Abarth... Should i really...

[chowiekid]

Ok so im in dire need of a new car, and over the past few months i have test driven everything under the sun from Focus Rs to Clio 200. Currently driving a clio 197 sport.

I can't stop looking at abath 500 essesse models.

And today for the third time i went to look at one, Not expecting to like it as much as i do. A 60 plate with monza, sun roof, and pretty much every gizmo, i WANT it BAD :-(

I just can't talk myself out of it. Its cheap, Fun, And i love it. Is it gonna last though?

Will i enjoy it after being in it for 20,000 miles a year? sometimes 30,000... will it last?

And will it cost me more than a 19mpg clio sport? Any owners care to share?

[M5 Russ]

Absolutely great cars. I did not go for an Essesse but a tuning box soon upped the power to similar levels. The Essesse models have much firmer suspension but it's horses for courses really.

Either way they are great fun and very under rated and surprisingly well equipped.

[Nigel_O]

chowiekid said:

a 19mpg clio sport?

What on earth are you doing to a Clio to get 19mpg out of it? I run a 400+ bhp Fiat Coupe and I get 26mpg average

Back on topic, you'll love the slug of torque you get with a turbo, but I'm not sure you'll like the way it drives if you're doing 20 - 30k a year - probably a bit firm and jiggly (although if you've been doing those miles in a Clio Sport, you're probably used to it by now)

[CatJ]

Yes go for the Abarth.

Also yes what on earth are you doing with your Clio to get 19 out of it?

The 197 we had wouldn't drop below wouldn't drop below his 20's and was driven in a spirited manner.

[eightseventhree]

Go for it . . . but not the EsseEsse.

They need frequent 6k oil services and if you are doing 20k+ if you are paying someone will ruin you!

I would get a Non EsseEsse, get a TMC and the official Konig suspension. If you want a different exhaust there are many avaliable including Akropovic

I did 20k PA in mine and had no issues other than loads of tyres and expensive servicing. Mine was run for 2 years from new and it was great fun.

edit to add : I returned about 38 MPG over 2 years