Fiat 500 - opinions please!

GrammarGirl

I've done a bit of a search of the site but can't find much in way of opinions about the Fiat 500 (if there's a great big long thread dedicated to this car, please feel free to shout at me then point me in the right direction!), so... what do you all think? Any good?

I've done some research, read the reviews (all seem to be good) and looked at the offers dealers currently have on this model. I will be eligible for the scrappage scheme when it hits and so am seriously considering this car. I just have one niggling fear - it's a Fiat! Any help?

eslick

thats my fear as well, its a fiat been thinking of a new car for a while and that keeps putting me off. Autoexpress have just released their yearly survey and worryingly it came 86 out of 100 but then you do see many good reviews.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/

joncarpet

listen to your niggling fear!
Fix It Again Tomorrow

eslick

joncarpet wrote: »

listen to your niggling fear!
Fix It Again Tomorrow

cracking havent heard that before

GrammarGirl

joncarpet wrote: »

listen to your niggling fear!
Fix It Again Tomorrow

AAaah! I know! Such a shame because it's a real bargain with the scrappage scheme and it looks fabulous. Darn!

DCodd

The Fiat 500 is a great LITTLE car but it is small, it shares its platform with the new Ford KA. The 500 is a very traditional small car, it is not the best, it is not the most comfortable and it is not the cheapest as far as running costs but it is fun and agile and economical on fuel.

Fiat has been very proactive over the past year in improving the dealers that sell and provide after sales for their Marques which include Alfa, Lancia etc.

Fiat reliability has come on in leaps and bounds recently with the new engines and the quality of the materials used.

If I was in the market for a new super mini size car I would certainly have the Fiat 500 on the list to try. The Ford KA, Alfa MiTo being two others.

exup

if you ere tempted by the 500 then it is adecent car . but also may want a look at the new Fiat Panda which shares the chassis but is a bit more practical.
I was tempted by the 500 but Im going to wait for the new Topolino to come out next year which is again based on the 500 floorpan - but is rear engined rear wheel drive 900cc twin engined.

GrammarGirl

I guess another issue is the engine size and the fuel economy. I have just moved jobs and now drive about 70 miles a day, mostly motorway. From the reviews I've read, the 500 falls down on motorway driving, so maybe I'm looking at the completely wrong thing? I don't want just a runaround, I want something that will hold up on overtaking and hills as well as something that won't cost me a fortune to run. (Unlike my current 97 Ford Fiesta which is proving to be a nightmare on the motorway, in all possible ways!)

Hintza

I like them I think they are great wee cars. Have a look at the Panda though might be what your looking for?

benchin440

Make yourself a short list and spend a day or two trying them out, it is all personal preference so get behind the wheel and see what YOU think. It is a big purchase so you have to be certain. Have you considered Citroen C1, C2 or C3/Toyota IQ or Aygo etc etc etc, there is a huge choice in this market and nearly all manufacturers will be offering the scrappage allowance.

What car may be able to assist in your search:
http://www.whatcar.com/car-search.aspx

jaydeeuk1

The abarth is a great laugh, had a go in one in Italy, probably the most fun to drive car I've been in.