Abarth 595 Competizione as a daily?

[pidsy]

You’d be suprised. These are very easy to tune until it gets silly and the engine needs forged parts.

[V-spec]

Hi All
 
I’m a bit of a lurker/admirer on this thread
 
I will shortly be replacing both an Aygo and Morgan 3 Wheeler with a Competizione as an all in one “daily plus fun” car.
 
We live in Belgium and are going to buy second hand, but I’ve got a few questions about specs which I’m not 100% clear about
 
-          I see “performance pack” mentioned a lot, which I think gets you a limited slip diff. Is this really needed on a FWD car? I assume this stops the inside wheel from spinning in corners – is that correct? For those without it – is that a problem?
-          Am I right that the Monza exhaust is part of the Competizione as standard? Was it always that way and is it always open? How does it work in a recent (2018-19) car?
-          I’m looking at cars from 2018/19, and they have a Sport button. What does it do exactly?
-          I never see the “cabrio” (full length canvas roof) version mentioned here, maybe not available in the UK? I’ve seen a few advertised in BE, might be worth considering? Opinions? Is the handling compromised?
 
Any other tips or things to look out for when buying second hand? Or does anyone know of a buying guide they can link to?
 
For your interest, I’m looking at these two cars at the moment
-          https://www.autoscout24.be/fr/offres/abarth-595-co...

Low mileage, nice carbon bits including seat backs, not sure if it has LSD or Android Auto. Has Navi which I don’t need, but no sunroof

         https://www.autoscout24.be/fr/offres/abarth-595-co...

A few more km and seems to be missing the fuel filler cover
 
Thanks for reading

[Bungleaio]

Don't sell the Morgan! I'd love one but don't fit as I'm too tall, no issues in the 595 though.

The diff is quite good as far as I'm aware, I don't have one in mine and don't miss having one but if you like a spirited ride quite often then it's probably worth finding a car with one fittted. You can get one fitted from Quaife though if you really want one and can't find a performance pack car.

Monza is standard on the Competizione, the valve is closed in normal mode but opens in sport, there's quite an audible difference. The sport button is a different engine map allowing the full 180bhp, it changes the throttle map and open's the valve in the latest cars.

I have a Cabrio version in the UK and love it. There are photos in this thread of it. Blue paint and brown interior. There's very minimal handling differences and I do mean minimal, it's not like a proper convertible, more like a big sunroof. The boot is exactly the same size but the access is more restricted due to the smaller opening.

[AbarthTwins]

V-spec said:

Hi All
 
I’m a bit of a lurker/admirer on this thread
 
I will shortly be replacing both an Aygo and Morgan 3 Wheeler with a Competizione as an all in one “daily plus fun” car.
 
We live in Belgium and are going to buy second hand, but I’ve got a few questions about specs which I’m not 100% clear about
 
-          I see “performance pack” mentioned a lot, which I think gets you a limited slip diff. Is this really needed on a FWD car? I assume this stops the inside wheel from spinning in corners – is that correct? For those without it – is that a problem?
-          Am I right that the Monza exhaust is part of the Competizione as standard? Was it always that way and is it always open? How does it work in a recent (2018-19) car?
-          I’m looking at cars from 2018/19, and they have a Sport button. What does it do exactly?
-          I never see the “cabrio” (full length canvas roof) version mentioned here, maybe not available in the UK? I’ve seen a few advertised in BE, might be worth considering? Opinions? Is the handling compromised?
 
Any other tips or things to look out for when buying second hand? Or does anyone know of a buying guide they can link to?
 
For your interest, I’m looking at these two cars at the moment
-          https://www.autoscout24.be/fr/offres/abarth-595-co...

Low mileage, nice carbon bits including seat backs, not sure if it has LSD or Android Auto. Has Navi which I don’t need, but no sunroof

         https://www.autoscout24.be/fr/offres/abarth-595-co...

A few more km and seems to be missing the fuel filler cover
 
Thanks for reading

If it's a 2018-2019 model Comp then the monza exhaust valve is controlled via the sport button - however there is a wire that you can unplug that forces it open the entire time.

Double check if it has car play or android auto as it is an option on the cars that you would certainly miss not having.

[DELTAHPE]

The first one looks the best spec, carbon dash looks way better than the normal one and the upgraded seats do as well. Given what it has fitted it is 99% certain it will have the LSD but you really need to check.

[ecsrobin]

DELTAHPE said:

The first one looks the best spec, carbon dash looks way better than the normal one and the upgraded seats do as well. Given what it has fitted it is 99% certain it will have the LSD but you really need to check.

Yep almost certain that’s a PP car based on the spec I know a lot in the UK for sale secondhand are unaware so possible bargains to be had. If you get the reg you can call Abarth and they’ll inform you.

[Farky]

Washed & Waxed the Comp yesterday, absolutely loving this wee Thing! 😎 The noise it makes is hilarious

[Farky]

Hi Guys, quick Question.......
What Security are you using for your Abarths?
I remember someone put up a Link for an OBD port Blocker/Lock but cant seem to find it anywhere?
I’d rather stay away from Steering locks as im not wanting to damage the Alcantara/Carbon on the wheel......

Also, i have the Non-Xenon headlamps.....is anyone running a much brighter Bulb in their headlamps? Also whats the best Reg Plate bulbs to use?
Any info greatly appreciated

Edited by Farky on Thursday 29th August 16:02

[ecsrobin]

Farky said:

Hi Guys, quick Question.......
What Security are you using for your Abarths?
I remember someone put up a Link for an OBD port Blocker/Lock but cant seem to find it anywhere?
I’d rather stay away from Steering locks as im not wanting to damage the Alcantara/Carbon on the wheel......
Any info greatly appreciated

I’d only really be concerned if you’re in Birmingham or London.

Insurance is my security.

[Squadrone Rosso]

Disklok & the steering wheel protector.

Used daily for almost 2 years, zero marking or damage.

[Farky]

ecsrobin said:

I’d only really be concerned if you’re in Birmingham or London.

Insurance is my security.

Im in Scotland, tho still reluctant to leave on any streets in Edinburgh/Glasgow etc without any kind of Security tbh......
Luckily i have a secure garage at Home

[Farky]

Squadrone Rosso said:

Disklok & the steering wheel protector.

Used daily for almost 2 years, zero marking or damage.

Do you have a Link mate?

[Daggerpie]

Farky said:

Hi Guys, quick Question.......
What Security are you using for your Abarths?
I remember someone put up a Link for an OBD port Blocker/Lock but cant seem to find it anywhere?

Edited by Farky on Thursday 29th August 16:02

I've seen these mentioned & used a few times on another Abarth group, basically blocking the port in the footwell.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/master-lock-5-key-combi...

[micloi]

Farky said:

Hi Guys, quick Question.......
What Security are you using for your Abarths?
I remember someone put up a Link for an OBD port Blocker/Lock but cant seem to find it anywhere?
I’d rather stay away from Steering locks as im not wanting to damage the Alcantara/Carbon on the wheel......

Also, i have the Non-Xenon headlamps.....is anyone running a much brighter Bulb in their headlamps? Also whats the best Reg Plate bulbs to use?
Any info greatly appreciated

Edited by Farky on Thursday 29th August 16:02

I have one of these spare if of interest?

[pidsy]

Ref plate bulbs from MR-R are good.

Had a B service yesterday - had a feeling that the service it had before I picked it up wasn’t actually done.

Turns out it hadn’t been serviced as i’d requested. All confirmed when we looked at the state of the oil yesterday.

The rear disks/pads have had it too and there is play in the top mounts as well.

Probably should have been sorted prior to me buying it but I never really looked too deep - I just wanted it.

Luckily parts are relatively cheap and I have great trust in this specialist - gives me something to spend some money on this month.

[Farky]

micloi said:

I have one of these spare if of interest?

Do you use one of these yourself mate?

[ClareD]

Farky said:

Hi Guys, quick Question.......
What Security are you using for your Abarths?
I remember someone put up a Link for an OBD port Blocker/Lock but cant seem to find it anywhere?
I’d rather stay away from Steering locks as im not wanting to damage the Alcantara/Carbon on the wheel......

Also, i have the Non-Xenon headlamps.....is anyone running a much brighter Bulb in their headlamps? Also whats the best Reg Plate bulbs to use?
Any info greatly appreciated

Edited by Farky on Thursday 29th August 16:02

Disklok, Viper Immobiliser and Clifford Alarm. I live in Essex and car theft is quite prevalent around here unfortunately. It may be slightly OTT, but I'd rather that, than wake up one morning with the car gone.

[Farky]

pidsy said:

Ref plate bulbs from MR-R are good.

Had a B service yesterday - had a feeling that the service it had before I picked it up wasn’t actually done.

Turns out it hadn’t been serviced as i’d requested. All confirmed when we looked at the state of the oil yesterday.

The rear disks/pads have had it too and there is play in the top mounts as well.

Probably should have been sorted prior to me buying it but I never really looked too deep - I just wanted it.

Luckily parts are relatively cheap and I have great trust in this specialist - gives me something to spend some money on this month.

Thanks mate, thts their LED light package bought.......included is their Crystal Black side repeaters.
Sucks with regards to your servicing.....have you owned the Car long? Any point in contacting the dealer you bought it from?

[pidsy]

Had the car since may.
I can’t be bothered to go bk to the dealer - it’s stuff I should have noticed when buying.
I’ll put it down to experience.

The led side repeaters are really nice - a few of us put pics up a few pages back.

[Farky]

pidsy said:

Had the car since may.
I can’t be bothered to go bk to the dealer - it’s stuff I should have noticed when buying.
I’ll put it down to experience.

The led side repeaters are really nice - a few of us put pics up a few pages back.

The main thing is that you have a Trusted Specialist that you can use!
Yeah the side repeaters are very nice looking! Added a few bits/decals this past week so will put up pics when all fitted