2003 FIAT PUNTO SPORTING 16V 6 SPEED VIDEO REVIEW

[nico]

I have mine still running like a champ, a 2002 Sporting in clear blue with 275k KM on the clock. Never had any issues, only the clutch failed on me after 240k km, which I think its normal. Replaced passenger electric window at the 200k km mark, the paint is really bad fading away due to sun, in the process of a total respray. Interior in decent condition even though the door panels cloth fell off( will fix them as well). With crazy used car prices and the EV bullcrap craze, I’m keeping my baby for a long time.

[thethmusketeer]

I bought the exact same model and colour, brand new, in the year 2000. It was a very attractive and stylish car - easily one of the best looking hatchbacks on the road at the time, and for many years after! I kept it for about 15 years and only let it go VERY reluctantly, because the garage I was using at the time conned me into believing that a hidden rust issue that came to light during the MOT inspection was terminal. (It wasn’t though, as the garage - having bought it off me for a token sum - swiftly repaired the car and sold it on for a handsome profit!!!) 😠👎

The car was so good in every respect, that if Fiat made the exact same model TODAY, I’d buy one. It was effortless to drive, with much more responsive acceleration (16 valves...) than the engine size would lead you to believe, had a lovely 6 speed gearbox, a very light clutch, and was very agile around traffic and when cornering. It was incredibly surefooted, with excellent roadholding that inspired confidence at speed, and was just as happy on long motorway journeys as it was negotiating twisting country roads. It was also very economical, returning mid 40s MPG on longer runs and high 30s if driven with gusto.

The interior of the car was amazing. The front seats were incredibly comfortable, very supportive, and stylish in both colour and trim, and the rear seats, as well as being comfortable, could easily seat two adults with masses of headroom and legroom (and a third for shorter trips). I’m about 6’ 2” tall, and with the driver’s seat adjusted as far back as I needed it, I could easily and comfortably sit in the seat behind it! Yet the exterior dimensions of the car suggest that isn’t possible. (I think it shares some peculiar spatial properties with Dr Who’s Tardis... compact on the outside, spacious on the inside! 😊) At the same time, the luggage capacity was more than adequate and - with the rear seats folded down - was truly excellent.

Just talking about that car makes me sad... 😔 It served my family so well, for so long, and carried my children safely, comfortably, and securely, from primary school to adulthood. When that cheating garage took it off my hands, I felt that I was being parted from a faithful dog that had always been loyal to me and my family and was now going to be put down. The only reason I didn’t get more upset when I found out that the garage had repaired it and sold it on, was that I found out that it was bought by a family with young children, who desperately needed a car that was cheap to run and big enough for their needs. They were absolutely delighted with it when they bought it and I actually came across it one day, as it stopped right next to me at the traffic lights! At least it went to a good home where it was still appreciated, like a good dog that’s been lovingly adopted rather than being put down. 😢 Farewell and thank you, my old 🙋🏻‍♂️

[rgbshopoutlet]

1.2 16V? Because I want to install 6 speed gearbox on mine :D

[hoxoboxo]

Had a 2000 sporting. Loved that car. Was just the same but no sunroof. Engine is great, i have a C3 now, more power, but feels so sluggis 😢