the Dualogic transmission. I'm hanging to get back to a manual car myself... as for the response's you've had from FIAT themselves they actually seem reasonable. Just sounds like you got the one Punto thats just got something wrong... Perhaps its frame is bent or something.
As for the steering issue, well from what i know of cars... more so front wheel drive cars they ALWAYS pull a little to the left due to design... In my Prelude, my Croma, my dads 2001 celica infact all fwd cars ive been in the car always pulls just the slightest to the left. If i turn right the wheel always comes center, if i turn left it comes almost center. Road camber will affect this as will the tyres themselves. The Michellins i had on the front of my Prelude prior to the Pirelli Dragons pulled more to the left than the Pirelli's.
The paint damage to your car well thats not Fiat Australia's fault thats just a useless Dealership. I took my Prelude to get the rear shock's replaced and they just tossed the old shocks into my $1k boot setup damaging my subs, tearing the carpet and dirt EVERYWHERE. I didn't blame Honda Australia, cause i knew it was some snot nosed 20yr old punk tech guy who was just rushing to get the job done. However it worked out well they offered to have my boot fully restored and fixed to the condition it was in before I took it to them.
The brake sensor / reverse light issue... well yeh thats crap but hey you got it fixed in the end.
The reverse 'clunk' you talk about happens in all the autos ive driven when puttin it in reverse... Another reason I want a manual car
Im sorry to hear about your problem with the car breaking down on your holiday trip and having to find your own way home... But i have one question what do you feel that Fiat Australia / the Dealer could or should have done in your situation? You know the only four letter word you need is not FIAT...
Its RACQ
Wouldn't be without it would you?
I'm not having a go at you or defending Fiat, as it sounds like you've had a bad run. But it honestly seems more like its just that one particular car.
I'm buying the new Ritmo 1.4L T-Jet Sport next week, Getting it in Black with Sunroof Option... Ive owned enough fiats to know what to expect hehehe and I ain't expecting allot from FIAT. But I always had my way with Honda, when they stuffed something up I got it fixed quick smart and I see no reason why Fiat should be any different. They're trying to relaunch here the last thing they need is NEGATIVE press which is what you should have been threatening to do if you wanted results.
Once again I'm not trying to attack you but I think you do need help with Anger Management
I also do appreciate all your comments as when I go to the dealer this afternoon I will be making mention of the issues I've heard of other Fiat owners and when things go wrong.