2004 Fiat Punto diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Fiat Punto diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Fiat Punto diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Coil springs2.6× usual
  Fiat Punto

  28.2% All 2004 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 2.7% of all 2004 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.

• Headlights1.9× usual
  Fiat Punto

  25.2% All 2004 cars

  13.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 4.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.4× usual
  Fiat Punto

  14.6% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.7%, against 2.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.3× usual
  Fiat Punto

  15% All 2004 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2004 Fiat Punto diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Fiat Punto diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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
  45% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  43% 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
  33% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  16% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  16% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Fiat Punto diesel

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 2.6× as often on the 2004 Fiat Punto diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2004 Fiat Punto diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2004 Fiat Punto diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?