2012 Fiat Punto 1.4L Petrol · SB61 AAE

The 1.4-litre petrol Punto typically returns around 42-47 mpg in real-world driving, giving reasonable fuel economy for a supermini. Annual fuel costs for a typical commuter covering 8,000 miles would be approximately £1,300-£1,500 at current pump prices. Road tax falls in a low band for this engine size, typically £30-£165 per year depending on the exact CO2 figure, making it inexpensive to tax.

Insurance sits in group 7-10 for this variant, placing it among the cheaper superminis to insure — expect premiums of £400-£700 annually for a typical driver. However, the higher-than-average mileage and recent MOT issues may push premiums slightly higher, and some insurers apply loadings for vehicles with recent failures.

Maintenance costs are the bigger concern here. Budget £400-£700 annually for routine servicing, plus a contingency fund of £500-£1,000 for the structural and mechanical issues likely to emerge on a 14-year-old car with this mileage. Estimated total annual running cost: £1,200-£1,800, which is high for a car of this value. A pre-purchase inspection costing £150-£200 is strongly recommended and could save thousands in missed defects.

Start with a thorough inspection of the sub-frame and surrounding structural areas, particularly the offside front where the September 2025 failure was recorded. Place the car on a ramp if possible and look for rust through the sub-frame mounting points, chassis legs, and suspension turrets — corrosion in these areas can render the car beyond economical repair. Tap the sub-frame with a screwdriver; if it crumbles or shows significant section loss, walk away. Also inspect the nearside rear shock absorber area, as the 2024 test flagged a serious fluid leak there.

Check the engine for the persistent oil leak noted across multiple tests. Inspect the ground beneath the car for fresh oil staining, examine the rocker cover gasket, sump plug, and timing chain cover for seepage. Start the engine from cold and listen for timing chain rattle, which is a known Punto issue. Examine all four tyres carefully — the 2025 test noted mismatched front sizes and perished rears, so budget for a full set (£200-£300) even if the seller claims recent replacements.

Test all electrical functions including the windscreen washer (which failed in 2025), front and rear wipers, and direction indicators — the 2023 test noted a discoloured nearside rear indicator. Inspect the brake discs visually for the wear and pitting noted in 2023, and check for pulsing under braking. Finally, verify that the registration plate is legible and meets legal requirements, as this has been flagged twice.