I bought my 1972 Fiat 500 two years ago for £425. It was advertised as a non-running project, but the car was right hand drive and 100% original, which makes it quite rare as a large number of left hand drive models have been imported from Italy over the years.
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Advantages: Fun, Inexpensive, head-turning Disadvantages: Slow, Noisy, Hard to find in UK
I bought my 1972 Fiat 500 two years ago for £425. It was advertised as a non-running project, but the car was right hand drive and 100% original, which makes it quite rare as a large number of left hand drive models have been imported from Italy over the years.
If you are still wondering what on earth a Fiat 500 is, take a look at the original 'Italian Job' film, it's jam-packed with them.
Having owned a newer Fiat 127 ... ...had engine-transplants, often with air-cooled Fiat 126's. This gives a little more power, a higher top speed, and, if the gearbox has also been swapped, a much easier ride around town as 126 gearboxes had synchromesh on all but first gear.
The engines are very economical and hard wearing, so long as you can resist the temptation to drive flat-out all the time, but unless the car has been specially modified you should use a fuel additive ... more
I bought my 1972 Fiat 500 two years ago for £425. It was advertised as a non-running project, but the car was right hand drive and 100% original, which makes it quite rare as a large number of left hand drive models have been imported from Italy over the years.
If you are still wondering what on earth a Fiat 500 is, take a look at the original 'Italian Job' film, it's jam-packed with them.
Having owned a newer Fiat 127 and found it a struggle for parts I was really worried about what I was letting myself in for. Surprisingly there are a number of places who still distribute parts for these little motors, often quite cheaply. A simple internet search usually brings up a collection of bargains and contacts with people who are usually only too happy to help you.
If you can get an un-modified 500, you should find that the tiny 2-cylinder aircooled engine is both reliable and responsive, though with an all-out top speed of around 60mph and an old-fashoned gearbox it wont win any speed records.
For this reason, you will find a number of these cars have had engine-transplants, often with air-cooled Fiat 126's. This gives a little more power, a higher top speed, and, if the gearbox has also been swapped, a much easier ride around town as 126 gearboxes had synchromesh on all but first gear.
The engines are very economical and hard wearing, so long as you can resist the temptation to drive flat-out all the time, but unless the car has been specially modified you should use a fuel additive with unleaded petrol.
I cant really say much on the safety aspect of these cars - being a very small classic car with the engine in the rear I certainly wouldnt think it would hold up very well in any kind of collision, most models have front seat belts though, and to be fair, Fiat did add numberous other safety features from time to time, just remember they were designed long before air bags came out!
The interior is spartan, with vinyl covered seats and fitted carpets on the 'L' models. Beware of split upholstry and broken switches on the dashboard - it can be difficult to get replacements that match.
Visibility is superb, but you can feel quite vulnerable in heavy traffic as the car feels very low.
The handling is also superb for a car of its age and price, beware of the drum brakes if you drive like a demon as they suffer from 'brake fade' with repeated heavy use.
On ice the car can behave in unexpected ways - being rear-wheel drive and having most of the weight at the back means you get lots of traction, but cornering can be very exciting if you get it 'a bit wrong'
In summer the huge fabric sunroof provides excellent ventilation and great views, if you dare to drive in winter then make sure the heating system is working - it relies on 'wafting' cooling air from around the engine up the central floor-tunnel to vents in the dashboard. Any air leaks and it just doesnt work!
Check check check the body for rust / filler. When these cars came out they were the cheapest 'proper cars' you could buy, so many were neglected or bodged at some time.
Sills and wheelarches can be replaced with new(at a price) as can most of the front of the car, thanks to its simple construction but if there is serious rust in the floorpan then I would walk away.
If you want to drive a classic car on a budget, and you arent in too much of a hurry, then its definately worth a look-in.
Advantages: small, economical, nippy, looks cool Disadvantages: no fifth seat
I bought a new style fiat 500 in January 08. I loved the idea of being able to customise my own car - fiat had so many different options for colours/interiors/decorations. HOwever, on looking at the small print, it was clear that a lot of the add-ons are unnecessarily expensive, so I ended up goin for quite a basic model - the 1.2litre pop.
I've been overjoyed with my car since I got it - the fuel consumption is excellent: I can average 48mpg in ... ...it's so small it's really nippy, perfect for difficult corners and tight parking spaces. However I often call my car the tardis, as despite it's small exterior size, with the back seat down it's HUGE inside! I have been on a two week camping trip, moved house, and bought a variety of furniture, all of which has fitted in the back of the car. If you push the passenger seat right forward you can even fit a full size bike in without taking it apart. ...
angeldustpv 04.03.2009
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Fiat 500 1.2
Advantages: Compact, stylish, great performance and economical Disadvantages: Recall issues
The new Fiat 500, in my opinion is the best small car out there. Its small, sassy, economical, and a delight to drive.
We purchased this car last year, and have been absolutely delighted with it. While it seems all the other car makers were going for economy and size, Fiat did this with the 500 but also built in a great retro style interior. The available optional extras just complement its overall style. When our friends and family see the car ... ...one bad issue with the Fiat 500, we have found Fiat keep on contacting us for recall issues. These are all handled well by our nearest Fiat dealership, but is still annoying, Fiat should compensate for this problem, say a free service ?.
The boot we found was large enough for a medium size buggy, this is a problem for all mini cars. However do check your belongings fit these boots.
We are as you can read, delighted with the Fiat500, and would recommend ...
lienad40 08.09.2009
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Fiat 500 1.2
Advantages: Excellent value for money, really cool retro looks, tons of options Disadvantages: High ride position, gear change a bit notchy, limited rear space
...haved owned my new 2008 Fiat 500 now for one month and it's adoreable! It's the first Fiat in years - actually, make that ever, that I've really liked the looks of. It is a head turner. The dash is one of the car's most unique points. Interior and exterior styling is fantastic and there are tons and tons of options to go for. Alloys are a must, but stick to the smaller ones for better handling.
Okay, economy wise it's fantastic. Mine is a 1.2 petrol ... ...I do stick it in 5th gear whenever I can to go easy on petrol). On the runs I've had out of town it's returned about 55 mpg. Tax is lowest band. Insurance is really low. Performance is fine for engine size, but not quick. Ideal for town or city driving.
The car got a 5 star NCAP rating, which is excellent for it's size.
Gear change is one of my gripes, could be more refined. Also steering wheel makes a subtle, but annoying, ratchet type noise when ...
superstarwull 28.11.2008
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Fiat 500 1.2
Advantages: Fun, Funky, Cheap and Easy to Drive! Disadvantages: Small Boot
...I have had the new Fiat 500 since it first came out, and it is the best thing EVER! I am a busy mum of two young children, and they also love my car, All their friends at school consider me to be 'way cool' - which believe me, in the world of 5 and 6 years, is a big deal! I admit I am a rubbish parker, but somehow this car seems to be magic, and allows me to park in the smallest of gaps, and it is soooo easy! Its very cheap to run, very, very cheap ...
Flossy29 19.01.2009
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Fiat 500 1.2
Advantages: Cute design, good on fuel, lots of features Disadvantages: None
I bought a Fiat 500 1.4 Lounge in Cha Cha Azure (baby blue) just over a year ago and I can genuinely say I love it more than any other car I may have had. Its small, cute and quite nippy. Definately appears to be a girly car but due to its high spec is still admired by men. So far not had too many problems with it, the computer went slightly crazy and wouldnt find media files etc but took it to the garage and within minutes of the system being updated ... ...an old classic with a few new high tech options such as media slot (great for plugging a memory card in to play all music off) bluetooth, voice recognition which responds to commands to use bluetooth play media. Overall an amazing car that I love to pieces and would 100% reccommend to anyone wanting a new car! ...
cocopop1509 31.05.2009
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Fiat 500 1.2
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Advantages: personality,reliabilty,quality,space,interior,fun factor Disadvantages: 1.2 engine not in £35.00 tax bracket,poor seat material
there too.
storage is good and there are three cupholders(one rear and two front)
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ten-david 06.05.2008 (07.05.2008)
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