We had an ELX 1.2 for about three years and the only problem was the well-known Punto water leak in passenger footwell, which was fixed by eventually complaining to the Fiat UK MD However as we liked driving the Punto, we bought a diesel version in Jan 2004 First week we needed to go back as the gearbox allowed shift from 5th to reverse, without stopping to say hello in the gate. Bit nerve wracking at 60mph. But it sure stops it quick Now Fiat changed the gearbox, no query and well done. Since then we have had five occasions where the digital consol display has been reset, indicating loss of power to the display, but Fiat have no record of this happening to any other Punto And we now have problem with this soft option paint they use. I am told it is water based and no good for hardwearing climates like the UK! But we had the car finish improved with Diamond Brite finish. At a cost of some ?£200 on top of the car purchase. Now we have paint crazing on the roof, in about 4 places. The body shop took photos, sent them to Fiat, and they said it is the result of birds crapping on our car and the acid eating the paint away. Apparently bird crap on paint is not expected and not covered under guarantee, so we will have to pay for the repair paint job ourselves. Nice touch of after sales care Considering we gave Fiat a second chance, guess where will not be going again? Anyone else out there with similar problems? |
