Fiat 500 runabout, yes or no?

[So]

I am thinking about buying a 2 year old 500 as a family hack, with a view to giving it to my son in 6 years time when he turns 17.

I appreciate that they are a budget car, so will the it be a load of rubbish when its 8 years old?

[Guy-j88un]

You can't expect a 17 year old lad to drive a fiat 500...

[So]

Guy-j88un said:

You can't expect a 17 year old lad to drive a fiat 500...

Why?

[MrMickS]

So said:

Guy-j88un said:

You can't expect a 17 year old lad to drive a fiat 500...

Why?

Think he's insinuating that its not a cool car for a young lad to be driving. That somehow he'd be better in a rusty old Corsa with a big fatty on it, lowered suspension, and a kick-ass stereo system

[So]

MrMickS said:

So said:

Guy-j88un said:

You can't expect a 17 year old lad to drive a fiat 500...

Why?

Think he's insinuating that its not a cool car for a young lad to be driving. That somehow he'd be better in a rusty old Corsa with a big fatty on it, lowered suspension, and a kick-ass stereo system

I think a 500 is a cool car for anyone to be driving.

[kilarney]

There ok. My kids have a panda 1.2 (500 in an ugly frock) 62 plate and a citigo 63 plate respectively. I would say the the Fiat is ok but once it got to 6yrs old it needed work doing like rusted sump, rear shockers at 4 years and so on, the spares from Fiat are a daft price. Certainly built to a price.

So you can probably guess but I would buy the citigo if your in it for the long run plus its better on fuel. Downside the seats are far less comfortable and it cost more to buy at 4 yrs old but maybe different newer ?

Oh I would add my lad wouldnt be seen in a 500 or the panda full stop, you will be surprised at the expectations these days !

Edited by kilarney on Monday 14th May 20:53

[So]

I thought it wise to test drive one of these before committing. I am pleased I did, because I won't now be buying one.

The car was really good in some respects, with the gearbox and engine better than I thought they'd be. But the suspension, especially the rear, was very hard and the steering wheel just too far away. I suspect a shorter driver who needs to sit nearer the pedals may be okay.

For a half hour test drive the 500 was fine. I just felt that it didn't drive as well as it looked and as a consequence we'd tire of driving it. In the past I've had access to multiple cars at any given time and I always gravitated to the easiest one to drive. This was intended to sit on the drive and be the go-to car for nipping out. However I think a Mini may do a better job.

[RDMcG]

I like the 500 and drove one all around Sicily. Nothing wrong with it at all-quite cool actually

[So]

RDMcG said:

I like the 500 and drove one all around Sicily. Nothing wrong with it at all-quite cool actually

Yes, Ronan, but that was when they were actually 500cc and had towel rail bumpers.

How did your op go by the way?

[Stuart J]

Get an M3, you'll be the coolest Dad out there when you give it to him

IM JOKING

He needs to be grateful for whatever he gets given if its that rather than a Bus or Bicycle

We bought our lad a Cat D Polo at auction, minimal damage & a mate fixed with s/hand bits, gave about a years good service until the Engine let go so put a s/hand lump in and stuck it on E bay

[JONSCZ]

ahem.....
http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/woman-w...

[RDMcG]

So said:

Yes, Ronan, but that was when they were actually 500cc and had towel rail bumpers.

How did your op go by the way?

:LOL was a modern..was tracing the Targa Florio route and doing some interviews with 3 people who won it..spent a bit of time with Nino Vaccarella, local hero of the TF....

op was a complete success.

[ferdi p]

My son aint like me;
Given a choice of an iPhone & an old Mini metro or no phone & my QF, he'd be in the Metro without a 2nd thought!

[So]

RDMcG said:

So said:

Yes, Ronan, but that was when they were actually 500cc and had towel rail bumpers.

How did your op go by the way?

:LOL was a modern..was tracing the Targa Florio route and doing some interviews with 3 people who won it..spent a bit of time with Nino Vaccarella, local hero of the TF....

op was a complete success.

That trip sounds fun.

Pleased for you ref the op.

[So]

RDMcG said:

I like the 500 and drove one all around Sicily. Nothing wrong with it at all-quite cool actually

In part due to your comments and also online reviews, I took a different one out for a test drive. It was quite different. The first one must have had a suspension problem or overinflated tyres.

I was undecided between a Mini and a 500. We already have one Mini, so I have bought a 500. If it doesn't work out, I can always sell it again.

[So]

First impressions are that this will be an ideal car for our business as a pool / city car. When the business has finished with it we will use it in the family.

As Ronan said above, it's a cool car. It also seems superbly appointed for something so cheap.