FIAT Grande Punto 1.4 2009

🚨 What to check before buying

Overall risk score: 10/10

Serious risks

• Turbo failure: Variable geometry turbo can fail — vanes stick due to carbon. Regular driving and oil changes prevent this.
• EGR valve clogging: EGR valve clogs with carbon — standard diesel issue. Cleaning or replacement.
• Oil pump drive chain wear (very high mileage): At very high mileage (200k+), the small oil pump chain can wear. Usually not an issue within normal lifespan.
• Car is 17 years old — expect age-related wear: rubber seals, bushings, water pump, AC compressor
• Higher mileage (200,037 km) — check for timing system condition, turbo health, and suspension wear

Additional notes

• Vehicle is 15+ years old. Age-related issues: rubber seals/hoses degrade, electrical connectors corrode, suspension bushings wear. Not specific to any engine, but expect €500-1,500/year in age-related maintenance beyond normal service items.
• Any car with 200k+ km requires extra scrutiny. At this mileage: suspension components are worn (bushings, ball joints, shocks), seals and gaskets are hardened, electrical connectors corrode, and major components approach end-of-life. For luxury cars (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) the cost of 200k+ km maintenance can exceed the car's value. Always get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) and budget 15-25% of purchase price for immediate maintenance.
• Diesel car from before 2018 with very low mileage suggests city-only use — DPF is likely clogged or has been removed (illegal). Check DPF status and EGR condition.
• Ducato diesel (57 listings, avg 275k km, €7k) — commercial vehicle mileage. 2.3 MultiJet engine is robust but at 275k: injectors need reconditioning (€300-500 each), turbo VGT actuator worn, EGR clogged. Check for: overloading damage (rear springs/axle), bodywork rust, and missing service history.