Fiat Punto Review (2003 to 2006)

Quick Summary

The post-2003 Punto is an intriguing proposition. Serious depreciation has eaten into its valuation and a used example can be had for less than you may think. Get over the fact that it is possibly not as pretty as the car it replaced and you'll end up with a supermini that's still got plenty of life left in it.

Overall:

Models Covered: Punto – 2003-to date, three and five-door hatchbacks (1.2 8v. 1.2 16v, 1.4, 1.8, petrol, 1.3, 1.9 diesel [Active, Active Sport, Dynamic, Sporting, HGT] )

NIP AND TUCK

Some facelifts work better than others. You've only got to look at the state of Michael Jackson's nose to figure that one out. The same goes for cars too. There are hits, misses and maybes. Into the latter category we can probably put Fiat's facelifted MK2 Punto, launched in 2003. The sharp styling of its predecessor was rounded off but there were a whole host of other changes that were far more agreeable. Buying a used Fiat isn't the gamble it used to be and the MK2 Punto has gained a reputation as one of the better built superminis, an impression the post-2003 cars bolstered.
Used Fiat Punto for sale

History of the Punto

Although this model is fundamentally the same as the Punto launched in early 2000, there are some noteworthy changes worth mentioning. A facelift, new Multijet diesel engines and new trim levels were brought in to improve the Punto's standing. Models from this period onward are branded Active Plus, Active Sport, Dynamic, Eleganza, Sporting and HGT. A special edition Punto 'Xbox' was launched in 2005 to coincide with the launch of the Forza driving game for the Microsoft Xbox console. This and another special 'Sole' version helped keep sales reasonable but when the longer wheelbase Grande Punto was announced in early 2006, it was clear that this Punto's days were numbered. The range was cut back for the run-out with only 1.2-litre engined models available.
Used Fiat Punto for sale

Fiat Punto Road Test

Even the 70bhp 1.3-litre Multijet feels keen to rev whilst offering class competitive refinement at idle. It'll notch a sprint to 60mph off in just over 13 seconds and you won't need to furiously work the gearlever either, the powerband being wider than the modest output would lead you to believe. With an overall fuel consumption figure of 63mpg and miserly emissions of just 119g/km, it's proven popular, especially when you factor in Euro4 compliance which slashed another 3% off Benefit In Kind taxation for company car users. Those looking for a little more zip will prefer the HGT-badged 1.9-litre 100bhp car that features more torque than a 180bhp Audi TT. The Punto's ride and handling also came in for a little attention in the post-2003 improvements, Fiat's chassis engineers keen to improve the high-speed ride of the car without compromising its essential perkiness. Tweaks to the dampers and the torsion beam rear suspension can be felt over motorway expansion joints, this car swallowing up such intrusions with far more panache than its predecessor.
Used Fiat Punto for sale

Buying a Fiat Punto

Though build quality was much improved in post-2003 Puntos, it still wasn't quite up to VW standards. Still, used values for this car are quite a way below Volkswagen's and in terms of value for money, it's tough to fault this Italian take on Supermini motoring. Later models never attracted lunatic drivers and the interior quality is significantly better than Puntos of yore. Diesel-engined variants are especially rugged mechanically.
Used Fiat Punto for sale

Fiat Punto Typical Pricing

Although existing owners may not like to hear it, a combination of a ferociously competitive supermini market, a mixed reception to the facelift and the general impression that the Punto was an ageing platform even when new have combined to depress this car's residuals. You should be able to pick up a 1.2-litre Active three-door for around £3,700 on a 2003 53 plate and an Active Sport should fetch around £4,000. There's little doubt that post-2003 cars are better than the early second generation Punto models launched in 2000, but that said, those early cars hang onto their value comparatively well. Still, if you like the styling job of a post-2003 example, you should be able to snap up some real bargains.
Used Fiat Punto for sale

Fiat Punto Parts

(approx based on an 1.2 Active Sport inc VAT) An alternator is around £78, front brake pads are around £35 for a set, a rear exhaust section should be about £61 and a headlamp is around £82. Expect to pay around £7 for an air filter and about £15 for a fuel filter, about £6 for an oil filter and about £4 for spark plugs.
Used Fiat Punto for sale