USED Fiat Grande Punto Hatchback (06 - 11)

My car

I bought a Grande Punto about three months ago and have now driven about 4500 miles. So far I have been very impressed, with levels of qualtity, handling and performance above those that I would expect from a car of this price.

So, fingers crossed for the next 50,000 miles!

My car

I was lent a 1.2 Active as a courtesy car, my 2002 Stilo being in service for its third seal on the gearbox (£450!) I, like others, found that I could not exit the car on the drivers side without opening the window and using the outside handle. So much for Fiat electronics! (My Stilo broke down after 1K miles, engine stopped dead in the outside lane of the M4, due to ECU failure. Then weeks to get one from Italy.) I fear that the new Punto Grande, which looks good, may be heading in the same direction.

This car does, like its predecessor, offer excellent access, important for carrying passengers who have walking disabilities.

I was pleasantly surprised at the liveliness of the 1.2 engine, as the Fiat dealer had told me I might need to get out and push it to get it going! They recommend the 1.9 diesel version, but as long as you are not a boy racer and are prepared to use the revs available I found it quite nippy. I prefer my 1996 1.2 16v Punto though, if only I could sort out a persistent oil leak. No more Fiats for me, I'm afraid, though I've owned five now!

My car

I agree with What Car? when saying it's not the best small car in the world, but it has lots of style and personality, and its build quality is far better and the price is more fair than the competition.

It's my wife first Fiat and I must say she's pleased with it.

Our five-month-old child sits safely in our Grande Punto - that I can guarantee. It has a five-star Euro NCAP rating - it has six airbags and the handling is just great. It corners with ease and security, and the engine is sweet. The smooth gearbox and the perfect steering wheel give a pleasurable ride.

It has no suspension problems or steering rack noises at all. Everything works perfectly - I bought it two months ago, and has now done 15,000kms - I'm very pleased.

It's a nice car with a great engine.

My car

I have just bought a Fiat Grande Punto Active Sport version.

What a superb car! It is very spacious and good to drive. It has certainly come a long way from the previous Puntos.