2011 Abarth Punto: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Abarth Punto?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Abarth Punto than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Headlight aim2.3× usual
  Abarth Punto

  9.9% All 2011 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.9%, against 4.3% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

Common 2011 Abarth Punto MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Abarth Punto MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  28% 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.

• 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.

• 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
  11% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  8% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Abarth 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 headlight aim? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2011 Abarth Punto as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?