Fiat Punto Review (1994 to 1999)

Quick Summary

In summary, arguably the best Fiat to ever hit the second-hand market. If you like the looks, you'll love the car.

Overall:

Models Covered: Punto - 1994-1999: (1.1 3&5dr Hatchback [55 S, 55 SX]/ 1.2 3 & 5dr Hatchback [60 SX Selecta, 75 SX, 75 ELX] / 1.2 16v [Sporting, 85SX, Cabriolet] / 1.4 3dr Hatchback [GT] / 1.6 3 & 5dr Hatchback, Cabriolet [90 ELX, Sporting] / 1.7 D 3dr Hatchback [DS] / 1.7 TD 3 & 5dr Hatchback [TD S, TD SX]

ITALIAN LESSONS

Fiat's Punto has been around for a while now and you can find a wide range of second-hand examples at many dealers. Sincethis is arguably the best small car the Italians have ever produced, that's good news for family buyers. Particularly since there's an exhaustive range of engines, bodystyles and trim levels.
Used Fiat Punto for sale

History of the Punto

To say that the Punto rescued Fiat in the UK is probably an over-statement, but the fact remains that since its introduction in early 1994, sales for the franchise have spiralled. Originally, there was a choice between 1.1, 1.2 and 1.6-litre petrol power (as well as a sporty 1.4-litre turbocharged unit) and 1.7-litre normally aspirated diesels soon followed.So did a 1.2-litre Selecta automatic (with belt-driven CVT transmission) and a six-speed manual version. A cheeky 1.6-litre cabriolet arrived at around the same time, followed a year later by a 1.6-litre 'warm hatch' called the 'Sporting'.A very mild facelift for the range in mid 1997 saw a new 1.2-litre 16-valve engine replace the old 1.6-litre unit, as well as very minor changes to the cars' appearance. The turbocharged GT model, for example, gained unusual black-painted alloy wheels, while body-coloured door mirrors were standardised across the range. An all-new Punto range was introduced in late 1999.
Used Fiat Punto for sale

Fiat Punto Road Test

Puntos drive with a certain brio, as small Italian cars should, but there isn't the eagerness of Latin models past. There's a simple reason for this. Fiat makes no secret about the fact that this is a heavy car - it's safer that way.Which means of course, that it isn't the fastest in the supermini sector - though to its credit, the car doesn't feel particularly slow, such is the engine's appetite for revs. The 75bhp 1.2-litre unit that's used on the 'SX' and 'ELX' variants manages rest to sixty in 11.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 106mph.Cabriolet models are much prized, while the Punto six-speed is a super city car that doesn't need an open road or a thirsty engine to offer heaps of driving appeal. The GT, meanwhile, is a 'hot hatch' from the old school; all the power arrives at once with a satisfying punch in the back.
Used Fiat Punto for sale

Buying a Fiat Punto

Check for minor dents and signs of kerbing on the wheeltrims. Galvanised panels mean that rust shouldn't be too much of a problem, so any that you do find probably points to accident damage.
Used Fiat Punto for sale

Fiat Punto Typical Pricing

Prices start from just under £500 for the entry-level 1.1-litre '55 S' three-door hatch on an L-plate. Allow another £200 or so for a more recent M-registered 1995 car and another hundred or so for five instead of three doors.The 1.2-litre models start at around £700 with L-plates in popular '75 SX' guise, while you'll need to allow just under £800 for the better equipped '75 ELX'. Add £300 or so for M-registered examples or find another £500 for a 97P example.The 16V 1.2 engine is also found in cars on 97P plates onwards, at prices starting around the £900 mark and going up to about £1,200 on 99T. You'll also find the odd 60SX Selecta (with CVT automatic transmission) priced from £500 on 94M plates to £1,700 on 99V. There are also 75 and 85 bhp 1.2-engined versions in a variety of trim levels in the same price range.Fancy a 1.6? The five-door 1.6-litre '90 ELX' starts at just under £600 on an 'M' and goes up to about £900 on 97P plates.You'll also find the same engine in the three-door 'Sporting' introduced in 1995 (if you can find one, you'll pay around £800-£1,100) and in the desirable Cabriolet (prices from £1,200 as a 90bhp 94-M 1.6; £1,800 as a 97-P 85bhp 1.2). Your search might also uncover the 1.7-litre diesel three and five-door models (prices from £1,000 to £1,400) and the later light pressure turbo versions (from 97P priced from £1,400 to £2,200) that are generally easy to find.
Used Fiat Punto for sale

Fiat Punto Parts

(approx based on an 75 SX) A clutch assembly will be around £100. An alternator is around £93 and front brake pads should be close to £30.Major and minor services will cost you in the region of £95 and £55 respectively.
Used Fiat Punto for sale