General 500 in South Africa

[frupi]

Having just returned from South Africa after three weeks away, I noted by its absence, that the 500 appears to be a rare little beast there. I drove the 700 miles (in shifts with my Dad) from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth in 12 hours and I did not see a single 500. Indeed throughout my stay I only saw five 500’s. I haven’t read any forum contributors from South Africa as yet, so it would be nice to hear from any out there who might be reading this and can shed some light as to its popularity there.

 

[SA500]

Hi there. I am from South Africa . The 500 is very scarce here because it's not one of the trusted brands and also they are rather expensive compared to other rivals. Anyway I just test drove one and I'm getting one next week.

 

[frupi]

SA500, Hi there!

I did wonder why I saw so few on my last visit. A couple in Uitenhage and the the other three in PE. I did have my beady eyes open all the way from Joburg to Uitenhage, but not a single one, even getting out of the bedlam of the airport!

I wasn't actually aware that Fiat weren't one of the 'trusted' brands in SA, but then I suppose when you have the likes of Ford, BMW, Toyota and VW with huge plants down there, they will likely be the dominant market leaders. I suppose also, the few 500's that are down there, have had to make one hell of a journey from Poland, so I suppose they will have a slightly higher mark up.

Anyway, glad to have someone from the southern hemisphere contributing and I hope you enjoy your new 500 when it arrives.

 

[SA500]

SA500, Hi there!

I did wonder why I saw so few on my last visit. A couple in Uitenhage and the the other three in PE. I did have my beady eyes open all the way from Joburg to Uitenhage, but not a single one, even getting out of the bedlam of the airport!

I wasn't actually aware that Fiat weren't one of the 'trusted' brands in SA, but then I suppose when you have the likes of Ford, BMW, Toyota and VW with huge plants down there, they will likely be the dominant market leaders. I suppose also, the few 500's that are down there, have had to make one hell of a journey from Poland, so I suppose they will have a slightly higher mark up.

Anyway, glad to have someone from the southern hemisphere contributing and I hope you enjoy your new 500 when it arrives.

Yes Fiat has had a bad reputation for reliability here but they are improving a lot. The 500 here is marketed more as a "special" car rather than a mass market car. If that makes any sense

 

[frupi]

Yes I do see what you mean. I suppose the 500 will also have more appeal in the city environments like Durban, Cape Town etc, rather than in the rural areas. Let's face it, it can be a long drive between places in SA and I know I'd rather be in something a little bigger and more comfortable!

Anyway, you're burning the midnight oil down there aren't you? I will never understand why you guys won't change to daylight saving!