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Hatchback

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

PUNTO

Gives you a lot of space for a little cash

Used Fiat Punto 2003 - 2007

Only if you're its first owner and you were unwise enough to pay list price.

From new, the Punto loses value faster than a Christmas decoration in a Boxing Day sale. That's great news for the used buyer, because second-hand examples are cheap.

Be careful with nearly new cars, though. Fiat dealers often hand out whopping discounts on new cars, so don't pay too much for a nearly-new one. Fuel bills will be low. Look to get 42-50mpg from the 1.2s, mid-40s from the 1.4 and mid-30s from the 1.8 HGT. The 1.9 diesels are capable of over 50mpg and the 1.3 bumps that up to 60mpg or more.

Service costs are likely to be dearer than for a Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa, but typically you can save about 35% by going outside the Fiat network. Insurance costs are competitive, though.

Gives you a lot of space for a little cash


This version of the Punto was launched as a three- and five-door supermini in October 1999 and face-lifted in May 2002, which brought sharper styling and more equipment.

At the same time, the trim names also changed, and ran from Active through Active Sport, Dynamic, Sporting to top-trim Eleganza. On earlier cars they are: base (no name), ELX, HLX and Sporting. Cars badged 'Speedgear' have a six-speed sequential auto gearbox.

Top of the pile is the 130bhp 1.8 HGT 3dr, a well equipped hot hatch (Abarth versions have extra body kit) but that not great as a driver's car. Ignore the underpowered 60bhp 1.2-litre petrol.

Instead, pick the 80bhp 1.2, which is eager, frugal and our favourite. It's also more widely available, cheaper and not much slower than the 95bhp 1.4 petrol. As an alternative, try the 70bhp 1.3 and 100bhp 1.9 JTD diesels, which suit the car well. But, ignore the 85bhp version, which can be too noisy at higher revs.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

Small

The Punto is far more reliable and robust than its reputation suggests.

Even so, the power steering system has been known to fail, and clutches can give up the ghost after as few as 40,000 miles, especially if the car has spent most of its life pottering around town.

Claims made by customers of Warranty Direct highlight the suspension as the area of main concern, closely followed by electrics and the cooling/heating system.

The suspension can start to rattle prematurely on some models, so listen out for that on a test drive. And, watch out for suspension that has been knocked out of alignment by bangs against the kerb. Examine the alloy wheel rims or wheel trims for signs of abuse and check that the car pulls away and stops in a straight line.

The biggest attraction, apart from price, is the amount of space you get. There's plenty of head- and legroom throughout, and you can fit three in the back without too much sweat.

Even the boot is a decent size and you can swell the carrying capacity with the split/fold rear seats fitted to most models.

Visibility for the driver is good, although the height-only adjustment for the steering wheel may compromise the seating position. Most will find it comfortable, though.

On the other hand, the switchgear can take a bit of getting used to. Some of the controls are seemingly scattered at random - the door mirror controls sited beneath the handbrake lever, for instance.

The drive, too, leaves a little to be desired, and the handling is competent, rather than fun. The steering's too vague and the body rolls too much. Most engines are willing but the 60bhp 1.2 can struggle and the 85bhp 1.9 JTD diesel is a bit noisy at speed.

Used Fiat Punto 2003 - 2007 reliability

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Used Fiat Punto 2003 - 2007 review

The Punto is far more reliable and robust than its reputation suggests.,Even so, the power steering system has been known to fail, and clutches can give up the ghost after as few as 40,000 miles, especially if the car has spent most of its life pottering around town.,Claims made by customers of Warranty Direct highlight the suspension as the area of main concern, closely followed by electrics and the cooling/heating system.The suspension can start to rattle prematurely on some models, so listen out for that on a test drive. And, watch out for suspension that has been knocked out of alignment by bangs against the kerb. Examine the alloy wheel rims or wheel trims for signs of abuse and check that the car pulls away and stops in a straight line.

What to look for when buying a Fiat Punto 2003 - 2007, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Fiat Punto 2003 - 2007 reliability

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