Any male Abarth 595 owners here?
Discussion
Been a tough decision to downsize from the M3 but today finally committed to a replacement - 2014 very low miles Abarth 595 Turismo.
To me it makes sense as I don't use the M3 much these days except for the short commute to work (we have a 7 seater for family duties and I get rental cars for any longer commutes).I've got a great cash back deal, no need to worry about warranty and MOT for at least 2+ years, instantly reduced VED and insurance costs and most importantly the missus approves! It's very rare she approve of my choice of car purchases...
So far the responses I've got from guy friends are mainly negative. They were genuinely surprised that it's not the missus car. My other option is to go for cheaper older cars but I'd prefer something new and affordable. I agree it takes awhile to get used to the Abarth but I think it does the job with reasonable running costs.
I realise in the end of the day it's my money etc; however I do realise I personally don't know any make Abarth owners... Are there any here who can kindly share any thoughts?
To me it makes sense as I don't use the M3 much these days except for the short commute to work (we have a 7 seater for family duties and I get rental cars for any longer commutes).I've got a great cash back deal, no need to worry about warranty and MOT for at least 2+ years, instantly reduced VED and insurance costs and most importantly the missus approves! It's very rare she approve of my choice of car purchases...
So far the responses I've got from guy friends are mainly negative. They were genuinely surprised that it's not the missus car. My other option is to go for cheaper older cars but I'd prefer something new and affordable. I agree it takes awhile to get used to the Abarth but I think it does the job with reasonable running costs.
I realise in the end of the day it's my money etc; however I do realise I personally don't know any make Abarth owners... Are there any here who can kindly share any thoughts?
sawman said:
I'll have another look at the abarth website....
does the competizione get stiffer springs and bigger brakes or does the turismo get these too. I'd defo want the fruity exhaust
I dont think you need to hand in your XY card yet, it's just a little hot hatch (and at least it's not a mini!)
Funny you say that did have a look at a Cooper S before :Pdoes the competizione get stiffer springs and bigger brakes or does the turismo get these too. I'd defo want the fruity exhaust
I dont think you need to hand in your XY card yet, it's just a little hot hatch (and at least it's not a mini!)
Both models have lowered Koni suspension with ventilated brakes if I am not mistaken but best to check with local dealership!
From my history of cars I'll admit this choice indeed cause some surprise (and ensuing pisstaking :P) from some of my friends next week.
However I've been doing a lot of thinking and there are a lot of cons to making this decision. Money in bank, much cheaper running cost, still fun to drive, missus happy, garage very local and best thing of all both the service (know him since my GTR days - small world) and sales manager who both are very friendly and awesome guys too!
Who knows if one day funds allow I might even start tuning/tracking the Abarth
However I've been doing a lot of thinking and there are a lot of cons to making this decision. Money in bank, much cheaper running cost, still fun to drive, missus happy, garage very local and best thing of all both the service (know him since my GTR days - small world) and sales manager who both are very friendly and awesome guys too!
Who knows if one day funds allow I might even start tuning/tracking the Abarth
Phunk said:
I've got a 500c with the 595 seats, love the car.
It does seem to split opinion, especially when my last car was a 911. Once you let me people have a drive then they soon change their opinion.
(On the right!)
Are both cars yours? That's a lovely picture It does seem to split opinion, especially when my last car was a 911. Once you let me people have a drive then they soon change their opinion.
(On the right!)
Sat in the carpark waiting to pick my daughter up and suddenly heard a very nice burble leaving car park. I turned my head to check what the car was and was genuinely surprised to see a 500 leaving. It looks stock and I can't really make up what model it is exactly but it sure sounded nice. Happy to know it will be relatively straight forward to add the Monza exhaust in the future if I want to!
juddy said:
I know what you mean as I had the same thoughts too. BUT I have gone and done it. I will collect my brand new 500 Abarth this Saturday. After having a long string of nice fast cars,Esprit,elise Renault spider, type r, r26 Megane bla bla bla I just wanted something that was cheaper but made me laugh and made me want to go out and drive for the sake of driving.
I drove 3 cars back to back standard 135bhp,turismo and the competition. In my mind the standard car had all I waned just needed the exhaust so even tho I know the exhaust will rust out in a few years I had to have the Monza it sounds mental and at idle just like my mates F430 lol
Go and have a good demo in one you will love it in a funny way.
J.
Very refreshing when someone shares the same experience I drove 3 cars back to back standard 135bhp,turismo and the competition. In my mind the standard car had all I waned just needed the exhaust so even tho I know the exhaust will rust out in a few years I had to have the Monza it sounds mental and at idle just like my mates F430 lol
Go and have a good demo in one you will love it in a funny way.
J.
I've already bought mine collecting Tuesday. I really need to listen to a Monza when I can - if what I've heard yesterday in the car park was a Monza it's definitely a nice sound; not too loud/cracky and sound more like a bigger engine.Edited by crazy about cars on Monday 15th September 07:47
arfur said:
Bought a Abarth 500 C 135 yesterday. Added various "custom" bits from the dealer options and shock - horror, they actually had the exact combo in stock, unregistered ...
My local dealership had one too! Bizarre story of how the owner took the car unregistered from Fiat to p/x at BMW which BMW then sold back as un-registered to Fiat.Exoticaholic said:
I have a 595c Competizione and hand on heart, I can say it is the best car I've ever had. I used to have two A500c's before trading up to this.
It is standard apart from an aftermarket Magneti Marelli RS500SS backbox with racing Y section as I disliked the standard Monza system, black SS alloys and soon a Curt hitch.
I have had it eight months and so far, it has been a terrific time just to drive it. Ride is hard but that's what the moniker 'Competizione' means. I average 40mpg in it although range is pathetic at 250 miles (38 litres / 8 gallons) and the fuel level indicator is wildly optimistic. It estimated that I have 110 miles left when 1/4 full....
You can't go wrong with it really.
That is certainly a looker! I've only learnt how to show the MPG so would be interested to know what would my average MPG be. I've never seen >20mpg in a long, long time.It is standard apart from an aftermarket Magneti Marelli RS500SS backbox with racing Y section as I disliked the standard Monza system, black SS alloys and soon a Curt hitch.
I have had it eight months and so far, it has been a terrific time just to drive it. Ride is hard but that's what the moniker 'Competizione' means. I average 40mpg in it although range is pathetic at 250 miles (38 litres / 8 gallons) and the fuel level indicator is wildly optimistic. It estimated that I have 110 miles left when 1/4 full....
You can't go wrong with it really.
ashway said:
I bought a new 500 135 in June to use as a daily runabout. Always liked them and after going to the F1 in Monaco this year I made my mind up, they were everywhere.
I went for the retro Campovola grey with red Abarth stripes 17" wheels and red calipers/door mirror caps. Other than that its standard, the exhaust looks and sounds good too
I've still got an E92 M3 but needless to say I'm not using it much at the moment
A big wave to fellow E9x M3 owner. Don't get me wrong, the M3 is a brilliant car but I'm still in awe of how much I love driving this car. Initially I thought it would be a compromise but in the bigger picture it's the best thing I can buy for the money!I went for the retro Campovola grey with red Abarth stripes 17" wheels and red calipers/door mirror caps. Other than that its standard, the exhaust looks and sounds good too
I've still got an E92 M3 but needless to say I'm not using it much at the moment
Charliesum said:
Whilst not a 595 I love it, running 190 ish bhp and is great fun at normal speeds, I also have a cls amg running much bigger figures but can have more fun in the little car
You are right about the fun factor - definitely fun in something so small and light.Any more pictures of the wee beast?
It's definitely a fun car. I'm seriously converted; used to have misconceptions about the 500. I've tried the Cooper S (although not the JCW)but I prefer the Abarth. Smiles all around for my current commuting route. Having so much fun without hurting the pocket and breaking the law.
One thing that would be a great addition would be a mechanical LSD although I understand that would not be an economically viable option for Fiat...
One thing that would be a great addition would be a mechanical LSD although I understand that would not be an economically viable option for Fiat...
Martin_M said:
Like you, I hardly use my M135i due to a change of job. I get the train to work and have a hire car for longer commutes. The Abarth 595 is the only cheaper car that has caught my eye. I like the fact that they're different and they look like a lot of fun. Pick up my competizione next weekend all going to plan - pearl white, grey side stripes, red leather/cloth sabelts.
The monza sounds lovely and I'm going to enjoy better economy than the M135i when I choose to have some fun with it.
They are a lot of fun The monza sounds lovely and I'm going to enjoy better economy than the M135i when I choose to have some fun with it.
There's a red Competizione for sale too but my heart just fell for the Turismo as it was in the right colour (record grey, natural leather and red highlight) and has the Interscope.Fuel economy wise I'm getting around 26-27 mpg (compared to 16/17 on previous car) with Sport Mode on but should hit 30+ if I take it easy. Never tried Sport mode off yet but heard 40+ is possible on the motorway run.
Daniel1 said:
My mum has a 595 anniversary that I get to drive regularly and I really enjoy it. It's fast (180bhp), nimble, great brakes and is very chuck able. Downsides are that the exhaust is far too noisy - it pops and bangs all the time - and I'm too tall to get a perfect driving position so have to open the sunroof and cock my head. Very good fun car though, lots of character.
Just a stock image I'm afraid.
Lovely car; would really love the sunroof. My exhaust doesn't pop and bang everytime unless I rev it to the max every gearchange though... Never been on long motorway journeys but the noise level is perfectly acceptable on a normal commute.Just a stock image I'm afraid.
Think the 30k+ models are "Tributo" editions i.e Ferrari edition etc. Agreed it's way too expensive for a 500! Think Fiat were trying to copy what Aston did with the Smart car.
Never test drove the JCW but did test drive the 14 plate Cooper S. It's 5k+ more than I paid for my 595 and also less equipment and just doesn't feel as special. However the handling and ride is better than the 500 though. To me it doesn't matter much as I'm only using it strictly for <10 miles/day commute in urban areas.
Never test drove the JCW but did test drive the 14 plate Cooper S. It's 5k+ more than I paid for my 595 and also less equipment and just doesn't feel as special. However the handling and ride is better than the 500 though. To me it doesn't matter much as I'm only using it strictly for <10 miles/day commute in urban areas.
Edited by crazy about cars on Thursday 25th September 19:05
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