Fiat 500S (won't even do 100mph) but is a proper old laugh.
Discussion
So, I find myself in a bit of a predicament. You know when lots of things come together? My eldest son (equally ph as his dad) just turns 17. I get made redundant and therefore decide to take the plunge into starting 'my own thing'. So funds are tight. The company 4 series went back, my R129SL not roadworthy at the moment, and the young fella right miffed off cos he can only drive his instructors car. So we find ourselves in the Fiat dealer, test driving an Abarth 595. Insurance no go obviously but it was fun. Therefore we end up with a 500S, looks sportier than standard ones, has some good extra's like bluetooth, reversing sensors etc. But what's it like? Well, it's got 69bhp for a start and a top speed of 99mph. 0-60 is about 13 seconds. But, it's an absolute hoot. I love how small and chuckable it is, reminds of being a teenager again. It makes me have to drive again, use the gears to make progress (had auto's since 2004, PH sin I know) and maintain speed at all costs. It reminds me massively of my 1990 Mini Cooper, that made me feel I'd hit the big time. Any complaints? The seating position is high, takes a bit of getting used to. Most importantly though, the young man has put nearly 500 miles on it this weekend - so it's all good! Feel free to take the mick!
And the main reason.....
And the main reason.....
Great cars - My missus has a '63 500S in techhouse grey, almost looks like primer!
Echo the comments about how chuckable they are, the driving position is very high, shifter is in the perfect position and the steering wheel is fantastic as well.
Hers is in for some warranty work today and Im less than impressed at the dealer network, its been back for some problems 2 or 3 times because they dont sort things properly. Also get attitude from some of the staff which was annoying! Suggested that a blowing exhaust wasnt a problem, 'because of how popular they are they must all do it'! Absolutely baffled by that comment!
Enjoy it though, very planted cars when chucking around.
Echo the comments about how chuckable they are, the driving position is very high, shifter is in the perfect position and the steering wheel is fantastic as well.
Hers is in for some warranty work today and Im less than impressed at the dealer network, its been back for some problems 2 or 3 times because they dont sort things properly. Also get attitude from some of the staff which was annoying! Suggested that a blowing exhaust wasnt a problem, 'because of how popular they are they must all do it'! Absolutely baffled by that comment!
Enjoy it though, very planted cars when chucking around.
Looks very nice in that colour, and as all small italian cars, im sure it is a hoot to drive if you can keep the pace up.
One question though, what does something like this cost on that side of the pond? Somehow such a strapping little car seems rather expensive to me for a 17 year old kids first ride, rather then a 1K shed
One question though, what does something like this cost on that side of the pond? Somehow such a strapping little car seems rather expensive to me for a 17 year old kids first ride, rather then a 1K shed
Vitorio said:
Looks very nice in that colour, and as all small italian cars, im sure it is a hoot to drive if you can keep the pace up.
One question though, what does something like this cost on that side of the pond? Somehow such a strapping little car seems rather expensive to me for a 17 year old kids first ride, rather then a 1K shed
Thanks all for the comments. So, the car was actually bought for me, as I cut back to finance my new business. But the consideration was to get something that the youngster could use also until I fill the coffers enough to get him something of his own. In answer to the question of cost, it was 7.5k which I thought was pretty good, less than a yet a old with 2k miles on from a main dealer. One question though, what does something like this cost on that side of the pond? Somehow such a strapping little car seems rather expensive to me for a 17 year old kids first ride, rather then a 1K shed
Sillyhatday said:
My first was an Fiesta that stalled when stopping at junctions
I think they did all do that - the idle control valve got full of gunk which was what caused it - it was a really quick job to fix, and pretty cheap too. However, the need to rev the engine while stopping meant that I had to learn to heel and toe, so it wasn't all bad. 
sinbaddio said:
Thanks all for the comments. So, the car was actually bought for me, as I cut back to finance my new business. But the consideration was to get something that the youngster could use also until I fill the coffers enough to get him something of his own. In answer to the question of cost, it was 7.5k which I thought was pretty good, less than a yet a old with 2k miles on from a main dealer.
Ah i see, i thought it was primarily bought for the kidLovely little car all the same, i wouldnt mind having a 500 myself at some point, but practicality (and budgetary) issues prevent such a thing right now (and i'd be very very tempted to go abarth, for obvious reasons)
Call me a a miserable so and so. But I think it's a sad reflection on todays youth that most of them just expect their parents to buy them a car.
My parents would never have bought me a car 12 years ago. Not even a shed. The idea was that if you wanted something then you got a job and paid for it yourself, then you'll look after it.
A colleague of mine splashed the cash on a £15k Focus for his son, after a month he had binned the thing in a ditch in dry summer weather.Son expected a new one because 'i'm not driving it knackered' and the parent being the wet wipe that he is bought him another.
If funds are tight then splashing 10k on a new car seems the perfectly sensible thing to do.
ps. - i like the blue colour
My parents would never have bought me a car 12 years ago. Not even a shed. The idea was that if you wanted something then you got a job and paid for it yourself, then you'll look after it.
A colleague of mine splashed the cash on a £15k Focus for his son, after a month he had binned the thing in a ditch in dry summer weather.Son expected a new one because 'i'm not driving it knackered' and the parent being the wet wipe that he is bought him another.
If funds are tight then splashing 10k on a new car seems the perfectly sensible thing to do.
ps. - i like the blue colour
Edited by velocefica on Wednesday 9th March 12:34
velocefica said:
Call me a a miserable so and so. But I think it's a sad reflection on todays youth that most of them just expect their parents to buy them a car.
My parents would never have bought me a car 12 years ago. Not even a shed. The idea was that if you wanted something then you got a job and paid for it yourself, then you'll look after it.
A colleague of mine splashed the cash on a £15k Focus for his son, after a month he had binned the thing in a ditch in dry summer weather.Son expected a new one because 'i'm not driving it knackered' and the parent being the wet wipe that he is bought him another.
If funds are tight then splashing 10k on a new car seems the perfectly sensible thing to do.
ps. - i like the blue colour
Different people in different positions. Just because you don't buy your own car doesn't mean you won't appreciate it or look after it and not every teenager is an ungrateful tit.My parents would never have bought me a car 12 years ago. Not even a shed. The idea was that if you wanted something then you got a job and paid for it yourself, then you'll look after it.
A colleague of mine splashed the cash on a £15k Focus for his son, after a month he had binned the thing in a ditch in dry summer weather.Son expected a new one because 'i'm not driving it knackered' and the parent being the wet wipe that he is bought him another.
If funds are tight then splashing 10k on a new car seems the perfectly sensible thing to do.
ps. - i like the blue colour
Edited by velocefica on Wednesday 9th March 12:34
Also sinbaddio, car looks awesome!
1598Craig said:
I'm a big fan of these, especially as I run an Abarth 595 competizione. Bet its just as fun though despite its power, and looks great. Colour band dash look smart and the seats too. Hope you get many happy miles with it!
That's mine, definitly recommended as a future upgrade
Just been reading your write up Craig - lovely car. A 595 was my first test drive a few weeks ago, and I was smitten. But then insurance (putting my 17 year old on as a named driver) was a no-go. A 595 is defo on the future agenda though!That's mine, definitly recommended as a future upgrade
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