General Fiat 500 buying advice!

[GP79]

Hi,

I'd be really grateful of a bit of buying advice from anyone who could give me the benefit of their FIAT 500 experience!

My daughter really likes the 500's so we're on the lookout for one.
Budget is about the £5-6k mark.
Age 2016 or newer
Mileage - ideally below 70k

There are plenty on autotrader in that broad category but I can see there are model variants like Pop, Lounge, Cult, Twinair etc..

Any advice on which model variant to look for? For instance, I think the Twinair is supposed to be good/nippy but parts harder to find.

Also, looking for a half decent interior spec so is it worth looking out for one with the 5 inch touch screen or would it be better not to bother and just get an aftermarket touchscreen to use with an iPhone for car play?

Any other advice I'd greatly appreciate!

 

[The Panda Nut]

I like small Fiats including the 500, but... You really are paying for the styling and Pandas are at least as good to drive, more practical and cheaper. I have recently done the buying for both daughters. One wanted a 500 but relented when the prices and milages were revealed agaisnt the Pandas. We bought a 65 Reg 2016 with 17000 miles for £6400 and a 2017 (1 month before the road tax went up) for 7200 with 23K. Both came with full Fiat service history and new battery and new cam belt. Comparable 500s were thousands more or / and with around 70K on the clock. The models Pop, Easy and Lounge are the same as the 500 Lounge being the top spec. Easy has most of the main things on the Panda, air con and central locking and a phone / blutooth set up. Neither of the daughters wanted a Panda but both are now hooked, the younger one is nearly as besotted as me. The more powerful 2 cylinder twin air is not something I would look to for a daughter, as they need looking after with great care. The 1.2 is less demanding. The 1.2 engines need to be revved higher than most cars to get power but its not damaging and they go quite well when asked. Low revs and early gear changes may make the car seem slow. The main issues seem to be with the suspension, rattles and knocks may require repairs. While parts are not excessive there can be a big job afoot from 45K upwards. Squeaking clutch pedals are common due to the clutch slave cylinder getting tired. ALWAYS get a new cam belt fitted unless its evidenced to have been done in the last 18 months. Its expensive but garages can do it at cost so insist. Check the tyres are evenly worn back and front too and if they are unevenly worn, look for another car. If there are any electrical glytches walk away as the 500 does have a habit of wires breaking where the flex going into the tailgate. This is easily fixed but disabling. Check the handbrake travel is not excessive. The self adjusters stick if the drums are not properly cleaned at service. Check the brakes work smoothly too.

The newest Pandas have a phone holder to allow for communication with a smart phone. In my view this is better than built on screens which may become out of date.

After about 30K these cars benefit from a gearbox oil change which seems to make the box much smoother.

All the mechancal parts are the same as Pandas but the 500 is smaller so its less easy to get to some bits. Best of luck in your search.

PS I used CarGurus,com as a good pricing benchmark, and in fact nboth our recent purchases were through adverts thereon.

 

[GP79]

Thanks a lot for taking the time to respond. Much appreciated.

I'll have a look at the pandas although whether I'll win the battle of better value over style I'm not sure is one I'll win!

Thanks again.

 

[rmjbn1]

I would also stick with the simple and reliable 1.2, it's a great little engine.

I would have a look under the rear of the car to make sure the spring pans aren't too rusty. There will be some rust, one is OK, the other isn't:

Also look under the front to make sure the engine oil sump pan isn't leaking (they go porous as they rust).

And make sure the coolant level is not too low.

And avoid DuaLogic.

This might be useful to read for common 500 problems:
https://www.fiatforum.com/guides/fiat-500-things-you-should-check-once-you-get-your-car-home.936/

 

[GP79]

Brilliant. Thanks a lot for this. It's really helpful!

 

[steveras57]

Read my guide as to what common faults to look out for!

 

[varesecrazy]

Read my guide as to what common faults to look out for!

It's got a link above..

 

[varesecrazy]

A word of caution,
Most in that price bracket have an insurance repair marker (Cat S, etc)

I was looking at selling mine, and noticed this.

 

[Dan at Adrian Flux]

Hi.
If you're looking at a previously written off vehicle and have any issues with insurance at all then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.