Used Fiat Punto

What to know before buying: Fiat Punto

From 3 forum threads and 1 press test · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The first-generation Punto was praised for dynamic handling and a roomy cabin; it won the European Car of the Year title in 1995.[3]one sourceFirst generation Punto
• Grande Punto owners praise its roomy cabin, attractive styling and much better driving experience than the older model, although opinions on interior quality differ.[1]one source
• Punto Evo 1.3 owners often report big-car road manners, comfort and economy, but costly failures appear alongside trouble-free examples.[4]one source

Typical faults

• A steering-system defect was reported on the 2006 Grande Punto, presenting as a knock from the right-front area.[1]one source

  2006–2006

• Some Grande Puntos were reported to engage gears poorly, vibrate at 50 km/h and produce a rustling or humming gearbox noise.[1]one source
• Turbo failures were reported on 1.3 diesels; one 2010 Punto Evo at 130,000 km also had a leaking turbo that allowed exhaust fumes into the cabin.[1][4]

  1.3 diesel, 1.3 Multijet

• A 2000 Punto 1.2 60 ran on three cylinders with the engine light illuminated at 116,000 km; diagnostics confirmed a failed ignition coil.[2]one sourceSecond generation Punto

  116 000–116 000 km · 2000–2000 · 1.2 60

• A Punto Evo 1.3 Multijet timing chain required replacement at 193,000 km in one case and broke at 250,000 km in another.[4]one source

  193 000–250 000 km · 1.3 Multijet

• One Punto Evo 1.3 Multijet suffered clogged fuel injectors at 193,000 km despite regular servicing, requiring their replacement.[4]one source

  193 000–193 000 km · 1.3 Multijet

• The metal tailgate on one 2010 Punto Evo 1.3 Multijet had begun to rust by 130,000 km.[4]one source

  130 000–130 000 km · 2010–2010 · 1.3 Multijet

Which engine and version to take

• For low annual mileage, the Grande Punto 1.4 8V petrol is a sensible choice for an undemanding driver; owners also report low consumption when driven moderately.[1]one source

What to avoid

• Choose a Punto Evo 1.3 Multijet with particular care: owners reported timing-chain, injector, turbo and diesel-pump failures.[4]one source

What to check at the inspection

• During a test drive of a 2006 Grande Punto, listen for a steering-related knock from the right-front area.[1]one source
• Check every gear and drive at 50 km/h: engagement should be clean, without vibration or unusual gearbox noise.[1]one source
• On a five-door Grande Punto, open both rear doors several times because owners reported handles that may require unusually hard pulling.[1]one source
• For a Punto Evo 1.3 Multijet, request evidence of timing-chain, injector, turbo and diesel-pump maintenance or repairs.[4]one source
• Inspect a Punto Evo tailgate for rust and, with the engine running, check that the ventilation does not carry exhaust fumes into the cabin.[4]one source
• If a 1.2 60 runs unevenly, illuminates the engine light or drops a cylinder, run diagnostics and check the ignition coils.[2]one sourceSecond generation Punto

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]avtomobilizem.com — Poglej temo - Grande Punto · forum
2. [2]avtomobilizem.com — Poglej temo - Problem Fiat Punto letnik 2000 · forum
3. [3]problemcar.nl — Fiat PUNTO Forum · forum
4. [4]autozine.nl — Forum Fiat Punto Evo (1 / 12) · press

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