13 Nov 07
3. Fiat Punto (2000-2006)
The Fiat Punto has had a poor reputation for reliability, but it's probably no worse than some of its rivals - and there are plenty of good ones around second-hand at very reasonable prices. Roomy, practical and cheap to run, the Punto was a popular hire car, but many have been well looked-after by careful private owners.
The later 1.3 Multijet diesel is a better bet than the heavy old 1.9, but you'll pay extra: the 1.2 petrol engines (8v, 60bhp and 16v, 80bhp) are nearly as economical, come up much cheaper to buy and are lively enough.
Fiat Punto
Avoid the problematic Speedgear autos and the pre-2003 base models without ABS.
The facelifted models aren't as pretty, but give a more comfortable ride.
Road Test: Fiat Punto (2000-03)
Road Test: Fiat Punto (2003-06)
