Fiat Punto
Solid small diesel from GM/Fiat with a fundamentally long-lived reputation. However, frequent short trips lead to DPF blockage, fuel dilution of the oil and EGR clogging. With consistent maintenance and regular motorway driving, a manageable unit.
Diesel in a City Car
Diesel in the 500 or Punto? Timing chain risk, DPF stress on short trips, and no driving fun whatsoever. The 500's charm disappears under diesel clatter.
Engine Weaknesses 5
With frequent short-trip use and incomplete DPF regeneration, diesel enters the engine oil. The oil level rises measurably and the lubricating properties of the oil deteriorate significantly.
Symptoms: Rising oil level, diesel smell in engine oil, blue smoke, increased oil consumption after normalisation
At higher mileages, knocking noises from the engine bay occur, indicating high-pressure pump wear. Misdiagnosis (confusion with injectors) is common.
Symptoms: Knocking/clattering in engine bay from approximately 2,000 rpm especially when engine is warm, power loss
With long oil change intervals or incorrect oil specification, the turbo bearings wear prematurely. Whistling noises and blue exhaust fumes are typical early warning signs.
Symptoms: Whistling or hissing noises from the turbo area, blue smoke, increased oil consumption
With predominantly urban use, the diesel particulate filter can become blocked. Engine goes into limp mode, engine warning light comes on. Active regeneration is prevented by journeys that are too short.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, power loss, increased fuel consumption, engine judders
The EGR valve carbons up due to soot deposits and no longer opens or closes correctly. The typical symptom is a power drop below 3,000 rpm and hesitant throttle response.
Symptoms: Power loss below 2,500–3,000 rpm, engine goes into limp mode, EGR fault code in fault memory
Vehicle Weaknesses 10
On the Fiat Punto (199), dashboard lighting and interior lighting frequently fail due to loose connectors. Engine control unit faults especially on models up to 2007.
Wheel arches and sills on the Fiat Punto (199) rust above-average. At MOT, vehicles from the fourth inspection onwards disproportionately often have serious defects.
The electric power steering on the Fiat Punto (199) frequently fails at higher mileage, making the steering noticeably heavier. Repair costs €500–800.
AC compressors on the Fiat Punto (199) fail more frequently than average at higher mileage. Replacement compressor costs €400–700 plus fitting and recharging.
Strut mounts and drop links on the front axle of the Fiat Punto (199) wear early and regularly cause defects at MOT.
Brake discs on the Fiat Punto (199) warp and lead to reduced braking performance. Handbrake also tends to reduced effectiveness.
Gear linkage bushes on the Fiat Punto (199) wear and cause stiff, imprecise shifting. Fifth gear can lock on the motorway.
Age-related seals on engine and gearbox of the Fiat Punto (199) start to seep oil, requiring regular top-ups.
Exhaust system of the Fiat Punto (199) corrodes early, particularly on short-trip drivers. MOT failures for inadequate emissions typical from 100,000 km.
Gas struts on the tailgate lose force and no longer hold the tailgate open. Door locks jam particularly in cold weather.