I bought a 99 model Uno at a price lesser than that of a maruti 800. With increasing emphasis on palio and sienna, parts are quite easily available. As soon as I bought the vehicle, I drove over 3500 Kms across south India. The drive was beautiful. It gave me a mileage of 17 without the AC and the performance was top class. The ride quality is that of an esteem at the price of an 800. I would not suggest the diesel variant because it gives more problems if it is more that 3 years old.
The whole decision tilted towards UNO when I evaluated my needs from the car. I wanted a powerful car, lots of space as I travel very frequently, did not want a big car as they are unwieldy in Mumbai, budget was about 1.5 lacs and wanted a finance also. Only the UNO fitted in all these criteria. After a lot of research I arrived at the conclusion that I needed an UNO later that Dec 98 ( carburettor was changed ) and preferred it as the fiat service is very good in Mumbai.. But during my travel through nagpur, Goa, Bangalore and Mangalore, I found that the service had improved in these cities as well and I could get basic parts replacement even in Goa.
For people who do not wish to buy an 800, UNO is a wonderful option.
Update on my UNO ( 28 Nov 03 )
The car has done 60, 000 km and has been mostly on the highway. I have driven the car to interiors of Tamilnadu, Karnataka, kerala, Maharashtra, Andhrapradesh and Madhya paradesh. I have never faced a problem with my UNO. The car gives me a consistent mileage of 18.5 kmpl on the highway and 14.5kmpl in the city. I am having some problems with the front wheels, which need a change of the bearings and this is recommeded at 57, 500 km by FIAT. I had a lot of ’anxiety’ on the valiablity of spare parts, but those were not true. I have found the cost of servicing never more that Rs. 800 and all parts are similar to zen parts in price.
The best part about the Uno is the interior space. In all my drives, I sleep in the car and There ie enough room after your fold the rear seat !!! I have come to know that Fiat has slashed prices for the new petrol UNO and I feel that it is way ahead of the 800 and zen in terms of performance. If you want a good car and plan to stay with it for 5 years, Uno will not have you disappointed.