595 Comp/Turismo 160 differences & test drive.
Discussion
So finally got down to Research Group in Nuneaton today to try an Abarth.
I had my sights set on a Turismo as a nice half way house between the base version and the more hardcore comp (also more expensive). I got to drive a Turismo, and I liked it. Well I liked the way it went, for only 160 hp it really feels like its on a charge in 2nd and 3rd. I was a bit concerned about the seats though. I will have to manage a 40-50 min (maybe 60min!) commute on twisty/bumpy/flowing A and B roads. They felt a little unsupportive and, as I am quite tall, the shoulder ridge on the seat was totally in the wrong place. Felt like it was under my shoulder blades. The general feel was "sat on" rather than "sat in".
Now they had one other car there that 1) was second hand and for sale and 2) I could afford. This one though, was a competizione 160 (64 plate, but a 2015 car with the LCD dash board). Both cars are grey (unfortunately) but do look smart. The Comp has red decals and better wheels IMO. I didn't get to drive the comp, but the seats immediately felt better to sit in. Hard, but actually fit my back perfectly! 160 is 20 down on the newer comps, but in the Turismo it felt absolutely enough for the roads I'll be on.
What is the actual difference between the two at this age? I could see the comp had the Monza exhaust, Drilled discs, red calipers, stickers, bi-xenon headlamps. But what else? does the comp get Koni FSD all round at this age? What about the engine? both at 160bhp but the salesman mentioned the 160 might have a different turbo (Garret).
This particular comp is actually rather cheap. Its only 10.5k, a good 2k cheaper than the Turismo. However the former is probably a good 6 months+ older and it has done 60,000 miles whereas the Turismo has only done 18,000. Now I am not worried initially about that mileage, the car seems to be in great shape (plenty of life in the discs and, for once, the tyres which are continentals) and has been looked after. The previous owner had it serviced twice a year like clock work and has just dropped this in for a Biposto! So obviously a man with taste and someone who sounds like they looked after the car. Certainly seems it.
Is there anything I should look for or ask about though?
I had my sights set on a Turismo as a nice half way house between the base version and the more hardcore comp (also more expensive). I got to drive a Turismo, and I liked it. Well I liked the way it went, for only 160 hp it really feels like its on a charge in 2nd and 3rd. I was a bit concerned about the seats though. I will have to manage a 40-50 min (maybe 60min!) commute on twisty/bumpy/flowing A and B roads. They felt a little unsupportive and, as I am quite tall, the shoulder ridge on the seat was totally in the wrong place. Felt like it was under my shoulder blades. The general feel was "sat on" rather than "sat in".
Now they had one other car there that 1) was second hand and for sale and 2) I could afford. This one though, was a competizione 160 (64 plate, but a 2015 car with the LCD dash board). Both cars are grey (unfortunately) but do look smart. The Comp has red decals and better wheels IMO. I didn't get to drive the comp, but the seats immediately felt better to sit in. Hard, but actually fit my back perfectly! 160 is 20 down on the newer comps, but in the Turismo it felt absolutely enough for the roads I'll be on.
What is the actual difference between the two at this age? I could see the comp had the Monza exhaust, Drilled discs, red calipers, stickers, bi-xenon headlamps. But what else? does the comp get Koni FSD all round at this age? What about the engine? both at 160bhp but the salesman mentioned the 160 might have a different turbo (Garret).
This particular comp is actually rather cheap. Its only 10.5k, a good 2k cheaper than the Turismo. However the former is probably a good 6 months+ older and it has done 60,000 miles whereas the Turismo has only done 18,000. Now I am not worried initially about that mileage, the car seems to be in great shape (plenty of life in the discs and, for once, the tyres which are continentals) and has been looked after. The previous owner had it serviced twice a year like clock work and has just dropped this in for a Biposto! So obviously a man with taste and someone who sounds like they looked after the car. Certainly seems it.
Is there anything I should look for or ask about though?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Heres the actual car in question.
I was all prepared to spend 12-13k but saving 2-3k is obviously really attractive.
The car does have Sabelt seats, I didn't sit in them for long but they felt way better than the normal sport seats. Car also has the TFT instrument panel.
If I have done my homework though I think this is a 160 HP comp and that means no Brembos (but still drilled discs) and IHI turbo. Also means non-stainless Monza exhaust which apparently are ready to rust through by 3-4 years old.
At 60k miles it does make me think twice... but it has been used daily and serviced twice a year by someone who clearly takes great care of their stuff. So perhaps this is merely indication that its all dandy. Who knows.
Next comparable car I can get to in reasonable time is 3k dearer. But is a 180 Comp in Red (and has likely been sold already, these things don't hang round for long).
Its so silly... I had a Turismo firm in my mind, but all it took was the turn of the key in the comp and that was shattered.
Heres the actual car in question.
I was all prepared to spend 12-13k but saving 2-3k is obviously really attractive.
The car does have Sabelt seats, I didn't sit in them for long but they felt way better than the normal sport seats. Car also has the TFT instrument panel.
If I have done my homework though I think this is a 160 HP comp and that means no Brembos (but still drilled discs) and IHI turbo. Also means non-stainless Monza exhaust which apparently are ready to rust through by 3-4 years old.
At 60k miles it does make me think twice... but it has been used daily and serviced twice a year by someone who clearly takes great care of their stuff. So perhaps this is merely indication that its all dandy. Who knows.
Next comparable car I can get to in reasonable time is 3k dearer. But is a 180 Comp in Red (and has likely been sold already, these things don't hang round for long).
Its so silly... I had a Turismo firm in my mind, but all it took was the turn of the key in the comp and that was shattered.
Edited by Otispunkmeyer on Saturday 14th October 23:30
Further to the above
I've seen the service history and it is to the letter. Including the interim services of just oil/filter every 6-7k miles.
The cam belt and tensioner have been replaced at 40,000 miles.
The only niggle for me, which I know I shouldn't worry about is the higher mileage. I mean its the highest on autotrader by double (for Abarths 2014 and newer). Having done some maths, I could wait till next summer... I'd be in exactly the same financial position (providing stuff like interest rates dont change), the car would be newer, more expensive, less miles and a Comp 180 most likely. It is just a case of is it worth waiting.
The mental problem I have (taken into account with the maths) is that keeping my current steed for another 8-9 months means a very high liklihood of having to spend upward of £1000 keeping it going and risk that the very worn clutch could go, wiping out most of the saving I could do in that time. Trade in value will likely be half what I am being offered today (bit odd this, most places valued my current car at £750. This place has nearly doubled that!) so looking at a set back of £1500 before saving up. Therefore I calculated I'd need similar levels of finance in 8 months...but the car would be newer.
My other concern is that in 2 years, the thing will be closer to 100,000 miles. Not entirely sure what its likely to be worth at that point. I would hope a good 4-5 k. Is a newer, comp 180, going to be worth so much more in 2 years that it overcomes the near 2-3k more it cost to buy in the first place? (i.e. some 5 years old and 60k miles? AT has 5year old, 60,000 mile examples for 8k ish)
I've seen the service history and it is to the letter. Including the interim services of just oil/filter every 6-7k miles.
The cam belt and tensioner have been replaced at 40,000 miles.
The only niggle for me, which I know I shouldn't worry about is the higher mileage. I mean its the highest on autotrader by double (for Abarths 2014 and newer). Having done some maths, I could wait till next summer... I'd be in exactly the same financial position (providing stuff like interest rates dont change), the car would be newer, more expensive, less miles and a Comp 180 most likely. It is just a case of is it worth waiting.
The mental problem I have (taken into account with the maths) is that keeping my current steed for another 8-9 months means a very high liklihood of having to spend upward of £1000 keeping it going and risk that the very worn clutch could go, wiping out most of the saving I could do in that time. Trade in value will likely be half what I am being offered today (bit odd this, most places valued my current car at £750. This place has nearly doubled that!) so looking at a set back of £1500 before saving up. Therefore I calculated I'd need similar levels of finance in 8 months...but the car would be newer.
My other concern is that in 2 years, the thing will be closer to 100,000 miles. Not entirely sure what its likely to be worth at that point. I would hope a good 4-5 k. Is a newer, comp 180, going to be worth so much more in 2 years that it overcomes the near 2-3k more it cost to buy in the first place? (i.e. some 5 years old and 60k miles? AT has 5year old, 60,000 mile examples for 8k ish)
Edited by Otispunkmeyer on Tuesday 17th October 11:32
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