Tell me about the Fiat 500..

ScoobyDoo69

ScoobyDoo69

ScoobyDoo69

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I am looking to buy one for the wife in around 6 months so I am looking for things to look out for, must have options, niggles etc.

Thanks :)
 
I've got an abarth and have done 20k so far in it from new, no problems at all. I love it though I'm not sure how much help I can provide in offering advice on a non abarth model. What engine were you thinking of getting?
 
1.2l engine is based on the old FIRE block iirc, bombproof for actual engine issues. Get the top spec (Lounge iirc) as that's the only one that's likely to have air con. Avoid the 'Pop' model as it's basically aimed at 17 year old girls with rich daddies who want a new chic car but don't care that is has no options, extras or creature comforts.

I'd get a 1.2l Lounge for whatever budget you've got and enjoy a pretty decent small runabout.
 
rare said:
I've got an abarth and have done 20k so far in it from new, no problems at all. I love it though I'm not sure how much help I can provide in offering advice on a non abarth model. What engine were you thinking of getting?
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Want/Need to see images!

TODAY.
 
Peerzy said:
1.2l engine is based on the old FIRE block iirc, bombproof for actual engine issues. Get the top spec (Lounge iirc) as that's the only one that's likely to have air con. Avoid the 'Pop' model as it's basically aimed at 17 year old girls with rich daddies who want a new chic car but don't care that is has no options, extras or creature comforts.

I'd get a 1.2l Lounge for whatever budget you've got and enjoy a pretty decent small runabout.
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I looked into this when buying my car last year.

Lounge, 1.4, leather, air con, alloys would be on my list.

Check out http://www.fiatdirect.co.uk/Default.aspx for some secondhand ones.
 
I had one as a company hire car - funky interior but apart from that it was dreadful. Saying that, I drove from Plymouth to Lancashire in it so it wasn't the best test but I suppose it could be okay about town.
 
Raymond Lin said:
I looked into this when buying my car last year.

Lounge, 1.4, leather, air con, alloys would be on my list.

Check out http://www.fiatdirect.co.uk/Default.aspx for some secondhand ones.
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I say stick with the 1.2l. It's never going to cause you any problems and both engines are slow.

JRS said:
Indeed it is.

Of course, some folks will try and claim with a straight face that you should buy a rock-hard riding warm hatch instead of a basic-ish 500 simply because of the price. But I say that these people are wrong ;)
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He makes a good point though, the Panda is the 500 without the 'chic' but also without the price premium. If you can get away with getting her a 1.2 Panda it would save you a fair wad and be exactly the same thing. Obviously I doubt you would be able to otherwise sales for 500's wouldn't be so good.
 
Are you looking to buy new or used?

When we were looking for my gf we decided to buy new, they hold their value really well so for a few grand more we could buy brand new and tick a few option boxes.

We have had it since September last year and has been faultless (as you would hopefully expect from a new car!). We went for the lounge and we ticked climate control & sport alloys.

I think it looks really cool, perfect for a woman. It is quite fun to drive however I do find it hard to get comfey in it. Sarah loves it though!
 
My wife test drove both the 1.2 and the 0.9 twinair at w/e. She described the 1.2 as "too slow"; coming from a mazda 5 people carrier thats quite a damning statement. She liked the twinair much more.
 
Have made a few posts on this in the past, the spec list has changed slightly about what is/isn't included in the basic specs from FIAT but the information is pretty much the same. Stop start was introduced in late 2009/2010 I believe.

We bought it new 1st September 2009 for 8700 after the scrappage scheme discount, and sold to a dealer for 7300 around March 2012.

Averaged 43mpg over 13000 miles, apart from fuel cost nothing to run, used no oil. Didn't do enough miles to require replacement of the brakes/tyres.

Faults we had were resolved by FIAT under warranty no problem, washer jets when it froze popped the mist tube out, replaced. B pillar trim had slight paint defect, replaced no problems.

Some ****** crashed into the front corner of it, wing replaced under their insurance for brand new by FIAT and painted, fit and finish as new. Had to push for it to go to FIAT and not their approved bodyshop.

Fine for running around town/shorter trips, we did a few longer journeys in it and it can get tiring on the motorway, noisy cabin and not the most comfortable seats.

The blue & me system works well, but can be hard to hear on the other end if the cars on the motorway due to the cabin noise.

Would probably buy one again for an around town/wife car, perfect for that really, low running costs, good residuals and good looks (subjective really).

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=15708755&postcount=3

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=19195150&postcount=23
 
How much are you looking to spend? I'd be inclined to buy something else to be honest.

You could get a new SEAT Mii / Skoda Citigo / Volkswagen up! instead. Far, far better cars.
 
did most of my driving lessons in one and hated it, just not comfortable and it had to have various electrical components repaired numerous times, I was most relieved when BSM switched back to the corsa, I doubt very much I'd have passed in the fiat!

edit: I'd go as far as saying that my 15 year old micra is more comfortable and reliable than the modern fiat 500
 
I learnt to drive in a 500 two and a bit years ago, and the Mrs is now hankering after one as a more 'sensible' replacement to her Z3.
They're nice enough to drive and I found it fairly pokey for a little 1.2litre engine, but at 6'5 the seating position is like trying to drive on a piano stool. Less of a problem for most people I'd imagine!
 
My wife is 5' and a bit, she really likes the 500 having come from a seicento sport. Both cars were bought new and the seicento lasted 9 years before any major work was required (head).

The highish seat and driving position suit a shorter driver probably 5' 7" or less. I think it is a stylish car and ideal for daily short drives. Not my scene but I like the individuality of it for 9-10k on the road new.
 
rare said:
I've got an abarth and have done 20k so far in it from new, no problems at all. I love it though I'm not sure how much help I can provide in offering advice on a non abarth model. What engine were you thinking of getting?
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I saw you today josh, car is looking good :cool:
 
Cheers mate!:D Where were you?

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Pictures for DAIR (sorry for hijack :/ )
 
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