General 06 Grande Punto Reliability?

[bjones371]

Been looking at a Grande Punto Dynamic or Active for my next car, probbaly 06 plate or maybe 07, and was just wondering what they're like as a car in general (in terms of reliability, handling etc)

Got a '98 Punto at the minute and had lots of trouble with it and I'm hoping to not experience the same problems if I get one of these!

B

 

[Aircooledbug]

Fiat GP's are quite reliable, had mine from new and only had one problem with it with is a good excuse to get upgraded! lol

 

[T14086]

there are no serious issues with the GP but some niggly problems. Make sure everything is to your liking before you buy the car (test drive it!) and make sure any software updates have been done (ask for printout)

 

[Aircooledbug]

Yeah as T said, and also check tyres, brakes and bodywork... remember its you thats paying for the car, im sure you will be happy with the GP

 

[T14086]

get one with at least a few months Fiat warranty as 3rd year warranty dont cover everything.

 

[Aircooledbug]

And squeeze freebies out of them like mats and stuff! lol

 

[SimonP]

Been looking at a Grande Punto Dynamic or Active for my next car, probbaly 06 plate or maybe 07, and was just wondering what they're like as a car in general (in terms of reliability, handling etc)

Got a '98 Punto at the minute and had lots of trouble with it and I'm hoping to not experience the same problems if I get one of these!

B

Definitely don't get one without any warranty left. Here is a list of the issues I've had during 18months ownership from new:-

1. Faulty steering rack- replaced
2. Missing 3rd gear - geabox rebuilt
3. Missing 1st gear - cable repositioned
4. Stained roof lining - roof lining replaced.
5. Heater control lights not working - new bulbs fitted
5. Driver's seat material splitting and wearing thin - take to dealer soon
6. New roof linng starting to stain - take to dealer soon.

 

[Aircooledbug]

Problems with mine

1. Turbo lagging
2. Gets dirty too quick!

 

[marty61]

Long term annoying problems i have still got after 20 months ownership

1. Dash demister vent panel lifting
2. Flashing mileage
3. Water in tailgate

Not major problems just annoyed they can't/haven't been sorted by now. Otherwise its a good car.

 

[colin79666]

As said above - major mechanics are generally reliable but loads of niggling faults. On the plus side on a 06/07 car chances are the previous owner will have had them sorted.

Faults on mine (56 reg):
Leaking windscreen wash bottle (dealer sealed with glue/silicon seal stuff)
Flashing mileage (ongoing)
Failure of body computer (replaced under warranty)
Windscreen vent trim lifting up (replaced at my cost for part - not covered under 3rd year)

 

[bjones371]

Cool well the Punto I have now, I have had for about 6 months so far:

- Head gasket replaced
- Radiator replaced (blew hole in it when head gasket went)
- Lambda (Oxygen) sensor faulty and replaced (caused all kinds of problems, random stalling at low speeds, crazy fuel consumption etc...)
- Cold start sensor faulty and replaced
- Clutch squeaks horribly when depressed slightly
- Battery drain very high when nothing switched on at all (double what expected)
- Handbrake/rear brake cables dangle too low and have scraped on floor when parking on kerbs, torn cable once

Fortunately I know a mechanic quite well and he sorted all these relatively cheaply, so if anything was to go wrong with a GP (if I get one) he will be able to sort it! The dealer I'm looking at grabbing it from offer 12 months dealer's warranty with every car they sell, is this likely to cover all bases for the first year?

Cheers guys this is a massive help!

B

EDIT:- The dealer's warranty covers all electrical and mechanical parts that are not serviceable which fail within the first 12 months of purchase, and also the repair of anything which causes the car to fail it's MOT within the first 12 months. Repairs and repalcements are only claimable up to the value of the car (got my eye on one for around £4200)

 

[Cinqster355]

I have a 56 1.4 Active Sport. I have had one minor issue when I first got it the airbag warning message appeared once and once only. I have the car from 6 months old with 2900 miles on it.

Other than that 1 niggle it has been flawless and I have to say I love it.

I actually owned a GP 1.9 Mjet sporting (56 plate) as well at the same time and hated it. It had zero faults but I could not get used to diesel. The smell and heavy engine (power was nice though) put me off it. I know my active sport is loads slower but it rides loads better and overall IMHO is the better car for me (I dont drive like a loon).

I say get one they are great (any GP model that is)

 

[bjones371]

Great, I am pretty much convinced, just heard a lot about them following the traditional Fiat pattern of constantly breaking but if that isn't the case any more then I think one of these will be ideal!

Cheers

 

[T14086]

Great, I am pretty much convinced, just heard a lot about them following the traditional Fiat pattern of constantly breaking

a myth, since the GP was launched I know of one that came in on the back of a breakdown truck and that was due to the owner letting it run out of oil (which he admitted) yet Fiat still paid for the repair.

Fiat have some of the most reliable,fun to drive and greenest cars on the road today which has refelected in the companies success over the last 5 years to the extent that other manufactures want to 'jump into bed' with them especially for their diesel engines.

 

[bjones371]

Brilliant, suppose I only believed it because of my past experiences but obviously Fiat have improved as time has gone on! Cheers all, chances are I'm going to get a 1.25 Dynamic since they have air con & alloys for not that much more!

B

 

[pipsqeek]

I've had mine for nearly a year and the only things to go wrong were the rear door handles failed to open the doors (known issue). Front suspension chatter noise, steering rack replaced. Steering vibration and turning on it's own, steering electric assist motor replaced.

And just this week, drivers side electric window was being put down and when it got to the bottom I heard a thunk! sound and almost the sound of broken glass. The window still works fine, but goes down a little further into the door than normal. Will tell the dealer when I book it in for its 30,000 km service in about 2-3 months.

pips

 

[jassyo]

had my gp for 30 months/60,000 miles/4 sets of front tyres.rear bush's can go at 30k,my suspension got very tired sounding at 40k.electrics are not the most reliable i.e abs/hillholder failed twice on my car in its time with me,the heater system in the m-jet = poor/winter.plus points=styling,power,torque especially when remapped 30mph-80mph incredible for a small diesel car.overall i would give the 7 out 10.i loved the car up to a certain point.its just not built for high mileage especially the suspension in the sporting

 

[Aircooledbug]

Ive had mine nearly 3 years and not a problem, well, until now. Turbo lagging, but at -4 this morning ran amazingly! The trim by the windscreen has popped up, but will sort after new year. Brakes are still good, oil has been changed 5 times since ive had it as well as the oil filter, glow plugs, filters. Tyres I havent replaced as there is plenty of tread on them, but got new wheels now so sitting in garage. Exhaust still sounds good, no rattling. Oh and door lock broke but now sorted. Car has been fantastic, pulls well, but next car, which im usure of is the Abarth, but gonna hang on till end of 2009/ early 2010 to see what Fiat brings out.

 

[bjones371]

The car I'm looking at has about 4 months Fiat warranty left (3rd year). Lookers offer 12 months warranty from point of sale (eg 4 months Fiat then 8 months Lookers) for about £200. Worthwhile getting does anyone think?

 

[Aircooledbug]

You want to see what they cover in their warranty first!