New Fiat 500 - good or bad?

[Guest]

[Retro To Go]

Been following the return of the Fiat 500 quite closely, not least because we're considering getting one.

Great review of it in the Times at the weekend:
http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/new_car_reviews/article2036127.ece
 - and it's a lot cheaper than a Mini.

Anyone any thoughts?

Oh yes, here's a pic...

[mrsevans101]

If (and that's a big if) I was in the market for a new car then I would definitely consider this. It's cute and quirky and still retains the character of the old cinquecento (more than the new beetle did, I feel) and I really like the roof effect.

[hipshaker]

i think it looks great. obviously along the lines of the beetle and mini. retains enough of the original.

[Retro To Go]

Well, I've registered for a test drive as soon as one hits town. If nothing else, it's worth it to write an article, but if I can avoid buying something else in the meantime (and the clapped out Rover keeps going), probably be a potential buyer.

Saying that, wading through the list of 1,000 accessories seems like a scary prospect.

[Ozzy]

Rather cute. Classic shape.
Cars generally are "mid" size here in Aus, so this micro size vehicle is definately a young birds set of wheels.
I do like the new mini cooper, which is quite masculine for it's size, but far prefer the original 60's ones. This Fiat appears closer to the original.
Fiats have never been popular here in Australia due to a reputation of unreliability.
Then again, Alpha's the same, but they now seem to have their act together.
I just bought the new Subaru Liberty. Real quality car. Reliable, superb lines ("mod" choice rather than the "retro"), & the best resale value of any car in the country. Pricey though, they have a "niche" market here.
 

[afixavec]

looks quite funky -
found this -

We have spent many words around the new Fiat 500: nevertheless, this was a very imporatnt in the history of the Italian car manufacturer.
Now we can add further informations about the awaited official price list, available for the Italian market.


We were all waiting for it, and eventually prices of the new Fiat 500, for the Italian market, are unveiled, and they can be now known by everybody. The official price list starts from 10.500 euros, for the 1.2 litres 69 hp version in the POP livery, which at the moment is not available yet. The Lounge and Sport 1200 cc versions follow, at the price of 12.500 euros each.
The 1.4 litres of 100 hp is the top version, available both in the POP version of 12.500 euros and in the two Lounge and Sport versions of 14.500 euros.


In terms of diesel, the 1.3 Multijet starts from 12.500 euros for the POP version, until 14.500 for the two Lounge and Sport versions

so its not a true 500 cc - and probably not that small either - (like the new mini isnt) ....

[Retro To Go]

True, but that's got to be a good thing. We did ponder a Figaro recently (a glut of them up for sale in Manchester area quite cheap), but they're not ideal for anything apart from pottering around town due to size of engine and lack of gears.

A long motorway stretch would be hell I'm guessing.

[mrsevans101]

Actually, they're fine for the motorway. We troll around in ours at 70 or 80mph no problem, although I do find a leisurely drive more fun these days (gives everyone more time to have a look).

You do have to get a decent one and look after it, though, because it is 16 years old now. Cheap ones aren't worth bothering with.

If you seriously would consider a fig then come to www.autosupplyuk.com and look at what they have for sale and chat to owners on the forum.

[warden]

Well I plan to look at one this weekend and we need a 2nd car.

I suspect we will end up with something more practical, but hey it is worth a look.

Harry

[Retro To Go]

I've gone off the Fiats a bit - think the novelty has faded somewhat...! Saying that, I would consider the electric version at the right price...

[warden]

I thought it was great, but the head room in the back would be an issue, then again we will have kiddy wigs in the back 99% of the time.

Saying that, I did buy a car, but it was not the Fiat. I loved the Fiat but we really needed 5 doors, so I had to walk away.

Harry

[Retro To Go]

Go on then...what did you buy?

[warden]

A none vintage looking, dull but practical Mitsubishi colt.

Told you it was boring

Harry