General URGENT Help Needed

[Q TOY]

I think as a bravo owner this is the first time i have ventured on this part of the board.


Why? you may ask.


Well I have been asked (told) by my girlfriend to go look at a 1996 Punto Cabriolet tonight. Could you let me know anything I need to look out for. I know it has no red key did all punto's come with them). It has aftermarket centrall locking. It hasn't done many miles.


Any advise will be extremly welcolme.

 

[beau]

well a 1996 punto does have a red key, try and knock them down because of that. thats all i know, sorry, also check cambelt last changed.

 

[FiatStiloJTD]

I know it has no red key did all punto's come with them).

I too bought a Punto without a red key, but be warned if something goes wrong with the ecu (the computers brain), then you may require it, you will also need it if the 'key' light stays on when you start the car, although this can be overwritten using a key combination using the pedals.

I would then suggest you take into account the cost of replacing the red key if you require it, these cost around £600 and thats not from Fiat.

I havent had a red key made, but live in fear for the day the light stays on, on the dashboard, but thats why i have RAC cover, so if it does happen then they can tow it to a garage and then think about replacing the key.

 

[FiatStiloJTD]

You may find this thread helpful:

https://www.fiatforum.com/showthread.php?t=30622&highlight=red+key+punto

Its a post i made a while back asking on red key problems and if its required

 

[Q TOY]

Cheers, IS there any common Punto faults I need to look out for on a vehicle of this age? Also are there any common probs with the hoods?

 

[FiatStiloJTD]

Cheers, IS there any common Punto faults I need to look out for on a vehicle of this age? Also are there any common probs with the hoods?

You will want to check the smaller items first like checking it isnt leaking oil, then you could check if oil is leaking from the Head Gasket (just look to she if there are any recent oil marks).

Have a look through any paperwork with the vehicle, this might give you clues to what you might need to check (for example it may have had panels replaced indicating possibly a crash of some sort).

Then you have the obvious points, if the car looks in mint condition then be abit suspicious as it may have been resprayed, if its got the odd chips and dink then you know its been used but not abused (well hopefully).

Check all the gadgets and gysmos, as i think the convertable has an electric hood so make sure that works, and also check the ventilation, ew, pas, and if you can see if the central locking works.

Finally ask if it has the red key, if not it might pay to contact the previous owners as they may have it stored somewhere (this is what we are currently doing - and offering £100 if they can find it). Dont under estimate the red key, but if you were like me you forget all about that and fall head over heals with the car and hope nothing goes wrong.

Anyway let us know how you get on, and good luck

 

[thefishdude]

rear bushes and radial arms are a common fault onthe mk1 punto. listen for banging noises from rear when going over bumps.

 

[sumplug]

very true what has been suggested. if as i presume is a 1.6 engine,the engine should not cause any problems.they are usually bomb proof.the hood needs a thorough examination.see how it has been folded.check for rips at and around the top rear.do a HPI check on it.drop tops are notorious for being ringed.check paint for over spray.does it sit straight,does it drive straight.are the tyres worn on the edges[can show problems]? does the interior match the mileage? lastly,buy a car with a good history if possible.the red key is a big issue and i would want a few hundred quid off.

 

[Q TOY]

To put it blunty the car was a tip. It was a total mess, all the sats were riped the hguy had just had to spend over £700 on servicing and bits (he then said the garage said more would go, lol). The roof squeeked & clunked alarmingly and there was loads of overspray on the locks etc.


Anyway to cut a long story short we went and bought her a Megane Coupe (hard top).




(I will get her in a fiat yet)

 

[Steven]

Generally Puntos are robust little cars. Regarding the red key, if you do need it then it's not the end of the world. Have a look at www.codeman.org