Fiat 500 - opinions please!

MX5huggy

GrammarGirl wrote: »

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!)

For that much regular M-way driving I would want something at least Fiesta sized (the new Fiesta is a lot better than your current one, some say best in class).

DKLS

As long as you get the Abarth you will be driving heaven, they are a hoot to drive. Even the basic one, if you drive it like all small Italian cars should be driven will be great.

lorielan

Just a shame Abarth is not participating in the scrappage scheme, so I tested and decided to go for the 1.4, I tried it and I have to say never noticed any problem on hills, it is a very nippy car....
and sorry but I can't think of comparing it with a C1???

Inactive

My opinion of the Fiat 500;

Over hyped, over priced piece of Italian made junk, that is destined to fall apart very quickly and when it does, Fiat UK will be of very little help.


First service costs a staggering £350 at a Fiat Dealer.:eek:

If you must buy a Fiat, buy the Panda, at least it has 5 doors and is priced sensibly.

GrammarGirl

Inactive wrote: »

My opinion of the Fiat 500;

Over hyped, over priced piece of Italian made junk, that is destined to fall apart very quickly and when it does, Fiat UK will be of very little help.


First service costs a staggering £350 at a Fiat Dealer.:eek:

If you must buy a Fiat, buy the Panda, at least it has 5 doors and is priced sensibly.

Thanks, this is exactly what I don't want. I'm actually wanting to avoid buying a Fiat, as I'm aware of the reputation they've got (see original post). The 500 seems different though, and the reviews are certainly much more positive. After some more research I've decided I really need to try a few, see how I get on. On my list so far are:

Fiat 500
Ford Fiesta
Suzuki Swift
VW Polo

Any more suggestions?

Inactive

GrammarGirl wrote: »

Fiat 500
Ford Fiesta
Suzuki Swift
VW Polo

Any more suggestions?

Suzuki Swift is the best in that list by a long margin in my opinion.

Hyundai i10 is worthy of considering, 5 year warranty included.

DCodd

GrammarGirl wrote: »

Thanks, this is exactly what I don't want. I'm actually wanting to avoid buying a Fiat, as I'm aware of the reputation they've got (see original post). The 500 seems different though, and the reviews are certainly much more positive. After some more research I've decided I really need to try a few, see how I get on. On my list so far are:

Fiat 500
Ford Fiesta
Suzuki Swift
VW Polo

Any more suggestions?

That size car. Skoda Fabia, Vauxhall Corsa, Mazda 2, Renault Clio, Honda Jazz could be possible adds to the list but the Fiesta is regarded as the best though as has been pointed out previously it is very much a matter of personal taste.

jaydeeuk1

Suzuki swift is supposed to be a good car. Not driven the new polo or fiesta, but the old polo 1.4 I drove on hire once was slower than a !!!!!! sloth and completely dull to drive.

sillygoose

Urgh! Fiat 500 it looks like a silly little retro toaster on wheels, fortunately the OP is female so can get away with it but seeing some bloke driving one of those milk sick off white colour ones is appalling - they look a right ponce.

and Arbarth? thats just the SAME car with harder ride and a tune up for people too embarrassed to admit they drive a FIAT, well your fooling no one in the pub with your Abarth blah blah heritage - its still 99.9% a FIAT mate - it just feels quick because your in a shoddy little toaster and if it hits a pebble in the road you will probably die. Exciting!

To the OP please don't make life hard for yourself buying something thats more about what people think of you than how much confidence you have in just being who you are. Plenty of better cars around, plenty.

cc25

The entry level Mazda 2 is only £8899 on the road, just a little more than the basic Fiat 500 (£8300). However, most people start adding extras to the Fiat 500, which soon pushes the price up. The basic Mazda 2 already has air conditioning included in the price, but this is £500 extra on the Fiat, making the prices virtually identical.

I did have a test drive in a Fiat 500 (1.2 petrol) last weekend. I was a little disappointed (quite noisy, bumpy ride, flimsy feel to gearchange, and a little too slow for me on the open road). I would think the Fiat is a good city car, for shorter journeys.

I have just tried a new Ford Fiesta (similar to Mazda 2) - IMHO much better than the Fiat 500, but it is more expensive.

Mazda have a much better reputation for reliability than does Fiat. I would certainly put a Mazda 2 on your short list.

http://www.mazda.co.uk/showroom/mazda2/overview/