General 500 build quality after a couple of years?

[Ktbell]

I am currently trying to choose a new car and am only interested in the very cute 500 or the Mini Cooper.

I originally test drove the 1.4 16v expecting it to go like a rocket but was disappointed (does anyone have an opinion on whether the 1.2 or 1.4 feels nippier around town?). More than that, the dealer had not prepared the test drive car and lots of bits of interior were falling off - would have dismissed the 500 altogether after that test drive - but it is so cute....

Please can owners who have had their cars for a couple of years comment on whether the build quality stands the test of time?

By the way, I also test drove the Arbarth at another dealership and although it was faster, it was much too noisy on the motorway (the salesman suggested turning the radio up!)

Thanks -

 

[SiliconS]

We've had our 500 for nine months and it still has no rattles, squeaks, unpleasant noises or loose bits. In fact, apart from the hardness of the interior plastics it feels very well put together indeed. The MINIs we looked at felt a bit more 'premium' inside, but they were significantly more expensive.

They are sensitive to the larger wheels. We replaced the standard 15" alloys with some gorgeous 16" ones and the road noise was noticeably louder. It's the same on my Audi though, which has 19" wheels and is rumbly on some road surfaces, so this isn't just a problem for the 500.

Our 1.2 is fun to drive because it's so light and nimble but rapid it is not. It's a gutsy engine though and is quicker than I'd expect it to be for 1.2 litres and 50mpg. As our engine gets up towards 9000 miles it does seem to have more torque than it did when brand new. A friend who drove it back to back with a diesel MINI Cooper said he would miss the pull of the diesel, but the 500 felt like more fun.

Hope that helps.

 

[ahmett]

The 1.4 feels slow because it is an engine that you have to work very hard. Try it when it is screaming at 4,000-7,000 rpm. Do not be scared of passing the so called fake red line at 6,000 the rev limiter only kicks in above 7,000! ( I do not know why fiat made the red line so conservative for the 1.4, my guess is that it is the same line as the 1.2 and twinair (at 6000 rpm) so i just think they made the dashboard compatible to both 1.2 , twinair and 1.4 to cut costs! max power is at 6000 though)

When I first got in the Fiat 500 1.4 I wondered if they cheated me and gave me a 1.2 instead!
The 1.2 is a more relaxed engine lower down with more power at low revs but then the power just reaches a plateau and you are begging for more power that will never come = )

The Mini Cooper may be a better built and faster car but it is so much more expensive that I do not think it is worth it. The only Mini Cooper I would get is the Mini Cooper S and thats like 23,000 pounds with extras making it almost 10,000 more than the Fiat 500! The Fiat 500 is cuter for sure. The Fiat 500's build quality is excellent, you can see it from the older Fiat Panda which is a very similar car and I have not heard any scare stories regarding this car.

For the town I think my 1.4 Fiat 500 is plenty fast enough and after 30,000 km I am as happy with it as the first day I bought it, if not more!

 

[Benis]

Well, I've owned a Mini Cooper S (R56, second gen.) and now I got a Fiat 500 Sport (1.3 MJT2, 95 hp, 2010) and the built quality is the same. Got some small things on my Mini Cooper S and I got some small things on my Fiat 500. And I got the same amount of things on a Volvo S40 that I'd for a couple of years ago.

So, I would say that the Fiat 500 has a standard built quality and is fun to drive. I got the 95 hp (and going to tune it to 115 hp) and it got some real power and I can keep up with bigger cars on the highway.

I drove the 1.2 petrol engine and I think it is to boring and slow. But, the car before was the Mini Cooper S so maybe not fair to compare. The 95hp diesel is better choice if you ask me. Check on mobile.de, I bought mine for 13 000 euro when it was 9 months old and 16000 km.

 

[RobinPJ]

This is a Fiat enthusiasts' site so you are not going to get a totally unbiased opinion, and there is a thread you can read where people list their length of ownership and "issues" - only I can't find it! Michael - over to you...

I suspect, however, that if 500 owners took off their rose tinted spectacles they would accept that a 500 is probably more likely to have a bit fall off before a MINI does, particularly if you do not look after it well. And if you do need to go to the dealers, you may not get quite the asre-licking that you would get (and pay for) care of BMW.

However, I suspect that the difference is not that great, and is easily made up for by the cost saving. You could have several very nice holidays for the money you will save buying a 500 over a MINI, which should make up for the hassle of replacing a brether pipe that fails, for example.

Anyway, just my thoughts...

 

[Engineered]

I can't yet speak of the build quality of the 500 yet (we're picking up my wife's new TwinAir this weekend).
However, I bought a Panda Active in 2006 as a general family "pool" car for the kids to learn to drive in and use thereafter. This Panda (1100cc) has now 60k on the odometer and has been used (abused?) to teach three teenage boys to drive - and used (doubly abused, no doubt) by them since. Camping trips with mates, university runs, drum kit to gigs, and I fear - when I'm not around - rev-limiter gear changing, keeping up with their mates.

Why I'm delighted to buy a 500 for the missus...

Apart from servicing and servicing items, the Panda has had no other work done at all - original clutch, dampers, exhaust, etc, etc and it still "scrubs-up" well inside (shame about all the little bumps and scratches outside).
I run Mercedes myself, and most services involve muiltiple (expensive) additional items - I even had a rear spring break (at 28k miles)!.
By contrast, the Panda has been superb and cheap to run, and I firmly believe our new 500 should prove the same.

Our 500 - Lounge TwinAir Dualogic in in Volare Blue with the better alloys.

I've read a lot about fuel consumption - and not being able to match the official figures - who cares? If nobody had read claims of 70mpg, they wouldn't be disappointed with 40 odd out of such a car.
Fiat have pulled off a real coup - managing to get a lively "fun" car through the official tests with a result to low that there's zero road tax and congestion charge.
They've beaten the system!!!
Can't wait 'till Saturday!

 

[TrevC]

Only had my TA for 6 months, but nothing's gone wrong so far. I was encouraged by Engineered's summary above. Regarding the Mini comparison, my previous car was an 04 reg R50 Cooper, which had done about 50,000 miles when I sold it. A brilliant drive, but very firm ride. It did feel a bit more "premium" than the 500, but I did have the following faults in the 2 years I had it: Rear gas struts needed replacing, headlight adjuster failed, electric window failed, engine mount needed replacing, washer bottle leaked. I don't think you can tell how well built or designed a car is by the thickness of the carpet or the quality of the plastic trim.

 

[Super Uwe]

I am currently trying to choose a new car and am only interested in the very cute 500 or the Mini Cooper.

I originally test drove the 1.4 16v expecting it to go like a rocket but was disappointed (does anyone have an opinion on whether the 1.2 or 1.4 feels nippier around town?). More than that, the dealer had not prepared the test drive car and lots of bits of interior were falling off - would have dismissed the 500 altogether after that test drive - but it is so cute....

Please can owners who have had their cars for a couple of years comment on whether the build quality stands the test of time?

By the way, I also test drove the Arbarth at another dealership and although it was faster, it was much too noisy on the motorway (the salesman suggested turning the radio up!)

Thanks -

Welcome to the forum!

Re the highlighted part - although I've never driven a 1.4 500, those ITK on here have regularly confirmed that the turning circle in a 1.2 is much smaller. As a result, if you are nipping in and out of traffic, tight corners/spaces etc then I reckon the 1.2 may well be nippier.

As for the interior bits falling off on your test drive, good effort by the dealer...not!. Anyway, the quality of the plastics (e.g. cup holders, seat levers etc) is not brilliant but everything feels solid enough.

What is good about the new models post 2010 is the improved suspension with the anti-roll bar. This certainly helps to make it feel more solid (have experience of driving both types).

 

[FloJo]

Hi, I'm going to pop in and ask if you've considered the twin air engine as well as the 1.2 and 1.4. I had a 1.4 lupo and the twin air lounge I've got now is certainly as, if not more nippy than my old car! I found the 1.2 fine for in town driving but it was sluggish [to me] if you like to pull away quickly from roundabouts etc on duel carriageway and going up hills and keeping your speed going.

I've never driven a mini so can't comment on that I'm afraid. Inside it feels more tinny (if that makes sense) than my lupo did, but I do love it - the glass roof is fantastic - and I'm prepared to overlook a few niggles for such a cute and quirky little car

 

[Funky Spike]

I've had my 1.2 Lounge for just over 2 years and covered 23k miles. Not long after I bought the car I moved to a house with a very long (200 meters) unmade drive. I really thought it'd be a matter of weeks before things started to fall off and break but two years on and it is remarkably rattle free and nothing has fallen off.
There are a few well documented issues with some parts, nothing serious, I found this forum when researching any possible issues before purchase. If there is one weak link it appears to be some of the dealers, I chose to purchase some way from where I live despite having two very large dealers nearer to my town who I felt were somewhat lacking in the customer care department.

Spike

 

[arthur daley]

Please can owners who have had their cars for a couple of years comment on whether the build quality stands the test of time?

OK will do, pm me 06/09/2013

 

[Suasexed]

I've had my 500 3 and a half years and it's now done over 35k miles and I haven't had a single problem. No rattles, no scuffs on the dashboard, all upholstery looks brand new. It's been a superb car and would recommend one to anyone. Completely reliable and superbly put together!

 

[cjc156]

Ours came in January this year. No issues really, except after the recall, it had to go back twice, once to have the flashing mileage re-set and the other time the AA came and fixed a loose hose. It has developed a bit of a rattle on the drivers side door, although it is only of notice going over speed bumps. BTW when mine was in for the recall I drove the TA and 1.4 back to back, and have to say I found the 1.4 hugely frustrating.

 

[Littala]

I'm on my 2nd Fiat 500 1.4 Sport. My 1st one was a 2008 1.4 Sport, bought brand new, and I part-exchanged that for another brand new 1.4 Sport, which arrived in April this year.

On my first 500, I had to have the driver's seat leather base replaced after 2 years, as it stared going slightly wrinkly and the rear boot badge changed after a year or so as it got condensation on it, plus two of the centre caps flaked a bit after the last harsh winter, and a squeaky brake issue for a few weeks. All of these issues were sorted under warranty. Other than that, the build quality and reliability were fine, ie nothing I would consider as a major issue.

 

[loveshandbags]

I am currently trying to choose a new car and am only interested in the very cute 500 or the Mini Cooper.

I originally test drove the 1.4 16v expecting it to go like a rocket but was disappointed (does anyone have an opinion on whether the 1.2 or 1.4 feels nippier around town?). More than that, the dealer had not prepared the test drive car and lots of bits of interior were falling off - would have dismissed the 500 altogether after that test drive - but it is so cute....

Please can owners who have had their cars for a couple of years comment on whether the build quality stands the test of time?

By the way, I also test drove the Arbarth at another dealership and although it was faster, it was much too noisy on the motorway (the salesman suggested turning the radio up!)

Thanks -

Summarising - the 1.2 (perfectly adequate but an 'old design' but works perfectly ), 1.4 16V (would not buy new since it should be out there now with the new Multi-air - I have a Euro 4 16V), Twin Air (sparky little engine, very up-to-date design but don't be expecting economy if you hard on the right foot) & the Multi-jet - pricey and you would need to be doing at least 15K a year to justify it. You mentioned that the Abarth 500 was noisy on the motorway - what was the nature of the noise - was it the tyres, the engine or was it the 'overall package' ?
Could you give us some of idea as to the kind of use you will be putting the car to ? Since you drove the A500 I get the impression that you are looking for a bit of performance ?
The MINI - excellent car - but did not do it for me. I was recently tempted to look at a very resonably priced Copper S (with the turbo) and I was sorely disappointed. If you have the funds for a well specified Twin Air you'll find that a A500 is not that much dearer if you can afford the extra running costs (e.g. servicing, insurance, etc.).
For me after having 2 500s (haven't done that much mileage) nothing has gone wrong expect the rears discs on the 1.4 has the 'sticky caliper problem - good clean sorts that out', 1.4 a bit thirsty but OK and I have the odd little rattle but the '07 Cooper S had a lot of them ! The shocks are 'not up to much' and on the A500 you may have to replace them with the Koni FSD (only ones that don't affect the warranty).
Good luck with the hunting and take you time on finding the right one. Changing model or car can be an expensive business if you get the wrong one !

 

[ahmett]

have to say I found the 1.4 hugely frustrating.

Why do you say that?

(nothing wrong with opinions of course I was just wondering why?)

I find it a very rewarding engine! Of course, it does not suit a lazy driving style = )

 

[cjc156]

Why do you say that?

(nothing wrong with opinions of course I was just wondering why?)

I find it a very rewarding engine! Of course, it does not suit a lazy driving style = )

The journey from the dealers to my house is a set of winding rounds, hills and corners. The car was not responsive enough in my opinion and I think coupled with the large wheels it felt out of its depth in that kind of environment. It just didnt seem to flow like the TA. Sorry!

 

[ahmett]

I see what you mean!
Downshifting to 2nd and 1st gear to get some power in the bends does not float everyones boat!

 

[Ktbell]

Wow! As a brand new user of the forum I was so impressed with the helpful and detailed responses everyone has spent their time writing for me.

I will definitely go back and test drive the 1.2, 1.4 and TA again and consider all your helpful replies - but will find a good dealership to do it at!

Many thanks to all -

 

[SiliconS]

I worried about the performance of the 1.2 before we bought ours. I'm used to the grunt of a hefty diesel at low revs and so I drove the 500 in the same way on the test drives but was disappointed because it felt sluggish.
Later, I read something on this forum about revving the 1.2 to get to the power band, and went back for another test drive. It's absolutely right - get the rev counter pointing upwards and the engine comes alive. The TA and 1.4 may well be the same so don't be shy of the red line when you're on your test drives. Revving the engine is part of the character of driving a small Italian car with a little engine. James May made the same point during his test-drive of the diesel 500.

I hope you like the 500 because I think ours is a great car.