The Fiat Punto II (Type 188), launched for the brand's centenary in 1999, was a pillar of the B-segment in Europe. It inaugurated 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 the 1.4 16V), it continued its career in certain emerging markets under the name Punto Classic or Zastava 10 until 2011. Although very roomy and inexpensive to maintain, it suffers from poor overall reliability, plagued by electronic issues, head gasket weaknesses on entry-level petrol engines, and notoriously fragile power steering. Today, it is a very low-cost used car, the purchase of which is only justified by the mechanical simplicity of its base versions.
The Fiat Punto II (188) is a city car that has aged very poorly. The ADAC (6.8 breakdowns/1000) and TÜV (23.5% defect rate) statistics confirm an 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 head gasket and ECU problems, repairs cost so little that they make it an acceptable "disposable" or backup car for a DIY mechanic. Avoid the 1.8 HGT versions, neglected diesels (the 1.3 MultiJet accumulates flaws on the EGR and turbo), and any example showing an illuminated steering warning light or perforating rust.