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-   -   Crafted for a True Fan - ME (My Fiat Punto 1.3MJD 90HP Tuscan Wine) (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-drives-initial-ownership-reports/99932-crafted-true-fan-me-my-fiat-punto-1-3mjd-90hp-tuscan-wine-3.html)

NO!! :D
He has bought it from a dealership in SakiNaka, Mumbai, taking advise from fellow BHPians that Pandit isn't all that good.

And you don't know? B.U. Bhandari now sells VW cars, since last 9 months! The Tata dealership was discontinued. Some say due to extremely negative customer feedback.

@Reinhard: Thanks! Man, this office work is killing me! Dont know whats going on. The pics looked like that of B.U.Bhandari. Thanks for getting it to my attention though. Hell, must have looked like a fool asking him on BUB and Pandit :D.

Not really; it shows how well you focus on road/ traffic while passing that area without looking at the roadside showrooms :)
Just some unsolicited opinion as an observer!!

Hi Sankalp,
Can't believe I missed this out, but many congratulations on your delectable acquisition! I hope she is not giving you any niggling troubles (like my sweetheart).

I am really happy you went all out and got the 90HP model, which I do regret not buying sometimes. But having said that, a Punto is a Punto. She is a delight to drive. I hope to make up for this by going for the Linea T-jet someday! :P

Many many years of unbridled happiness guaranteed! Have fun!

Thanks Sumedh. Yes, I wanted piece-of-mind with my ownership of the Punto and went all out to avoid that lousy dealer in Pune. Did face some hassles getting my loan approved, but all's well that ends well. Would be requiring continous support from Punto experts here on T-BHP as this is my first ownership experience and want to make it a memorable one.

Dude, you rock even if you ask such questions about the wrong dealer. BUB has switched to ze Germans completely now, with MB on one hand and VW on the other. Not much of choice left with me, I chose Mumbai over Pune than choosing 'any-other-car' over Punto. Even I want to upload loads and loads of pics of my beauty, but whatever gadget lover I am, I just can't hold a camera in my hands. My conscience just wouldn't allow me to do so. And, what are better-halfs for anyway? (I sincerely hope she skips reading this part)

Welcome mads2849. I tried to be honest because I don't want people blaming me for giving them wrong advice or false information about such an important decision of their lives. Now that you have made up your mind, just have faith in GOD, Fiat and your banker, and go ahead!

Thanks bluevolt. Have heard that Tata-Fiat has opened a few service centres in Pune and wouldn't mind trying them out, if required. Obviously, shall be keenly following all threads related to Punto servicing, so as to not end up with a miserable experience.

You guessed it right Reinhard. Ferrari it was for me all the way in F1. Have lost touch with F1 lately and free time being a luxury nowadays, no idea if I would ever be able to follow it again.

How's your Vista doing? I went for a Vista TD reading your review and trust me, it was one of the most happening drives of my life. Drove a QJD Vista on the roads of Gurgaon as if I was driving a Ferrari F1 no less.

Thank you Rubbertramps. Those satin ribbons are in my fiancee's custody now. clap:


Good point Balaji.

Thanks Pyrotek. Sorry to hear about your Punto. Wishing you happy miles and smiles with it. I do hope that better sense prevails in Fiat administration in India and they bring out some good quality cars in near future. They need more presence in the lower segment and after what Ford, Honda and Toyota is doing in the hatchback segment, probably they will learn a thing-or-two by launching hatchbacks with 'greater' appeal.

Just crossed the 3000 km mark today on my way from Lokhandwala (Mumbai) to Hinjewadi (Pune). My experience so far -

Had taken the beauty to my home town Surat, over the long weekend. The drive started from Pune on Tuesday late evening as had to finish some project work before I could start. Got really late. Also, Tuesday evening being Eid eve, roads in Mumbai, especially near Andheri Railway Station were jam packed. Took me 1.5 hrs to cross a 1.5 km stretch on S.V.Road, opp. Andheri Railway Station. Left for Surat early morning the next day. Found some traffic due to pathetic road conditions near Virar. The drive from Bhilad check post onwards on NH8 is beyond words to describe. Its just awesome. Took me 6 hours from my home in Lokhandwala, Andheri W to my home in Surat, flat. (287 kms) Road infrastructure in Gujarat is one of the best in the country. Spent a very good time with family for 5 days.

The journey back to Mumbai too was pleasant, until I reached KashiMira. Pathetic road conditions compelled drivers to drive their vehicles through craters. For a few 'hours' it felt as if we were driving on the Moon or Jupiter. Thane municipal corporation is the one to be blamed for senseless waste of millions of litres of fuel everyday. Took nearly 8 hours to reach Lokhandwala from Surat, which had taken only 6 hrs on Tuesday. (287 kms) What a waste!

Drive to Pune is always interesting as one can enjoy the lush green fauna of Lonawala and drive amidst the mist. Reached office in about 4 hours, 30 minutes of which were spent in Hinjewadi, dodging potholes.

So far I have made 4-5 trips to Mumbai and only this time I had drove my car for so long, till Surat. I have always maintained the car at a maximum of 120 kms post 1500 kms and under 3000 rpm. Today, once the odometer crossed 3k, was tempted to check the true power of the famous Multijet engine. After the final toll point, revved the car hard to give it a hint that this is it.

Took the car to top speed of 170 kmph. Found it vibrating/shaking a little as the road was not really smooth and also it was wet due to showers. Hence did not continue at that speed for long but it did prove that Punto CAN BE pushed till 170 with ease. Never during those few minutes did I feel uncomfortable or unsure about the car's road sticking abilities. Punto sticks to the road as if the tires have Fevicol applied on them. lol:

Initially the car did show some harshness, but gradually it seems to be going away. Engine is getting smoother, yet it has not reached the levels of smoothness I am expecting. Gear ratios are really screwed up in the Punto. Fiat should put in some R&D time into developing a perfectly mated gearbox for its powerful engine lineup. Such a beautiful engine, not able to deliver its full potential due to poor gearbox construction, is outright criminal.

My Punto is due for a service now as it has crossed 3000 km mark. Will share my experience soon, post the first service.

Good to hear that you enjoyed your long distance journey with your Italian beauty. She always makes you wish that your destination was that much farther so that you could drive more. stupid:

I completely agree about the gears. In fact, a sixth gear would have been really useful as we unnecessarily have to rev to 3-3.5k for 120-140 km/hr speeds. :deadhorse

Sankalp, great to hear good things about the Punto. Its really heartwarming to know that you are not experiencing any notoriously known niggles and I hope it stays that way for your sake

It is one fine car that some of us are deprived of experiencing due to our not so friendly neighbourhood dealer

I am interested in knowing which green animals you see in Lonavla?!

The engine would become smooth around 6000 km. The gears wont be butter smooth but. Its kinda let down for an engine of this caliber. Be careful while doing high speed specially when the surface is wet.

Hahaha. My bad. It should have been 'flora' and not 'fauna'. I did see a buffalo crossing the express way near last toll-naka, but it was black and not green, for sure! lol:

Thanks for the wishes Bala.