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 and found it a struggle for ... ...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 ...
Andmc136 12.02.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Fiat 500 1.2
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
Advantages: cute, small, rare, noddy's company car Disadvantages: not good 4 long journeys
hese are cracking little cars with bags of character. They're slow as hell, so don't expect to go anywhere quick - average speed in hilly surroundings is 30mph, flat out is about 55mph (with a tail wind) and you have to stop every 80 miles or so to give the little air-cooled engine a breather.
That said, we drove ours from Milan to London in 4 days without any dramas. It's comfortable enough, surprisingly roomy, the engine has a pleasant two cylinder ... ...boat engine, so isn't hard on the ears.
And most importantly this car is the cutest thing on four wheels! We originally bought it to sell on at a profit (our €2,000 would have converted into about £3,500!) but it was so much fun we kept it. It's such a head turner. We drive it around London sometimes and people go mad for it. It's so funny. God knows how many photos we're in without even knowing it.
Anyway, economical, fun, cheap (ish) to maintain ...
appip 02.03.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Fiat 500 1.2
Advantages: It's modern, great on petrol, smooth, great choice of colours for car and steering wheel. Disadvantages: the USB port was a bit dissapointing because it does not recognise ipods only MP3
I bought my Fiat 500 Lounge in March and I couldn't be happier with it. mine is a very girly car in my opinion but Fiat do have some added options to make the car look more sporty ie outside interior sport designs. I guess also it depends on what colour you get. Mine is Funk White which is a very female/neutral colour, but the red and yellow colours are very sporty and I would say more masculine. I chose the Car from the look and bein a girl that's ... ...However I travel alot for work related reasons and soon worried that because of the small engine I would be struggling to bom it up and down the motorway and it would soak up petrol and cost me a fortune. Personally I find it to be a perfect, relaxing car to take on the motorway and whilst I can't push it too much, it's been nothing but great for me. And I have been so far very pleased with the consumption of petrol on long journeys. And driving ...
Denners83 11.09.2009
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Fiat 500 1.2
ABS Brakes, Air Conditioning, Alarm Fitted, Alloy Wheels, CD Player, Electric Windows, ... more
Front fog lights, Immobiliser, Metallic paint, Power Fold Mirrors, Multiple Airbags, Power Steering, Sports Seats, Trip Computer, Remote Central Locking
ABS Brakes, Air Conditioning, Alarm Fitted, Alloy Wheels, CD Player, Electric Windows, ... more
Front fog lights, Half Leather Trim, Immobiliser, Metallic paint, Power Fold Mirrors, Multiple Airbags, Power Steering, Sports Seats, Trip Computer, Rem..and more
ABS Brakes, Air Conditioning, Alloy Wheels, CD Player, Central Locking, Diesel, Drivers ... more
Airbag, Electric Windows, Front fog lights, Full Service History, Half Leather Trim, Immobiliser, Multiple Airbags, Power Steering, Single CD Player, S..and more