2001 Fiat Punto: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Fiat Punto?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Fiat Punto than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Coil springs2.3× usual
  Fiat Punto

  22.5% All 2001 cars

  9.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 2.1% of all 2001 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.

• Exhaust system1.8× usual
  Fiat Punto

  18.2% All 2001 cars

  9.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Rust in key structural areas4.5× usual
  Fiat Punto

  8.9% All 2001 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 1.4% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Body structure rust or damage2.2× usual
  Fiat Punto

  8% All 2001 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.2% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

Common 2001 Fiat Punto MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Fiat Punto MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  41% 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.

• Tyres
  30% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  27% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  27% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  23% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Rust and bodywork
  21% 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 2001 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 2.3× as often on the 2001 Fiat Punto as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2001 Fiat Punto as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust in key structural areas? (Flagged at MOT 4.5× as often on the 2001 Fiat Punto as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?