The Fiat Punto II (Type 188), launched for the brand's centenary in 1999, was a pillar of the B-segment in Europe. It introduced the Dualdrive electric power steering with its famous 'City' mode. Restyled in 2003 (Phase 2, with enlarged headlights and new engines like the 1.3 MultiJet and 1.4 16V), it continued its career in some emerging markets under the name Punto Classic or Zastava 10 until 2011. Although very spacious and inexpensive to maintain, it suffers from mediocre overall reliability, plagued by electronic issues, cylinder head gasket weaknesses on entry-level petrol engines, and notoriously fragile power steering. Today, it is a very low-cost used car, whose purchase is only justified by the mechanical simplicity of its basic versions.
The Fiat Punto II (188) is a city car that has aged very poorly. ADAC statistics (6.8 breakdowns/1000) and TÜV (23.5% defects) confirm overall reliability well below average, plagued by fragile electronics and aggressive structural corrosion. Its only real asset today lies in its ridiculously low purchase price and the simplicity of its 1.2 8V FIRE engine. Although the latter chronically suffers from cylinder head gasket and ECU problems, repairs are so inexpensive that they make it an acceptable 'disposable' or emergency car for a DIY enthusiast. Avoid 1.8 HGT versions, neglected diesels (the 1.3 MultiJet accumulates flaws with the EGR and turbo), and any example showing a steering warning light or perforating rust.