Why is it important that you like manual, which does she prefer!
r15,
Jun 1, 6:00pm
something ive noticed about fiats is it looks to me like they got hyundai to make their interiors in the, and then made them kinda like a lantra, low center console with minimal storage, round looking seats.
also interesting what that yard has done by putting in wireless alarm sensors in probably all their vehicles which would go back to their building
cjohnw,
Jun 1, 6:38pm
That bloke with the FIAT tattoo on his forehead will be lurking around somewhere. Be prepared for a three page essay on why you should immediately rush out and buy everyone of these you can find!
Lol
fiatracer,
Jun 1, 7:10pm
unbiased review from UK where these are far more plentiful
although I suppose loads here are used imports, adding that [debatable] downside
vtecintegra,
Jun 1, 7:17pm
I'd also look for some Abarth specific reviews as I imagine it has the suspension set up differently to the basic models.
vtecintegra,
Jun 1, 8:56pm
The reviews for the HGT look largely positive
thejazzpianoma,
Jun 2, 1:37am
Tattoo forhead guy here. The Punto Abarth is a real cracker, reliability is good, parts are cheap and easily available, safety is great, they are well featured and they are a hoot to drive. Just don't get tempted by its bigger brother the Stilo Abarth which has a few sore points.
Also, don't fall for Kazbanz's sneaky side track of talking to YOUR mechanic. Hes a dealer that specialises in really basic Japanese cars and does that on purpose to people who want to look at anything not mainstream.
You see there are many boof head simpleton mechanics in NZ that just rubbish anything that isn't mainstream even though they have never worked on one. Kaz knows this and likes to play on it.
If your mechanic can't or dosn't want to work on a Punto then they shouldn't be trusted with a wheelbarrow let alone a Corolla.
If you want to do some checking give Mal at Dino Enterprises a call or Italian Autos in Auckland, there will be others down south but its not my area.
Anyhow both those places can help you out by telling you what breaks, what it costs to fix and give you pricing for service items like timing belts etc.
Both places courier overnight to anywhere and they both sell genuine parts really cheap. Its simply pointless talking to someone who knows as much about a Punto Abarth as yourself and expecting them to give you a usable opinion.
I can give you a list of things to check over and look for on the car if thats of any help to you. They are a HUGE amount of car for the money and
johnf_456,
Jun 2, 1:56am
thejazzpianoma: I was expecting a 3 page essay, so where is it!
bigracket,
Jun 2, 2:01am
You see there are many boof head simpleton mechanics in NZ that just rubbish anything that isn't mainstream even though they have never worked on one. (Jazz)THAT'S YOU GUYS HE'S REFERRING TO LOL !
thejazzpianoma,
Jun 2, 2:05am
Not at all, most of the mechanics on here are really good blokes. Your such a stirrer Black Kettle!
Cheers, Pot.
thejazzpianoma,
Jun 2, 2:12am
If its in good nick then it would be a steal for that! Snavel it up!
Aside from the general car stuff, just check the rear lights arn't really faded as this can be a WOF issue and Jap import ones have different lights which fad badly in NZ.
That said, there is a cheap easy fix if they are.
Check the seatbelt reminder goes off every time you sit in the drivers seat. Again not a biggie to fix.
Check the wipers are not really juddery and they both function, You guessed it easy fix!
Check all electrics work and look closely for rust around the top of the windscreen.
Dont be put off by any of those checks, thats just me being over the top and checking for pretty much every problem I have ever struck with one. The rust one is almost guaranteed to be a non-issue, the car is galvanized but there were a handful in 2000 that had a non-galv bracket rust from underneath. Should be immune being an 01.
Check the steering (which is electric) is smooth and just makes a light hum from lock to lock when turned.
Overall, even if it has one or two minor faults its still exceptional buying for that. $4500 is about as cheap as you can get a bog standard Punto for and they are not easy to pick up for that. To get an Abarth for that is crazy fantastic.
Just remember when you buy it to check up on when the cambelt was done and factor in age as well as km's not just km's. If you decide to change it yourself let me know as there are a couple of tricks i.e there is a tool required that you can usually hire for free if you buy your parts from the right place.
Good luck! Thats a fantastic car for very little money!
scoobeey,
Jun 2, 4:32pm
Just google fiat punto faults lol:))
thejazzpianoma,
Jun 2, 4:42pm
Super! Just a tip for the future, its worth remembering Italian Auto centre and Dino Enterprises for parts. Their genuine parts are usually much cheaper than Repco and BNT will sell you non-genuine parts for.
Dosn't matter that you are down south, it should still be an overnight courier from either.
Enjoy! I think you will have a blast with it!
johnf_456,
Jun 2, 4:42pm
thejazzpiano will be pleased
buyme3,
May 4, 12:49pm
iv had better looking more reliable dumps in the last week
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