I voted yes, because in the 2 1/2 months i've had my Punto, the only problems were parts that need to be replaced anyway, like suspension bushes, various gaskets etc...
My dad had a Tempra many years ago (bought new) and the only thing that went wrong was the head gasket went, and he only got rid of it because after the head gasket went, the car never felt the same because the garage did some of the work wrong.
EDIT - Also, my sister has a mk2 punto, and she's had a mk1 punto... no real problems, only the basic things that need replacing. Trying to get my mum to buy a Fiat but she says she's happy with her Japanese box on wheels :yuck: