Discussion
My brothers going to scotland tomorrow to look at one of these.
Is there anything to look for especially ?
Looking at the buyers guides they seem pretty reliable .
The guy selling it is a trader , doesn't seem to have a car lot or showroom.
The abarth is a 2008 and under £4000 so fairly cheap.
Is there anything to look for especially ?
Looking at the buyers guides they seem pretty reliable .
The guy selling it is a trader , doesn't seem to have a car lot or showroom.
The abarth is a 2008 and under £4000 so fairly cheap.
Quoted below from this thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
BristolRich said:
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 T-Jet is 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...bulb upgrades are a bit better than standard. Access to bulbs is not easy.
Clutch pedal return spring is weak. Get on knees and look up into pedal box and inspect welds for quality/deterioration around the return spring. When it fails the clutch pedals falls into the footwell.
Few reports now of thrust bearing failures on clutches...seems more age related than mileage. Check gear selection as the cables can require adjustment - usually 1st and 2nd.
Boot handle switches can fail.
Door handle hinges seize and the mazac casting fractures. Replacement dirt cheap and DIY but involves interior trim removal.
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. Warning signs are flashing Odometer. Not all early cars are fitted with the sub under the front seat.
Leather seats sag on seat squabs early/low mileage
Front suspension 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 prematurely.
Cam Belts are 5 years swap regardless of mileage. Also budget for water pump/fluid change.
OEM NGK plugs are horrendously expensive and worth swapping out for cheaper NGK alternative
Two OEM exhausts available - "Twin/Double Shot" ID'd by two tail pipes. Replacements can be picked up for £15. The four pipe "Monza" has a bypass flap which can seize and replacement like for like is not cheap for what is a poor quality exhaust. By now most will have been changed.
Dealer fit option of Brembo large caliper and discs - replacement discs not easily available.
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. There is limited commonality between the Abarth and Fiat 500s.
Over all they are good reliable cars. The T-Jet is 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...bulb upgrades are a bit better than standard. Access to bulbs is not easy.
Clutch pedal return spring is weak. Get on knees and look up into pedal box and inspect welds for quality/deterioration around the return spring. When it fails the clutch pedals falls into the footwell.
Few reports now of thrust bearing failures on clutches...seems more age related than mileage. Check gear selection as the cables can require adjustment - usually 1st and 2nd.
Boot handle switches can fail.
Door handle hinges seize and the mazac casting fractures. Replacement dirt cheap and DIY but involves interior trim removal.
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. Warning signs are flashing Odometer. Not all early cars are fitted with the sub under the front seat.
Leather seats sag on seat squabs early/low mileage
Front suspension 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 prematurely.
Cam Belts are 5 years swap regardless of mileage. Also budget for water pump/fluid change.
OEM NGK plugs are horrendously expensive and worth swapping out for cheaper NGK alternative
Two OEM exhausts available - "Twin/Double Shot" ID'd by two tail pipes. Replacements can be picked up for £15. The four pipe "Monza" has a bypass flap which can seize and replacement like for like is not cheap for what is a poor quality exhaust. By now most will have been changed.
Dealer fit option of Brembo large caliper and discs - replacement discs not easily available.
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. There is limited commonality between the Abarth and Fiat 500s.
Edited by BristolRich on Tuesday 25th July 07:55
Thanks for the replies .
He didn't buy it , although it drove fine ne noted the following :
cambelt due
service light on
air con not working
cv boot needs replacing
2 tyres need replacing
hardly and service history combined with 5 owners in the cars short life
exhaust was badly rusted
clutch pedal was wobbly
and it's due a mot in oct.
He didn't buy it , although it drove fine ne noted the following :
cambelt due
service light on
air con not working
cv boot needs replacing
2 tyres need replacing
hardly and service history combined with 5 owners in the cars short life
exhaust was badly rusted
clutch pedal was wobbly
and it's due a mot in oct.
egor110 said:
Thanks for the replies .
He didn't buy it , although it drove fine ne noted the following :
cambelt due
service light on
air con not working
cv boot needs replacing
2 tyres need replacing
hardly and service history combined with 5 owners in the cars short life
exhaust was badly rusted
clutch pedal was wobbly
and it's due a mot in oct.
And that is why it’s £4K he really needs to up the budget slightly for a good example. He didn't buy it , although it drove fine ne noted the following :
cambelt due
service light on
air con not working
cv boot needs replacing
2 tyres need replacing
hardly and service history combined with 5 owners in the cars short life
exhaust was badly rusted
clutch pedal was wobbly
and it's due a mot in oct.
Had one of the launch editions , a hoot to drive but poorly built and consumed a lot of parts , at 50000 miles and another 2k bill due we gave up and px'd it. Really fun car but 2 heater units , 2 steering columns , top mounts, wheel bearings , clutch master and slave cylinder , a few other odds and sods and 2 breakdowns needing recovery in 50000 miles wasn't good enough . I have been told by many the later cars are a lot better so I guess we were just unlucky .
ecsrobin said:
egor110 said:
Thanks for the replies .
He didn't buy it , although it drove fine ne noted the following :
cambelt due
service light on
air con not working
cv boot needs replacing
2 tyres need replacing
hardly and service history combined with 5 owners in the cars short life
exhaust was badly rusted
clutch pedal was wobbly
and it's due a mot in oct.
And that is why it’s £4K he really needs to up the budget slightly for a good example. He didn't buy it , although it drove fine ne noted the following :
cambelt due
service light on
air con not working
cv boot needs replacing
2 tyres need replacing
hardly and service history combined with 5 owners in the cars short life
exhaust was badly rusted
clutch pedal was wobbly
and it's due a mot in oct.
And we're off again.
http://www.rjcarsales.com/used/abarth/500/14-16v-t...
this sets alarm bells ringing but it hasn't been picked up again since 2017
June 2016
MOT Test | 62,887 miles
Pass
Advisories
Nearside Front Macpherson strut has slight movement at the upper attachment (2.5.A.1c)
and
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DAMAGED-2013-FIAT-500-1-...
http://www.rjcarsales.com/used/abarth/500/14-16v-t...
this sets alarm bells ringing but it hasn't been picked up again since 2017
June 2016
MOT Test | 62,887 miles
Pass
Advisories
Nearside Front Macpherson strut has slight movement at the upper attachment (2.5.A.1c)
and
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DAMAGED-2013-FIAT-500-1-...
Edited by egor110 on Sunday 30th July 14:43
egor110 said:
And we're off again.
http://www.rjcarsales.com/used/abarth/500/14-16v-t...
this sets alarm bells ringing but it hasn't been picked up again since 2017
June 2016
MOT Test | 62,887 miles
Pass
Advisories
Nearside Front Macpherson strut has slight movement at the upper attachment (2.5.A.1c)
and
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DAMAGED-2013-FIAT-500-1-...
You really need to steer him clear if he’s not able to up his budget get him the Clio as you mentioned. http://www.rjcarsales.com/used/abarth/500/14-16v-t...
this sets alarm bells ringing but it hasn't been picked up again since 2017
June 2016
MOT Test | 62,887 miles
Pass
Advisories
Nearside Front Macpherson strut has slight movement at the upper attachment (2.5.A.1c)
and
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DAMAGED-2013-FIAT-500-1-...
Edited by egor110 on Sunday 30th July 14:43
Trust me i am trying , trouble is he's in a clio now and it's lived up to it's french s
t reputation.
He's also fairly ok with cooper s , but the one he tested wasn't the best example.
What amazes me is i read the specs of brand new abarths etc and my old clio cup was faster .
If it was me and i couldn't go french i'd have a mini r53 with that supercharger noise.
t reputation.He's also fairly ok with cooper s , but the one he tested wasn't the best example.
What amazes me is i read the specs of brand new abarths etc and my old clio cup was faster .
If it was me and i couldn't go french i'd have a mini r53 with that supercharger noise.
egor110 said:
Trust me i am trying , trouble is he's in a clio now and it's lived up to it's french st reputation.
He's also fairly ok with cooper s , but the one he tested wasn't the best example.
What amazes me is i read the specs of brand new abarths etc and my old clio cup was faster .
If it was me and i couldn't go french i'd have a mini r53 with that supercharger noise.
2001-2005 Clio cup 172bhp 138mph 0-60 6.7sec torque 200nm t reputation.He's also fairly ok with cooper s , but the one he tested wasn't the best example.
What amazes me is i read the specs of brand new abarths etc and my old clio cup was faster .
If it was me and i couldn't go french i'd have a mini r53 with that supercharger noise.
2016-onwards Abarth 595 Competizione 180bhp 140bhp 0-60 6.5sec torque 250nm
So not faster
and the latest renaultsport Clio had a matching 0-60 3mph more on the top speed and an extra 150kg to carry around. (All data from Parker’s)
The problem Is in his price range your likely to suffer issues with all 3 cars mentioned. However he is more likely to find a good example of a cooperS for his budget.
At the age/price your looking at all the cars will be either 135bhp or 160 with the Esseesse kit.
The 180 bhp model at that time was the 695 Ferrari and Maserati ltd models but these will be well outside of your budget.
Only later did the standard production models see an increase to 160 and 180bhp.
The 180 bhp model at that time was the 695 Ferrari and Maserati ltd models but these will be well outside of your budget.
Only later did the standard production models see an increase to 160 and 180bhp.
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