500 Abarth - 6/7k budget...good/bad idea?
Discussion
Looking to replace my wife's Leon 184 FR in a couple of months when the lease is up. As we're in the process of looking for a new house I would like to reduce my monthly outgoings hence looking to buy something cheap-ish but still nice. She's keen on an Abarth and I think they look like pretty good fun.
Can you buy a decent example at £6-7k? I've done some research, there seems to be some high milers out there, but also some quite low mileage/tidy cars in this bracket. Are there any must have options? The leather/xenons/graphics/climate control seem like must haves. Any serious issues to look out for? From what I read they seem pretty sturdy/reliable.
Cheers.
Can you buy a decent example at £6-7k? I've done some research, there seems to be some high milers out there, but also some quite low mileage/tidy cars in this bracket. Are there any must have options? The leather/xenons/graphics/climate control seem like must haves. Any serious issues to look out for? From what I read they seem pretty sturdy/reliable.
Cheers.
Looking at the budget I'm assuming you'll be looking at the A500 135 or 160bhp Esseesse Models?
Over all they are good reliable cars. The TJet is pretty reliable and not overly stressed.
From my experience (and others!) a few check points from me and aside from general wear and condition:
All models
Xenons a must. The halogen lamps are useless.
Clutch pedal return spring is weak. Get on knees and look up into pedalbox and inspect welds for quality/deterioration. Few reports now of thrust bearing failures on clutches...seems more age related than milage.
Blue and Me is bobbins - never used it. Some issues created by Blue and Me impact operation of vehicle which can be resolved with a battery disconnect.
Front suspesion is weak. Check top mounts and drop links. CV joints are typically ok, although the shorter drive shaft can wear and cause probs at the diff - Not a "common" problem but expensive to resolve.
Rear wheel bearings can wear premiturly.
Cam Belts are 5years swap regardless of milage. Also budget for water pump/fluid change.
OEM NGK plugs are horrendously expensive and worth swapping out for cheaper NGK alternative
Two OEM exhausts avaliable - "Twin/Double Shot" ID's by two tail pipes. Replacements can be picked up for £15. The four pipe "Monza" has a bipass flap which can seieze and replacement like for like is not cheap for a poor quality exhaust.
Dealer fit option of Brembo large caliper and discs - replacement discs not easily avaliable.
Filler cap lock can seize
Bootlid number plate lights can be a bit fragile as can the body to boot lid wiring.
Check inside edge of front tyres - Tracking can be difficult to get right.
Essesse
Check all kit parts are fitted (expect some alterations due to age)
Kit includes
160bhp ECU upgrade (unscientific test - identified by boost gauge reaching 1.2-1.6 bar than 1.0 as on 135)
Red springs
Drilled discs
BMC Filter
Various stickers and badges
Esseesse Wheels
Different oil to 135
Later Esseesse kit saw introduction of Koni Shocks to rears only, and red springs now covered in clear silicone sleeve. Later on saw introduction of Konis all round.
Ride on the 135 can be described as Bouncy, ride on Esseesse can be described as rock solid.
Esseesse require oil change at 6k/12m or 9k/12m for 135. There was utter confusion around what was required when with what oil so dont hold out for the perfect service history. As long as is every 12m all ok.
The dealer network can best be described as useless. Use online parts suppliers and DIY/ Local independent.
Over all they are good reliable cars. The TJet is pretty reliable and not overly stressed.
From my experience (and others!) a few check points from me and aside from general wear and condition:
All models
Xenons a must. The halogen lamps are useless.
Clutch pedal return spring is weak. Get on knees and look up into pedalbox and inspect welds for quality/deterioration. Few reports now of thrust bearing failures on clutches...seems more age related than milage.
Blue and Me is bobbins - never used it. Some issues created by Blue and Me impact operation of vehicle which can be resolved with a battery disconnect.
Front suspesion is weak. Check top mounts and drop links. CV joints are typically ok, although the shorter drive shaft can wear and cause probs at the diff - Not a "common" problem but expensive to resolve.
Rear wheel bearings can wear premiturly.
Cam Belts are 5years swap regardless of milage. Also budget for water pump/fluid change.
OEM NGK plugs are horrendously expensive and worth swapping out for cheaper NGK alternative
Two OEM exhausts avaliable - "Twin/Double Shot" ID's by two tail pipes. Replacements can be picked up for £15. The four pipe "Monza" has a bipass flap which can seieze and replacement like for like is not cheap for a poor quality exhaust.
Dealer fit option of Brembo large caliper and discs - replacement discs not easily avaliable.
Filler cap lock can seize
Bootlid number plate lights can be a bit fragile as can the body to boot lid wiring.
Check inside edge of front tyres - Tracking can be difficult to get right.
Essesse
Check all kit parts are fitted (expect some alterations due to age)
Kit includes
160bhp ECU upgrade (unscientific test - identified by boost gauge reaching 1.2-1.6 bar than 1.0 as on 135)
Red springs
Drilled discs
BMC Filter
Various stickers and badges
Esseesse Wheels
Different oil to 135
Later Esseesse kit saw introduction of Koni Shocks to rears only, and red springs now covered in clear silicone sleeve. Later on saw introduction of Konis all round.
Ride on the 135 can be described as Bouncy, ride on Esseesse can be described as rock solid.
Esseesse require oil change at 6k/12m or 9k/12m for 135. There was utter confusion around what was required when with what oil so dont hold out for the perfect service history. As long as is every 12m all ok.
The dealer network can best be described as useless. Use online parts suppliers and DIY/ Local independent.
Edited by BristolRich on Thursday 16th March 11:37
Edited by BristolRich on Thursday 16th March 11:38
Edited by BristolRich on Thursday 16th March 11:42
Thank you very much for your comprehensive reply, very helpful. I like the added rarity of the Esseesse, but the firm ride does seem to be an issue. For what we want it for, the 135 should be absolutely fine. It's probably going to kept for c12 months, possibly longer if she/we enjoy it. I like the look of the later cars but don't really want to spend that sort of money at the moment. One thing I have noticed, hardly any cars have full Fiat/Abarth service history, is this an issue?
I live near Monza Tuning in Sussex which looks handy!
I live near Monza Tuning in Sussex which looks handy!
Nick_MSM said:
Thank you very much for your comprehensive reply, very helpful. I like the added rarity of the Esseesse, but the firm ride does seem to be an issue. For what we want it for, the 135 should be absolutely fine. It's probably going to kept for c12 months, possibly longer if she/we enjoy it. I like the look of the later cars but don't really want to spend that sort of money at the moment. One thing I have noticed, hardly any cars have full Fiat/Abarth service history, is this an issue?
I live near Monza Tuning in Sussex which looks handy!
The ride of the Esseesse is OK and we put up with it for nearly 6 years... Its just not fun over long distances and you seem to spend your time watching the surface of the road.I live near Monza Tuning in Sussex which looks handy!
The lack of servicing is either due to the previously mentioned dealership cofusion providing conflicting advice, or quite simply the cost of the frequent oil changes - again the dealers had no idea how to cost this.... Anywhere between £90 and £200.
As an aside to the oil change every 12m/6k/9k miles (apologies I forgot to put this in the previous reply) you also require a "full service" at every 18000 irrespecitive of time interval. These again were cost prohibative with the 18000 in excess of £450 and the 38k quoted (in my case) well over £800.
With a bit of hunting about OEM consumables for the 36k service can be had for a little over £100 + Labour or DIY.
Edited by BristolRich on Thursday 16th March 15:57
Thanks for that. I'll see if I can get a drive in one somewhere, the extra power etc would be nice. TBH I am used to a 911, AMG line Mercs with stiff suspension etc so I doubt we'd find it that harsh! Hopefully going to look at a new-ish 135 at a Fiat dealer locally to see if we like it & it suits our needs. If it ticks the boxes then the hunt starts.
We had one of the first 200 imported and sadly the experience was poor and it was extremely unreliable. We sold it after 4 years and 50,000 mikes with another big garage bill pending
During warranty it had a heater unit, and all the sound proofing replaced as the aircon had drained water into the car, not outside, when they took the broken unit out it had been repaired ( glued together ) before fitting . 2 steering columns , ( wiring kept putting car into limp mode ) Abs control unit
Out of warranty in needed top mounts, rear wheel bearings , clutch slave and master cylinder and when sold it was needing another heater unit , about £850for the part and a dash out job , twice recovered by the rac , once when the clutch failed and once due to rain getting in the fuse box
Ride is harsh and on a long journey really tiring, we took it to Italy and it was for more unpleasant than the Alfa 4c we have done a similar trip in, I would only dread how uncomfortable the essesse would be.
Personally I would avoid the essesse but just add the map to a non esssesse as we did .
Another horrid trait is the rear end wandering if you have brake hard at very high speeds .
Hopefully as ours was an early car they have got their act together.
Also if the good lady wants it make sure the boot is suitable for her shopping habits as it's petite .
But on a good day it was a hoot to drive for sure, we so wanted to keep it but it was costing hundreds so had to go
During warranty it had a heater unit, and all the sound proofing replaced as the aircon had drained water into the car, not outside, when they took the broken unit out it had been repaired ( glued together ) before fitting . 2 steering columns , ( wiring kept putting car into limp mode ) Abs control unit
Out of warranty in needed top mounts, rear wheel bearings , clutch slave and master cylinder and when sold it was needing another heater unit , about £850for the part and a dash out job , twice recovered by the rac , once when the clutch failed and once due to rain getting in the fuse box
Ride is harsh and on a long journey really tiring, we took it to Italy and it was for more unpleasant than the Alfa 4c we have done a similar trip in, I would only dread how uncomfortable the essesse would be.
Personally I would avoid the essesse but just add the map to a non esssesse as we did .
Another horrid trait is the rear end wandering if you have brake hard at very high speeds .
Hopefully as ours was an early car they have got their act together.
Also if the good lady wants it make sure the boot is suitable for her shopping habits as it's petite .
But on a good day it was a hoot to drive for sure, we so wanted to keep it but it was costing hundreds so had to go
I paid £7.5k for a very clean pearly white 43k mile 1.4 T-Jet last summer - one lady owner and FSH. It came with new front tyres and the wheels were refurbished.
I'm a low mileage driver - only 3k in 6 months and so far it's been fine apart from the passenger door handle breaking off on the front pivot (very common). I repaired it myself with the £8 parts off ebay but it's a pain to do and therefore expensive at a dealers.
It's going in to an Indie next week for it's 5 year service and cam belt.
I haven't much to add to what's been stated above but do watch for front tyre wear. My Mot history has shown that these last about 10k due to the inner edges wearing out. Forums have shown this to be relatively normal and is due to factory settings.
The ride is really quite harsh though - be prepared! The whole thing can just rattle and shake if you hit a bad one.
I really like it, nippy, fun, easy to park, turbine smooth engine and it seems to generate positive interest/smiles from people in town. It must be the addictive exhaust note!
I'm a low mileage driver - only 3k in 6 months and so far it's been fine apart from the passenger door handle breaking off on the front pivot (very common). I repaired it myself with the £8 parts off ebay but it's a pain to do and therefore expensive at a dealers.
It's going in to an Indie next week for it's 5 year service and cam belt.
I haven't much to add to what's been stated above but do watch for front tyre wear. My Mot history has shown that these last about 10k due to the inner edges wearing out. Forums have shown this to be relatively normal and is due to factory settings.
The ride is really quite harsh though - be prepared! The whole thing can just rattle and shake if you hit a bad one.
I really like it, nippy, fun, easy to park, turbine smooth engine and it seems to generate positive interest/smiles from people in town. It must be the addictive exhaust note!
Need to do some man maths really, but it's certainly another option.Hi nick. I am currently selling mine within your budget.
61 plate
33k
FSH with cambelt done this month.
Interscope
135 model but currently has a bluespark box on taking it to 170.
It does have a novitec exhaust and lowering springs (I have the original springs).
Currently on Gumtree but I don't think I'm allowed to link it on here.
61 plate
33k
FSH with cambelt done this month.
Interscope
135 model but currently has a bluespark box on taking it to 170.
It does have a novitec exhaust and lowering springs (I have the original springs).
Currently on Gumtree but I don't think I'm allowed to link it on here.
Thanks, seen yours - looks nice but you're miles away unfortunately and I am not really in the market until June to be honest.
Test drove a nearly new Turismo today, performance was a bit disappointing for me but my wife seemed to like it. Still thinking about options but leaning towards used at 18 months-3 years old probably. If anyone is thinking of selling give me a nudge
Test drove a nearly new Turismo today, performance was a bit disappointing for me but my wife seemed to like it. Still thinking about options but leaning towards used at 18 months-3 years old probably. If anyone is thinking of selling give me a nudge
Nick_MSM said:
Went full circle in the end...found a nice low mileage/full Abarth history Esseesse with some nice options on it. Really pleased with it so far, even the wife likes it which is a bonus 
Congrats Nick,We have recently purchased a new 595 Turismo in black, great little fun cars.. Enjoy!
G
Gassing Station | Alfa Romeo, Fiat & Lancia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff