1998 Fiat Punto: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Fiat Punto?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Fiat Punto than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Coil springs2.5× usual
  Fiat Punto

  17.3% All 1998 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 1.1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Number plates2.1× usual
  Fiat Punto

  12.4% All 1998 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.7% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 1998 Fiat Punto MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Fiat Punto MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  35% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  34% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  26% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  22% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  20% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Rust and bodywork
  17% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Fiat Punto

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1998 Fiat Punto as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1998 Fiat Punto as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?