Moving to Abarth.
Discussion
I am 19 years old and have just finished my 2nd full year of driving and 2 years NCD (with no points!). In my short time driving I have had two VW Polos, and was planning to upgrade to a GTI. But after all the issues I have had with the 2nd one I have decided to move away from the VAG brand.
I have looked at a lot of different cars but I just can’t stop coming back to Abarth, every time I see one on the roads I just obsess over it and spend the next 24 hours searching for my dream Abarth! It ticks a lot of boxes for me, Insurance is reasonable, Looks amazing, not too bad on fuel, Different and not too many on the road.
Now my question is, am I mad leaving Volkswagen and moving to Fiat for “reliability”. From what I have read they seem to be fairly reliable little cars, are there any big issues too look out for on my search? I am moving soon and my commute will only be 3 Miles to college and 5 Miles to Work so my Polo TDI (with DPF!) will absolutely hate it. However by the end of next year I will be doing 60 Miles a day too and from University, So MPG will be important.
My budget is around £6000-£7500 so will most likely be an early 2010 model. Ideally want a darker colour eg Grey, Black or Red. And I don’t like the leather seats.
Any advice much appreciated.
Thanks
I have looked at a lot of different cars but I just can’t stop coming back to Abarth, every time I see one on the roads I just obsess over it and spend the next 24 hours searching for my dream Abarth! It ticks a lot of boxes for me, Insurance is reasonable, Looks amazing, not too bad on fuel, Different and not too many on the road.
Now my question is, am I mad leaving Volkswagen and moving to Fiat for “reliability”. From what I have read they seem to be fairly reliable little cars, are there any big issues too look out for on my search? I am moving soon and my commute will only be 3 Miles to college and 5 Miles to Work so my Polo TDI (with DPF!) will absolutely hate it. However by the end of next year I will be doing 60 Miles a day too and from University, So MPG will be important.
My budget is around £6000-£7500 so will most likely be an early 2010 model. Ideally want a darker colour eg Grey, Black or Red. And I don’t like the leather seats.
Any advice much appreciated.
Thanks
Don’t get an early one , we had one of the launch edition cars , build quality was poor and it broke so many times , when it was running properly it was a great car , we put up with it for 4 years and 50,000 miles but out of warranty it was a money pit , it cost Fiat thousands in warranty, we spend a few grand on it out of warranty and when the heater unit failed for the second time ( 800 for the part alone ) it was traded. I genuinely think we were unlucky as I hear so many great reports on the car
Can’t remember everything that failed but first was a heater unit that drained all the water from the air con into the car, that failed in Italy in the summer so by the time we got back it needed a complete strip inside , as the carpets were sodden. Then there were 2 steering columns , abs controller , master cylinder, Slave cylinder , front wheel bearings , top mounts , car recovered twice , once was the slave cylinder failing so no clutch , other was failure to start, cause was water in the fuse box . And a few other small niggles
To drive it’s an incredible car, only bad trait is the back gets very light when braking very heavily from 3 figure speeds , I would say go drive one and you will be smitten , it won’t be as reliable as a vag car but it has so much character it’s worth the risk
Can’t remember everything that failed but first was a heater unit that drained all the water from the air con into the car, that failed in Italy in the summer so by the time we got back it needed a complete strip inside , as the carpets were sodden. Then there were 2 steering columns , abs controller , master cylinder, Slave cylinder , front wheel bearings , top mounts , car recovered twice , once was the slave cylinder failing so no clutch , other was failure to start, cause was water in the fuse box . And a few other small niggles
To drive it’s an incredible car, only bad trait is the back gets very light when braking very heavily from 3 figure speeds , I would say go drive one and you will be smitten , it won’t be as reliable as a vag car but it has so much character it’s worth the risk
Stuart J said:
Don’t get an early one , we had one of the launch edition cars , build quality was poor and it broke so many times , when it was running properly it was a great car , we put up with it for 4 years and 50,000 miles but out of warranty it was a money pit , it cost Fiat thousands in warranty, we spend a few grand on it out of warranty and when the heater unit failed for the second time ( 800 for the part alone ) it was traded. I genuinely think we were unlucky as I hear so many great reports on the car
Can’t remember everything that failed but first was a heater unit that drained all the water from the air con into the car, that failed in Italy in the summer so by the time we got back it needed a complete strip inside , as the carpets were sodden. Then there were 2 steering columns , abs controller , master cylinder, Slave cylinder , front wheel bearings , top mounts , car recovered twice , once was the slave cylinder failing so no clutch , other was failure to start, cause was water in the fuse box . And a few other small niggles
To drive it’s an incredible car, only bad trait is the back gets very light when braking very heavily from 3 figure speeds , I would say go drive one and you will be smitten , it won’t be as reliable as a vag car but it has so much character it’s worth the risk
Yes I have read things about the launch editions having problems, are these the white ones with red stripes as they are the only 2009’s I can see? My Volkswagen has been a pain, in a year it’s had two EGR Valves, DPF fills itself up every 50 Miles (I do 15000 Miles a year), Hunts like mad when idling. But yes it does feel strange going to fiat for a hopefully more reliable car, I am not expecting it to be flawless, just as long as there’s no major issues like the Polo GTI has that tends to need a new engine every 20000 Miles! Can’t remember everything that failed but first was a heater unit that drained all the water from the air con into the car, that failed in Italy in the summer so by the time we got back it needed a complete strip inside , as the carpets were sodden. Then there were 2 steering columns , abs controller , master cylinder, Slave cylinder , front wheel bearings , top mounts , car recovered twice , once was the slave cylinder failing so no clutch , other was failure to start, cause was water in the fuse box . And a few other small niggles
To drive it’s an incredible car, only bad trait is the back gets very light when braking very heavily from 3 figure speeds , I would say go drive one and you will be smitten , it won’t be as reliable as a vag car but it has so much character it’s worth the risk
For the sake of a grand I can move into 2013/14 Cars, so maybe that’s what il look at.
CJG98 said:
Yes I have read things about the launch editions having problems, are these the white ones with red stripes as they are the only 2009’s I can see? My Volkswagen has been a pain, in a year it’s had two EGR Valves, DPF fills itself up every 50 Miles (I do 15000 Miles a year), Hunts like mad when idling. But yes it does feel strange going to fiat for a hopefully more reliable car, I am not expecting it to be flawless, just as long as there’s no major issues like the Polo GTI has that tends to need a new engine every 20000 Miles!
For the sake of a grand I can move into 2013/14 Cars, so maybe that’s what il look at.
Newer is always better, being 19 I assume you have got an Insurance quote For the sake of a grand I can move into 2013/14 Cars, so maybe that’s what il look at.
Re launch editions your right, This was my Wifes
It’s not a reliability issue per se but do take the advice of reviews ( I’ didn’t!) and avoid the essessee upgrade. Whilst it has lovely wheels and sits lower (so does look nice IMO) the suspension feels like its made out of concrete.
So stiff and uncompliant I’m at the point of having to replace it with something softer, which seems to be about the £500 mark.
The other thing to bear in mind is the blue and me. Its rubbish connecting to newer smartphones if that’s important to you.
If you buy a new head unit you also need to budget for an adaptor to link it to the blue and me or things like the trip meter and mileage recording don’t work properly.
I have a 2010 car and thus far it’s been really reliable. Only issue is a bit of a glitch that manifests itself every now and again. It will flash up a random warning (esp unavailable, or some other electric related malady) which goes if you turn it off and restart it.
If the car has a Monza exhaust (4 pipes) check that it works properly (you can get underneath it and wiggle the valve) as the spring is prone to sticking or breaking (and the exhaust itself is pretty ropey build quality), I understand the “normal” 2 pipe system is a bit more robust.
I got let down leasing an Alfa 4c in the summer and bought this as a run about in the hope that the 4c deals would pop back up. However, now I have this I’d keep it even if the Alfa materialises. Gives me an Italian “brio” driving experience at a fraction of the cost.
I’ve never spoken to anyone who has one, or did have one who didn’t have lots of positives to say about it, I’d really recommend one.
So stiff and uncompliant I’m at the point of having to replace it with something softer, which seems to be about the £500 mark.
The other thing to bear in mind is the blue and me. Its rubbish connecting to newer smartphones if that’s important to you.
If you buy a new head unit you also need to budget for an adaptor to link it to the blue and me or things like the trip meter and mileage recording don’t work properly.
I have a 2010 car and thus far it’s been really reliable. Only issue is a bit of a glitch that manifests itself every now and again. It will flash up a random warning (esp unavailable, or some other electric related malady) which goes if you turn it off and restart it.
If the car has a Monza exhaust (4 pipes) check that it works properly (you can get underneath it and wiggle the valve) as the spring is prone to sticking or breaking (and the exhaust itself is pretty ropey build quality), I understand the “normal” 2 pipe system is a bit more robust.
I got let down leasing an Alfa 4c in the summer and bought this as a run about in the hope that the 4c deals would pop back up. However, now I have this I’d keep it even if the Alfa materialises. Gives me an Italian “brio” driving experience at a fraction of the cost.
I’ve never spoken to anyone who has one, or did have one who didn’t have lots of positives to say about it, I’d really recommend one.
Gmlgml said:
It’s not a reliability issue per se but do take the advice of reviews ( I’ didn’t!) and avoid the essessee upgrade. Whilst it has lovely wheels and sits lower (so does look nice IMO) the suspension feels like its made out of concrete.
So stiff and uncompliant I’m at the point of having to replace it with something softer, which seems to be about the £500 mark.
The other thing to bear in mind is the blue and me. Its rubbish connecting to newer smartphones if that’s important to you.
If you buy a new head unit you also need to budget for an adaptor to link it to the blue and me or things like the trip meter and mileage recording don’t work properly.
I have a 2010 car and thus far it’s been really reliable. Only issue is a bit of a glitch that manifests itself every now and again. It will flash up a random warning (esp unavailable, or some other electric related malady) which goes if you turn it off and restart it.
If the car has a Monza exhaust (4 pipes) check that it works properly (you can get underneath it and wiggle the valve) as the spring is prone to sticking or breaking (and the exhaust itself is pretty ropey build quality), I understand the “normal” 2 pipe system is a bit more robust.
I got let down leasing an Alfa 4c in the summer and bought this as a run about in the hope that the 4c deals would pop back up. However, now I have this I’d keep it even if the Alfa materialises. Gives me an Italian “brio” driving experience at a fraction of the cost.
I’ve never spoken to anyone who has one, or did have one who didn’t have lots of positives to say about it, I’d really recommend one.
Fortunately there aren’t many essessee’s around my area for sale, I live in West Sussex next door to Goodwood and roads are absolutely awful. Great in places but otherwise it’s basically just one big pothole! So that suspension is definitely a big NoNo. Have you got the 17” wheels, I like the look of them but does it affect the ride quality at all? So stiff and uncompliant I’m at the point of having to replace it with something softer, which seems to be about the £500 mark.
The other thing to bear in mind is the blue and me. Its rubbish connecting to newer smartphones if that’s important to you.
If you buy a new head unit you also need to budget for an adaptor to link it to the blue and me or things like the trip meter and mileage recording don’t work properly.
I have a 2010 car and thus far it’s been really reliable. Only issue is a bit of a glitch that manifests itself every now and again. It will flash up a random warning (esp unavailable, or some other electric related malady) which goes if you turn it off and restart it.
If the car has a Monza exhaust (4 pipes) check that it works properly (you can get underneath it and wiggle the valve) as the spring is prone to sticking or breaking (and the exhaust itself is pretty ropey build quality), I understand the “normal” 2 pipe system is a bit more robust.
I got let down leasing an Alfa 4c in the summer and bought this as a run about in the hope that the 4c deals would pop back up. However, now I have this I’d keep it even if the Alfa materialises. Gives me an Italian “brio” driving experience at a fraction of the cost.
I’ve never spoken to anyone who has one, or did have one who didn’t have lots of positives to say about it, I’d really recommend one.
I’m not expecting it to be 100% reliable, a few little niggles like ESP lights flashing doesn’t bother me. The Polo GTI alternative I was looking is known to have some serious engine failure problems, but the Abarth seems to be fine! I don’t think il be looking for one with the Monza exhaust either, I’m fine with the standard one.
Thanks Cam
Stuart J said:
Newer is always better, being 19 I assume you have got an Insurance quote
Re launch editions your right, This was my Wifes
Yes I have a few quotes, Abarths seem to be far cheaper than the Fiesta ST and Polo GTI. Coming to around £900 a year with no box.Re launch editions your right, This was my Wifes
Ah they do look smart in the Launch Edition spec, especially at Goodwood!
OP - We have a newer 595 Turismo in the family. Great little cars with tons of character. I love driving it, however a few things to consider..
- It drinks fuel like there is no tomorrow, not sure how efficient they really are, however caveat that with ours is always in "sport" mode
- Ride/seat height - you sit very high, coming from a coupe, I notice it more.. lower seating arrangement would be better
- Wish it had a 6th gear..
- Quality vs VW Polo, I think the newer cars are better, however when I compare against my son's Audi A1, (same as Polo) the build quality
is not on par
- Servicing - seems to like to go in every 6,000 miles.. Not sure what VW offers these days..
Good luck
G
- It drinks fuel like there is no tomorrow, not sure how efficient they really are, however caveat that with ours is always in "sport" mode
- Ride/seat height - you sit very high, coming from a coupe, I notice it more.. lower seating arrangement would be better
- Wish it had a 6th gear..
- Quality vs VW Polo, I think the newer cars are better, however when I compare against my son's Audi A1, (same as Polo) the build quality
is not on par
- Servicing - seems to like to go in every 6,000 miles.. Not sure what VW offers these days..
Good luck
G
viggyp said:
OP, have you thought about the Grande Punto Abarth or do you have your heart set on the 500? Admittedly, they don't feel as special and are hard to find compared to the 500 but they may be cheaper to buy/insure. Just a thought to be honest.
Set my heart on the Abarth 500, insurance is basically the same as my current Polo 1.6 TDI (the Abarth is a 1.4 so according to the insurance company less risk!) CJG98 said:
viggyp said:
OP, have you thought about the Grande Punto Abarth or do you have your heart set on the 500? Admittedly, they don't feel as special and are hard to find compared to the 500 but they may be cheaper to buy/insure. Just a thought to be honest.
Set my heart on the Abarth 500, insurance is basically the same as my current Polo 1.6 TDI (the Abarth is a 1.4 so according to the insurance company less risk!) Gio G said:
OP - We have a newer 595 Turismo in the family. Great little cars with tons of character. I love driving it, however a few things to consider..
- It drinks fuel like there is no tomorrow, not sure how efficient they really are, however caveat that with ours is always in "sport" mode
- Ride/seat height - you sit very high, coming from a coupe, I notice it more.. lower seating arrangement would be better
- Wish it had a 6th gear..
- Quality vs VW Polo, I think the newer cars are better, however when I compare against my son's Audi A1, (same as Polo) the build quality
is not on par
- Servicing - seems to like to go in every 6,000 miles.. Not sure what VW offers these days..
Good luck
G
I’m not really expecting it to be better build quality than my Polo which I admit feels very well put together (no rattles). It’s just next year my commute to work is 1.5 Miles, or 5 Minutes, my Polo Diesel will hate it. My Polo is only a 5 speed too so not loosing anything. It’s about 9k a year service intervals with the Polo.- It drinks fuel like there is no tomorrow, not sure how efficient they really are, however caveat that with ours is always in "sport" mode
- Ride/seat height - you sit very high, coming from a coupe, I notice it more.. lower seating arrangement would be better
- Wish it had a 6th gear..
- Quality vs VW Polo, I think the newer cars are better, however when I compare against my son's Audi A1, (same as Polo) the build quality
is not on par
- Servicing - seems to like to go in every 6,000 miles.. Not sure what VW offers these days..
Good luck
G
I’ve always had a soft spot for Abarth 500’s ever since they came out 8 years ago.
CJG98 said:
I’m not really expecting it to be better build quality than my Polo which I admit feels very well put together (no rattles). It’s just next year my commute to work is 1.5 Miles, or 5 Minutes, my Polo Diesel will hate it. My Polo is only a 5 speed too so not loosing anything. It’s about 9k a year service intervals with the Polo.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Abarth 500’s ever since they came out 8 years ago.
Go for it, you only live once!! My son wants to swap his A1 for our Abarth, not sure his insurance will be the same, as younger than you... I’ve always had a soft spot for Abarth 500’s ever since they came out 8 years ago.
G
I live very close to Goodwood too, near Oving. My car is pretty modified, you can see it on the Standard no more thread on the Abarthisti website. If you do track days keep in contact as Spike (the Abarth) is down there pretty often. Well when I'm not modifying him or rebuilding him that is!
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