I've suffered a 2001 1.2 Punto base model for the past two years and after 30,000 miles I can't stand the ride much longer. Crashes over any pot holes, slight ridges and cats eyes send shudders through the car. Often I have to slow down on the undulating moorland B-roads near me (Halifax area) and let faster cars pass me, it feels that unstable when pressing on. Makes me stressed and tired after the daily commute.
My previous car was MK4 1998 Fiesta Zetec which in comparison felt like a mini Jaguar in it's composure and nimbleness. Is there any quick fix which may improve things before I part ex in desperation for a 306 or Xsara or Mondeo?
The car has 165/70R14 tyres, I thought of obtaining 13 inch wheels and 165/80 or 155/80 tyres to help but not sure if it would make that much difference. I put it down to a general stiffness and rigid suspension, altered by Fiat in 2003 for the latest facelift model. If the shocks and springs are poor design then tyre profiles are probably scratching at the surface.
For anyone else considering a second hand Punto 1999-2003 I would seriously think about alternatives or go on a thorough test drive. Does anyone else have experience of these cars?
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My wife has the latest model which I gather has improvements to the suspension to address this issue. I must agree that the car does feel slightly unstable but then again most small cars do to me as I'm used to driving family sized ones.
Funnily enough I've just had a new model Fiesta as a courtesy car and the engine noise drove me around the bend in comparison to the Punto which is remarkable quite for a small car, engine wise.
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I'd agree that the ride can be harsher on smaller cars, part due to the distance between the wheels or the 'wheelbase' - generally the longer the better in terms of smoothness. I drive regularly either a 1982 2.8 Ford Granada Ghia and a 2003 2.0 dti Astra. Ok, the Astra goes round corners better with the ride being quite smooth but is rather 'fidgity'. The Granada is extremely smooth and comfortable with less road noise but is not as taut handling, but can go round some corners surprisingly fast on the grippy trx tyres! Pothole? What pothole??!!
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I agree re the Fiesta noise, having experienced a 2003 Zetec there is a loud gearbox 'thrash' noise when idling, sometimes made quieter by depressing the clutch. A characteristic of Fiestas I think, the gearbox makes more noise than the engine.
My Punto is silent at idle and smooth gearbox but the chassis really lets it down.
Richard - I envy you having a 1982 Granada, do you find getting hold of the TRX tyres difficult? Love the square styling offering excellent visibility and a 'proper' flat bootlid.
What you say is correct, there's no substitute for wheelbase and mass. I should find a cheap Peugeot 605 and live a little!
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I went from a Peugeot 205 to a Fiat Punto (old shape). The Fiat was less comfortable, but handled quite well. However, the ride has been described as "choppy", which sums it up well. "Unsophisticated" also springs to mind.
A year ago I changed the Fiat for a Peugeot 306 HDi, and what a difference! The 306 has put back the fun into driving. The Punto, you felt, was on the road - most of the time. The 306 seems to be part of the road, the handling and ride are so reassuring.
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All the car mags said the Punto was great in theory, let down by the chassis engineers. As mentioned, 306's probably have the best ride/handling compromise of any smallish car.
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306 really is lovely. Going to be difficult finding something as good as it in a few years time.
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Not had the TRX wheels long, it had the 14" ghia wheels which are ok but too small for a car its size! I bought them from a mate with new Michelin trx tyres on for £200, a bargain as the tyres alone are about £170 each...I'm hoping to get 6 years + out of them!!
The ghia rims are going back on for winter use.
You are right about the visibility although I suppose to some extent the thinner posts are not as strong as the bigger ones on more modern cars, but the banger lads love them as generally they're tough and substantial, although they are a bit thin on the ground now. I find modern cars rather boring although I'm quite taken with my gf's new Micra SVE dci which to start it you don't need a key!! Bit confusing at first!
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2 years ago I had one as a loan car for a week.I Remember thinking how appalling the ride was.
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Oddly enough, my mum has a 1994 Clio (diesel) and considering its size, it's a remarkably comfy little thing with really good road holding and composure. It's not even a turbo diesel, but once wound up it goes pretty well. It certainly hasn't been unreliable (only done 45,000 miles, mind you!) Rust is beginning to take its toll - I had to put on new rear wheelarches a couple of years ago and they are starting to go again.
Nice car to drive, though.
Graeme
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2 years ago when daughter left for college I took over her 1995 punto, then after 2 weeks went back to the old 309 as I thought the ride terrible. Quieter, better crash protection, better handling, but oh that choppy ride
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