History lesson
First launched in 2006 and – as part of a short-lived partnership with GM – sharing a platform with the Mk3 Vauxhall Corsa, the Grande Punto is a neat design in both three and five door forms. Thanks to a long wheelbase there's more generous interior space than you'd expect to find in a supermini. Available with 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines and 1.3 (in 75 and 90bhp forms) and 1.9 Multijet diesels there's plenty of choice for all tastes and budgets. The 1.4 comes in 8-valve and 16-valve forms and as a turbocharged T-Jet from August 2007. A sporty Abarth version was launched in 2008 with 152bhp, upgradable to a fire-breathing 177bhp with a performance pack. The car was replaced by a new Punto in 2010.
Bang for your buck
There's an almost bewildering variety of trim levels available. Starting with the Active and moving up through Active Sport, Dynamic, GP, Dynamic Sport and Sporting to Eleganza. Add in options like the air con pack on some models and there's plenty of choice for buyers of used Fiat Grande Puntos. They're pretty well equipped across the range, the Active has electric front windows, remote central locking and a CD stereo. Sport models add 15-inch alloys, front fog lights and a rear spoiler. By the time you get to the Eleganza you have climate control, front seat lumbar adjustment, parking sensors and a multi-function display.
The second hand Fiat Grande Punto is solidly built and looks good from pretty much any angle, helped by smoothly integrated lights and F1-style door mirrors. Interiors are smart if a little minimalist and relentlessly grey on some models, with big buttons and easy-to-understand controls. It scores 5-stars in NCAP crash tests too.
What you'll pay
An 06 1.2 Grande Punto Active sells for about £2,400, there are lots of 1.2 Actives about so you'll have plenty to choose from. Diesels are rarer and a very popular choice so expect to pay around £4,000 for a 07 plate 1.9 Multijet. A 2010 (60) 1.4 petrol will be in the region of £6,000 and a late T-Jet Sporting can be closer to £7,000. Road tax is between £30 and £170 depending on the engine.
What to check
Mechanically the used Fiat Grande Punto for sale has little to worry about and the car generally is pretty well built. Interiors can squeak and rattle and electric windows have been known to stick. There was a safety recall in 2006 to have a plate fitted to the steering column so make sure early cars have had this done.
Parts
Prices here aren't going to give you a pain in the wallet. An alternator is around £78 and a rear exhaust section about £61. Front brake pads should be about £35 a set but expect to pay around £80 for a replacement headlamp unit.
How it drives
The basic 1.2 Grande Punto Active isn't very powerful but in the best tradition of small Italian cars it's great fun to drive. It handles well and the gearbox – whilst it doesn't have the slickest change – helps you get the most out of the engine. The diesels offer a good balance of performance and economy and command premium prices as a result. A 1.4 T-Jet will get you from 0-60 in just under 9 seconds but can still return over 40mpg.
It grips well and feels sure-footed in corners. The ride is good too although Sporting models are stiffer and can feel harsh over rough services. It's an entertaining companion on country lanes though and the raspy exhaust makes you feel you're going quicker than you really are.
You get height and reach adjustable steering and a height adjustable driver's seat even in the basic Active so you should have no trouble finding a comfortable driving position. Fiat has paid a lot of attention to soundproofing so the car is civilised on the motorway. The Grande Punto has a City button that reduces the effort needed for the power steering so it's a breeze to park.
Buying a second-hand Fiat used to mean taking a risk with reliability and quality. The Grande Punto for sale though combines classy style with tried and tested mechanicals to produce an attractive package that will serve you well and cost less than an equivalent VW.
