Tom gets a new car!

[Tom]

My lovely 1.2 Clio Authentique - dubbed Nicole - is on it's last legs with its constant misfiring, ridiculous oil consumption and intermittent throttle problem. So, it's time to upgrade to something newer, cleaner, fresher and far more sporty.

With that in mind, I've just purchased this...

Fiat Punto 1.4 Active Sport (2008)

It's done 36,000 miles since new and, aside from a few minor scratches, it's in near perfect condition. I bought it from a dealer auction website for just £1500 (which is good value, even by trade price) and I'm hoping she'll keep me satisfied for many years to come.

The only issues that I have been made aware of is that the fan belt squeeks slightly on start up, so once I've sorted that out then it should be good to go.

I take delivery of her next week and needless to say, I cannot wait!

 

[lxmmy]

Cool car!

 

[CSMDuty11]

A few things.

1. This probably should have been posted in Member's Rides section.
2. I still somehow think Puntos are sporty.
3. I have a 1/43 scale Grande Punto on my table.
4. An American member is gonna say that you made a bad decision because "reliability", but actually it is because reputation from WAY distant past, like. '60s or '70s past.

 

[Tom]

A few things.

1. This probably should have been posted in Member's Rides section.

You raise a good point. Whoops!

 

[Katiegan]

Psh, who'd own a Fiat?

 

[Tom]

Psh, who'd own a Fiat?

This bloke!

 

[homeforsummer]

That generation of Punto has always looked good. Looked great at the time, but the impact has diminished somewhat given they're still producing them that look pretty much the same!

 

[CSMDuty11]

That generation of Punto has always looked good. Looked great at the time, but the impact has diminished somewhat given they're still producing them that look pretty much the same!

The Punto? Pfffft, you never looked that deep into the VAZ 2105 or 2107's production years!

 

[homeforsummer]

The Punto? Pfffft, you never looked that deep into the VAZ 2105 or 2107's production years!

Those are understandable though, as is a forty-something year run for the Mini or fifty-something for the Beetle. In 2015, a decade with minimal changes in a segment as competitive as the supermini class is harder to justify.

 

[Tom]

That generation of Punto has always looked good. Looked great at the time, but the impact has diminished somewhat given they're still producing them that look pretty much the same!

I've always liked the post-2006 re-shape - I've always thought it looked a more 'butch' as it were. It's the driving experience that counts, however.

 

[homeforsummer]

I've always liked the post-2006 re-shape - I've always thought it looked a more 'butch' as it were. It's the driving experience that counts, however.

The one with the tacked-on Fiat 500-esque nose? Those are nasty - much prefer the one you have!

 

[Tom]

The one with the tacked-on Fiat 500-esque nose? Those are nasty - much prefer the one you have!

Heavens no, I was referring to the one that I have, too. The later model is a rather awful looking thing.

 

[Legro]

2008 model with that low mileage and in that condition, for only 2000€. Sounds like a pretty good bargain.

I've never really liked the looks of the Mk3 Punto, as it looks much larger than it actually is, but from what I've heard it's not a bad car.

 

[sems4arsenal]

Was close to getting one of those before getting the Fiesta, love these things alot, congrats Tom.

 

[Clark]

The Abarth Grande Punto (before the horrible face lift that @homeforsummer mentioned) was gorgeous.

 

[Tom]

Ah yes, but the insurance premium would bring that back down to the ground!

Speaking of insurance, I phoned my company yesterday and it's going to cost me an extra £427.76 to transfer over on my existing policy that finishes on August 29th. Ouch!

 

[Tom]

Well, she arrived yesterday and, as expected, there were a few faults. So here they are:

Blower doesn't work. It seems to be a common fault that's caused by a section of the wiring loom melting.
Glove-box handle is missing. Presumably it's been broken by the previous owner who wasn't particularly careful - easy fix.
Steering wheel and gear stick leather is worn and peeling. Normal wear and tear, an easy but potentially expensive fix.

Upon further inspection, I found two packets of Durex in the door compartment and boot. So, whilst the previous owner wasn't careful with their car, they were at least protected in bed...

 

[eiriksmil]

Free condoms and other new to you-car finds are awesome..

I dig the looks of these cars.. The fenders just beg for a slam and wide wide wheels, especially the rears

 

[Crash]

So, whilst the previous owner wasn't careful with their car, they were at least protected in bed...

Or protected in/with the car...

Anyways, congrats on the new car!