Fiat Seicento 187

Simple, robust 1.2 naturally aspirated engine; head gasket and electrical issues are known weak points.

• !! Cylinder head gasket leaking from 80,000 km

  The cylinder head gasket is the best-known weak point of the 1.2 8V Fire engine. Typical failure from the water passage to the cylinder; the engine is not immediately destroyed by a timing belt failure as it is a non-interference design.

  Symptoms: White smoke, coolant loss without leak, bubbles in expansion tank, sweet smell
  400–700 $
  Ad cylinder head gasket Fiat Punto 1.2 8Vcylinder head gasket 176B2cylinder head Fire 1.2
• !! ECU and alternator from 100,000 km

  Alternators fail frequently and discharge the battery. Additionally, spontaneous electrical failures occur particularly on pre-facelift models (pre-2003), manifesting as engine faults or speedo failure.

  Symptoms: Battery warning, engine not charging battery, tachometer fails, central locking faulty
  150–500 $
  Ad alternator Fiat Punto 1.2alternator 176B2control unit Punto 188
• !! Timing belt and water pump from 80,000 km

  Timing belt and water pump must be replaced together. Insufficiently tensioned water pump or missed replacement leads to coolant loss and overheating.

  Symptoms: Coolant loss, engine overheats, timing belt noises after replacement
  200–400 $
  Ad timing belt Fiat Punto 1.2 8Vwater pump 176B2timing belt kit Fire 1.2