General Almost ready to buy, please advise...

[defkalion]

Hi everyone,
What a great forum!
I am about to buy a FIAT 500 and would like your help on a few things:
1) I am between the 1.3 MJ II and the twinair. I do around 33000km anually (urban/highway 40:60) and would like to keep costs down. Which one would you suggest? In paper they seem to have about the same consumption, but in reality I tend to believe going through various posts that the diesel is about 1 to 1.5 lt/100km more economical (4.5-5.5 for the diesel, 5.5-6.0 for the twinair). Hence, in the long run the diesel is more suitable for me. Do you guys agree?
2) I've read about a few issues on the diesel DPF. Should I be concerned?
3) I really love the twinair plus interior (previous sport). Is there any way to get the sport edition for the diesel. Is it possible to get the sport seats and steering wheel as parts? Anyone knows how much they would be?
4) I've read at various sites on the internet, that a facelifted 500 is to be launched be July 2012. Is that so? I would be quite disappointed to spend all my money on a model to be changed in just a few months? Anyone got any 'inside' info if that's the case?
5) Is the stereo upgrade and the bi-xenon's worth the money?
Thanks all, any replies would be greatly appreciated.

 

[FloJo]

4) I've read at various sites on the internet, that a facelifted 500 is to be launched be July 2012. Is that so? I would be quite disappointed to spend all my money on a model to be changed in just a few months? Anyone got any 'inside' info if that's the case?

You could apply this to anything these days really - technology is an example i.e. people I know are dithering between getting an iPad2 now or holding off for the iPad3 or some other tablet.
Any facelift will no doubt involve another price hike - I'd just go for it now and enjoy your car and don't worry about what may or may not happen in the future Everything changes in the end!

 

[TwinAir Newbie]

Don't believe the official fuel consumption figures for the Twin Air- you will be extremely unlikely to match them.

 

[ahmett]

Hello, given that petrol is 1.65 euros in Athens and Diesel about 1.45 Euros, for your amount of mileage the Fiat Diesel will be much cheaper and more powerful as it is 95 hp compared to 85 of the twinair! So no comparison on which one would be the better value in the long run.

The updated stereo is very good if you like listening to tunes and the bi xenons, well if you only drive in athens there is no need but if you go out of town at night definately worth it.


I have no news of the facelifted 500, anyone?

 

[RobinPJ]

1) I am between the 1.3 MJ II and the twinair. I do around 33000km anually (urban/highway 40:60) and would like to keep costs down. Which one would you suggest? In paper they seem to have about the same consumption, but in reality I tend to believe going through various posts that the diesel is about 1 to 1.5 lt/100km more economical (4.5-5.5 for the diesel, 5.5-6.0 for the twinair). Hence, in the long run the diesel is more suitable for me. Do you guys agree?

Yes, agree that for your mileage (kilometreage?) you will be better off with the diesel - by a long way.

2) I've read about a few issues on the diesel DPF. Should I be concerned?

Not with the distances you are doing outside town.

3) I really love the twinair plus interior (previous sport). Is there any way to get the sport edition for the diesel. Is it possible to get the sport seats and steering wheel as parts? Anyone knows how much they would be?

No idea - worth keeping an eye on ebay as they do come up.

4) I've read at various sites on the internet, that a facelifted 500 is to be launched be July 2012. Is that so? I would be quite disappointed to spend all my money on a model to be changed in just a few months? Anyone got any 'inside' info if that's the case?

Not heard anything. A minor facelift seems likely by then, possibly to incorporate some US market "upgrades" (like a proper closing glove box).

5) Is the stereo upgrade and the bi-xenon's worth the money?

No experience so I cannot say, but if you don't do much driving at night on unlit roads then the xenons are obviously a bit of a luxury you don't need.

 

[RobinPJ]

Oh, just to add one more thing, which does not relate to your questions at all.

I have never driven the diesel, so I could not make a valid comparison between it and the TA so far as enjoyment is concerned. (Others have - notably Grimwau). However, I would say this: I ordered our 1.2 when the TA had been announced, but no one had yet driven it, and no prices were known. I thought it would be "premium priced", and the savings on fuel over a 1.2 would not be worthwhile. When the TA was launched and almost everyone found the real world economy figures to be quite a long way from the claimed figures, I was very relieved with my choice.

And then I drove a Twinair.

OMG. I loved it. I mean, loved it.

I think the TA is just brilliant. Chirpy, characterful, squirty, naughty fun, with a fabulous soundtrack, and the ability to be sensible if you need to.

So all I would say is be sure to drive both before you decide, as your heart may have something to say as well as your head.

 

[pearce_jj]

Definitely a test drive is essential in the twin air, and try it cruising as well as blasting

 

[defkalion]

Thanks everybody for your valuable help in making up my mind.
I took the plunge today and placed my order for the 1.3 MJ II with quite a few options (I must admit, I just couldn't resist). So now the clock is ticking... and my anticipation is so great that it's ticking slow! I hope I'll have it in about 2 months time - before Christmas hopefully!