Car query???

[assumpta]

My car decided to fizzle out for good last week. I now need to replace it. I have looked at a few models, none of course brand new, but wonder if anyone has had, or indeed now drives a Fiat Punto, 5 door or other make. I have never owned a Fiat and do not know if they are a reliable car or not. I am sure that there are lots of motor minded people who are mumsnet members and would love some advice. This has done about 10,000 miles and looks fine, but I noticed that the seal around the drivers door has already split. Any advice????

I used to have a Fiat Punto, I wouldn't really recommend them. Admittedly I took rubbish care of mine, but the thing basically died a death and I was seriously glad to get rid of it - major oil leaks, the radiator went as well, all sorts of caper.

I have now owned two Skoda Fabias (I sold the first one only because I was leaving the country) and I really can't recommend them highly enough. Admittedly both were from new, so naturally trouble-free, but I do think they are excellent cars, and because they have a low resale value, extremely good value for money when bought secondhand. Having said that, both of mine have been the models that hold their value best - the 1.9 TDi and recently the vRS (basically the kick-a*se version of the 1.9 TDi). The only really to avoid is the 1.9 SDi, I think you could run faster from 0-60!

I would definitely recommend you compare a low-mileage second-hand Fabia with similar cars like the Punto, I think you may be pleasantly surprised at the results.

Every Fiat I have ever owned has been brilliant, they're quite simple cars so there really is not a lot of important / expensive stuff that can go wrong with them.Couldn't say about the seal but do know the AA will do a car check for you but can be expensive.

I would also suggest looking at second hand Hondas, very reliable cars.

Good point about Hondas, my dh is a "Honda man" (made him sell his sportscar when I got pregnant, ha ha) and my parents are "Honda people" too. They do say Honda engines will basically last forever. My mum is very happy with her Honda Jazz, she says it's excellent for being able to put the seats down in lots of combinations, ideal for prams and whatnot. She tried to persuade me to buy one but I think the biggest engine they do is a 1.2 or something, and there's no way I could persuade dh to part with his Honda S2000 for a 1.2. Nor would I want to drive one myself!

I love my Punto, owned an Uno before that. Very reliable, cheap to maintain, fun to drive but avoid the 60 - gutless! I've got an 85. Insurance can be a bit high though for some reason.

The engine size can be a bit deceptive; my punto is a 1.2 but with 86 bhp. It depends on how it is tuned. The only downside is that it's low on torque.

That is really brilliant. I knew that there were people out there that know their cars. I know that the Fiat is not very exciting, but, as long as I know whether it is reliable or not, will help me make a decision. It is interesting to hear 2 different views on their reliability. I'm now quite confused about what to do. As you all know, what they tell you, and what is actually fact, sometimes can be quite different with car dealerships. I'm not sure!!!

My sister has a punto and says she wouldn't have one again, she has had nothing but problems with hers (she bought it new 2 years ago.) Have heard this from quite a few people as well. I on the other hand have got a honda jazz and a civic and love them both and would definitely get hondas again in the future!

Ah, now fiat dealerships, that's a completely different story. I get mine serviced at a fab Renault dealership.

Logic, please tell me more. Do you think that they would be a bit dodgy?

Well, I've had nothing but trouble from them.

Last time, I had the car recalled for a minor mechanical fault and it took them over 3 weeks to deal with it and they refused me a courtesy car unless I made my own way there which I couldn't because they had already collected my car. That sort of stuff basically. Fortunately, you are no longer forced to get your car serviced at a dealership!

Bizarrely, the Renault garage can get proper Fiat parts in a fraction of the time of the Fiat dealership and I get very personal service; I phone up and just say that my punto needs a service and they say 'oh hello mrs. logic, how's the baby?'

Hondas are very reliable admittedly but the huge downside is that you have to drive a Honda. My Punto has never let me down though.