Model not specified
Mileage unknown
Punto II Review
This was my first car. It was supposed to be cheap to maintain, simple, without unnecessary equipment to avoid breakdowns, and fuel-efficient. For two years, I drove this Italian marvel of engineering without power steering, ABS, or essentially any features (not even a temperature gauge). I covered 27,000 km and have mixed feelings about this car. On one hand, I hate it; on the other, I still like it, yet I'm glad I don't have to drive it anymore. I wouldn't do it again.
Pros:
Cheap to maintain, Simple design, Fuel-efficient
Cons:
Lacks basic features (power steering, ABS, temp gauge), Mixed feelings after ownership, Wouldn't buy again
Model not specified
Mileage unknown
Punto II: A Family Heirloom with Grit
This car has been in my family for almost 12 years, passing down from grandfather to my turn with the Punto. Everyone who has driven it says it runs surprisingly well for its size. The 16-valve engine is a joy to drive, and you can feel a big difference compared to the 8V engine. In my opinion, it's a great car for a first vehicle (I'm talking about the pre-facelift model, of course, as the facelift is a tragedy in terms of looks). If you buy a well-maintained example with this engine and, of course, the highest trim level...
Pros:
Fun 16V engine, Good for first car (pre-facelift)
Cons:
Facelift looks are a tragedy
Model not specified
Mileage unknown
Punto II: A Solid First Car or City Companion
Overall a pretty cool little car as a first car (for learning) or for city driving. Pros: Low maintenance costs, parts, fuel economy. Cons: Generally a runabout with not much power (only 60hp) though it moves smoothly and nimbly. A typical car for someone who cares about getting from point A to point B, without any frills. Cheap. Reasonably trouble-free. Simple engine, simple construction. Nothing breaks (apart from minor things) because there isn't much equipment for things to break. Typical 'faults' are
Pros:
Low maintenance costs, Affordable parts, Good fuel economy, Smooth and nimble handling, Simple engine and construction
Cons:
Limited power (60hp), Basic, no-frills transport
Fiat Punto II 188 1.2 (60 Hp) Hatchback
160,000 km
Issue: Power Steering
Reliability, options, design (with 14-inch alloy wheels, no need for 15 or 16), I'd say the whole car. Some minor issues here and there... But nothing serious. You need to know what we mean by problems. Wipers not working?? Weld a washer to each arm (the arms, not the blades). Condensation enters the headlight unit on the driver's side?? Make sure the cover is in its place (personal experience. On the
Pros:
Reliability, Options, Design (with 14-inch alloy wheels, no need for 15 or 16), The whole car
Cons:
Some minor issues here and there... But nothing serious., Wipers not working?? Weld a washer to each arm (arms, not blades). Condensation enters headlight unit on driver's side?? Ensure cover is properly seated (personal experience).
Fiat Punto II 188 1.2 (60 Hp) Hatchback
112,000 km
Problem: Brake Caliper
Qualities: Driving / consumption / acceleration / comfort / noise / lighting / space "I put 5 bikes in the back plus me and my wife in front" / Flaws: Sways in corners / plastic / Power steering sometimes locks up when pushed hard but you have to fuss with it xD / 14" wheels / aging aesthetics | Problems: Coolant hose burst because it hadn't been driven for a while, but even the brakes and everything didn't seize up... I'm surprisingly impressed with this car.
Pros:
Driving / consumption / acceleration / comfort / noise / lighting / space. "I fit 5 bikes in the back plus me and my wife in front."
Cons:
Sways in corners / plastic interior / Power steering sometimes locks when pushed hard but it's minor., 14" wheels / aging aesthetics., Coolant hose burst after a long period of inactivity, but surprisingly, brakes and other components didn't seize up. Very impressed.
Fiat Punto II 188 1.2 (60 Hp) Hatchback
137,000 km
Problem: Battery
A complete lack of reliability, expensive parts, and faulty electrical systems. This car is a compilation of the worst experiences: ECU failed at 115,000 km, power steering failed at 120,000 km (costing €1200-1400 with labor, even for a small motor issue), and cylinder head issues started at 136,000 km.
Pros:
Relatively comfortable, spacious for passengers, good sound system.
Cons:
Total lack of reliability., Parts can be expensive., Flimsy electrical system., ECU failure at 115,000 km., Power steering failure at 120,000 km., Cylinder head issues at 136,000 km.
Fiat Punto II 188 1.2 (60 Hp) Hatchback
71,000 km
Problem: Air Conditioning
Small city car that handles very well, good little accelerations in city for very short distances like entering a busy roundabout. However, you have to push the gears for a long time. Basic equipment is quite complete including: manual air conditioning, power steering with City function to lighten steering for city parking, electric windows, electric mirrors.
Pros:
Small city car that handles very well, good little accelerations in city for very short distances like entering a busy roundabout. You have to push the gears for a long time though.
Cons:
Its small engine is too weak for the highway (I insist...). Increased consumption as you have to rev the engine to gain speed. No red zone on the tachometer..., Vehicle acquired at auction with 55,000 KM in 2009 for 3400 euros. Vehicle well maintained (maintenance log present). New rear brake kit at 61,000 km defect...
