I own a FIAT Punto (Petrol) Emotion pk. MH05AS875. I Bought this car on 31st December ’09. Till date It has run 22349 KMS. I don’t use it everyday. From the day I bought this car I have faced service as well as Car (defects) problems. Before this I used to drive a WagonR for 8 years with 0 problems. In the 3.5 yrs of my Punto almost all major parts except the engine (thankfully) have been replaced. Most of them were in the warranty (2yrs) and then some of them were not covered in the extended warranty (another 2 yrs). That’s the catch, FIAT seems to be covering up all the cost that they have to bear in the warranty period by in the extended warranty time. The spares are expensive and most of the time not available. I can understand if I am a rash driver and hit every pothole or a speed breaker.
But I am not. And even the FIAT service center has appreciated how I have maintained my car. The car had to be towed 4 times, serviced (or just washed??) 10-15 times for various things!!! And it has just done 22349kms!!! Doesn’t it mean the car is fitted with faulty parts??? A bad clutch drums, wheel bearings gone in just first 3 months, ac kit replaced (FIAT recalled the cars), clutch kit gone, blue&me doesn’t work properly, fog lamps circuit faulty, and now the Gear Cable jammed (that’s what the service center says) Not mentioned other small issues here. But what is this?? 6.35 lakhs I paid for this shit??? And FIAT INDIA response has been very cold even after separating with TATA MOTORS. They just don’t care about the customers and I think even their own image in the market. The technicians in the service centers can’t diagnose the problems.
I have experienced this many times. And I not being an auto engineer but an enthusiast have pointed out the real problems. While going for FIAT I had planned to buy Hyundai i20 or a Honda. But looking at the style, comfort and performance and of course the price then I fell for FIAT PUNTO. Biggest mistake of my life. Because What I thought saved by not buying i20 and Honda I have paid FIAT already. And a FIAT has given me enough stress too. Hence, FIAT INDIA I want the car re-examined for all the parts, rechecked by a true technician and fixed without charging me.
FIAT INDIA WAKE UP if you are here to stay and respect your customers or GO BACK.