595 Competizione - Buying/Leasing/Owning
Discussion
Morning all,
So i was 24hrs away from pulling the trigger on a C63 AMG, having lusted after an E9x M3 for many years and realising that as a daily proposition the C63 was a better option, the viewing was arranged.
HOWEVER after the man maths that played out in my head I sat down with a pen and paper and frightened the bejesus out of myself at how much this was realistically going to cost me a month. So it was back to the drawing board, and I remembered seeing a post by a C63 owner who said they had thoroughly enjoyed theirs but it was sold and they were moving into a 595.
That got me thinking, is the 595 a worthy successor to a C63? Well clearly its down a power and build quality maybe different but actually, smiles per mile I reckon the 595 could be worth looking at.
I should say at this point that I have previously owned an Abarth Essesse which was absolutely wicked fun and I thoroughly enjoyed every journey in it -
So I kind of know the recipe, however clearly they have come on a lot since the early models. Interested to hear from anyone who has come from something a bit different to the 595 or runs one alongside something more exotic and how you find it compares? Most of the time I will be driving it on my own, occasionally I will use it for swimming club/ballet/horse riding alongside my 8 year old daughter and very occasionally it may take myself, wife and daughter somewhere local. If we need a bigger car for a specific trip/reason I can just swap with a family member for the weekend or whatever.
Reading the '595 Competizione As A Daily' thread there are a few people mention deals such as 2 months down and £2xx per month, is this PCP or lease because this is exactly what I am after?? Where are these deals available??
Also can anyone tell me is it better to take out a contract for say 2 years and then find you want to extend it to 3, or take it out for 3 years and pay to get out early at 2? I haven't leased/PCP/PCH a car before however in recent years when the car I am driving has been sold I have paid the balance of the loan of and been left with nothing so practically the same!!!!!
I have some house stuff we need to do over the next 12-18 months so predictable, low monthly car costs would be really useful and the money saved on running a C63 can be put to good use in the house. It seems the perfect solution, have had a play on the car builder on Abarth website and know roughly what I want, its just finding the best deal and way of doing it.
Si
So i was 24hrs away from pulling the trigger on a C63 AMG, having lusted after an E9x M3 for many years and realising that as a daily proposition the C63 was a better option, the viewing was arranged.
HOWEVER after the man maths that played out in my head I sat down with a pen and paper and frightened the bejesus out of myself at how much this was realistically going to cost me a month. So it was back to the drawing board, and I remembered seeing a post by a C63 owner who said they had thoroughly enjoyed theirs but it was sold and they were moving into a 595.
That got me thinking, is the 595 a worthy successor to a C63? Well clearly its down a power and build quality maybe different but actually, smiles per mile I reckon the 595 could be worth looking at.
I should say at this point that I have previously owned an Abarth Essesse which was absolutely wicked fun and I thoroughly enjoyed every journey in it -
So I kind of know the recipe, however clearly they have come on a lot since the early models. Interested to hear from anyone who has come from something a bit different to the 595 or runs one alongside something more exotic and how you find it compares? Most of the time I will be driving it on my own, occasionally I will use it for swimming club/ballet/horse riding alongside my 8 year old daughter and very occasionally it may take myself, wife and daughter somewhere local. If we need a bigger car for a specific trip/reason I can just swap with a family member for the weekend or whatever.
Reading the '595 Competizione As A Daily' thread there are a few people mention deals such as 2 months down and £2xx per month, is this PCP or lease because this is exactly what I am after?? Where are these deals available??
Also can anyone tell me is it better to take out a contract for say 2 years and then find you want to extend it to 3, or take it out for 3 years and pay to get out early at 2? I haven't leased/PCP/PCH a car before however in recent years when the car I am driving has been sold I have paid the balance of the loan of and been left with nothing so practically the same!!!!!
I have some house stuff we need to do over the next 12-18 months so predictable, low monthly car costs would be really useful and the money saved on running a C63 can be put to good use in the house. It seems the perfect solution, have had a play on the car builder on Abarth website and know roughly what I want, its just finding the best deal and way of doing it.
Si
Just after the cheap lease deals expired I nearly signed up for an Alfa 4c.
Really enjoyed the test drive etc, but didn’t love it, nor could get my head around the impracticality of things like no power steering. From memory, with deposit for a 2 yr lease it was circa 14k. Then had to factor in around 1k for the bolt tightening service.
I did similar man maths and worked out for around half of that over all outlay I got a 500 essesse MTA convertible, which equipment wise was pretty much on the money with a 4c.
So I bought one for 8k.
First car I’ve actually bought for ages (usually lease) but the lease deals on Abarths I found at the time tended not to be very competitive. So on a 2yr lease the Abarth was less than 100 different to a 4c. Abarths also seem to have decent residuals. I don’t think the leasing position has changed much, they seem quite expensive when amortised.
Obviously a gulf in performance between an Abarth and the 4c but as the one I bought had been further modified to around 180bhp (so the same as a current model) it wasn’t as massive as I thought.
It’s a few seconds adrift for 0-60 and I’d imagine similar for in gear. Clearly handling is subjective but both have an interesting ride quality to say the least.
On any given day I’m sure a 4c would have been more fun, but the killer for me is the cost.
If I sold the Abarth now I’d be down about 1500. It’s cost me nowt to repair (other than a 10 quid fit it yourself brake sensor and a 50 local garage fix the door handle.) Full service cost around 250, and tax is 220 a year (so with a lease car that cost would have been absorbed.)
man maths tells me I could either be 15k short and about to hand a car back, or have paid about 2k and still have an asset with value. Obviously many would argue they’d happily spend the 15k on what is a car many classes above.
I also have an MV Augusta and and have since bought an SLK55.
More often than not it’s the Abarth that gets used simply because it’s great fun.
Really enjoyed the test drive etc, but didn’t love it, nor could get my head around the impracticality of things like no power steering. From memory, with deposit for a 2 yr lease it was circa 14k. Then had to factor in around 1k for the bolt tightening service.
I did similar man maths and worked out for around half of that over all outlay I got a 500 essesse MTA convertible, which equipment wise was pretty much on the money with a 4c.
So I bought one for 8k.
First car I’ve actually bought for ages (usually lease) but the lease deals on Abarths I found at the time tended not to be very competitive. So on a 2yr lease the Abarth was less than 100 different to a 4c. Abarths also seem to have decent residuals. I don’t think the leasing position has changed much, they seem quite expensive when amortised.
Obviously a gulf in performance between an Abarth and the 4c but as the one I bought had been further modified to around 180bhp (so the same as a current model) it wasn’t as massive as I thought.
It’s a few seconds adrift for 0-60 and I’d imagine similar for in gear. Clearly handling is subjective but both have an interesting ride quality to say the least.
On any given day I’m sure a 4c would have been more fun, but the killer for me is the cost.
If I sold the Abarth now I’d be down about 1500. It’s cost me nowt to repair (other than a 10 quid fit it yourself brake sensor and a 50 local garage fix the door handle.) Full service cost around 250, and tax is 220 a year (so with a lease car that cost would have been absorbed.)
man maths tells me I could either be 15k short and about to hand a car back, or have paid about 2k and still have an asset with value. Obviously many would argue they’d happily spend the 15k on what is a car many classes above.
I also have an MV Augusta and and have since bought an SLK55.
More often than not it’s the Abarth that gets used simply because it’s great fun.
SiT said:
That got me thinking, is the 595 a worthy successor to a C63? Well clearly its down a power and build quality maybe different but actually, smiles per mile I reckon the 595 could be worth looking at.
I should say at this point that I have previously owned an Abarth Essesse which was absolutely wicked fun and I thoroughly enjoyed every journey in it
I went from a VXR8 to an Abarth Esseesse, so a similar proposition. Loved both, but obviously very different.I should say at this point that I have previously owned an Abarth Essesse which was absolutely wicked fun and I thoroughly enjoyed every journey in it
You are already accepting of their main foibles, primarily high seating position and stiff ride, which haven't changed as far as I know.
I have a 68 plate Competizione and it still has a pretty firm ride, but it's a trade off for some pretty sharp handling. The seating position as standard is still too high but you can buy a lowering bracket for the seat for around £150 which transforms the position.
With regards to deals, it is still possible to get a good one. I bought mine to use as a second car for a bit of fun for a few years and wanted either PCP or lease. The Comp started at £299 per month in a PCP without any options. With a few options ticked (somewhere between £1-1.5k worth), I'm in mine for £242 per month on a lease with a fairly small deposit.
With regards to deals, it is still possible to get a good one. I bought mine to use as a second car for a bit of fun for a few years and wanted either PCP or lease. The Comp started at £299 per month in a PCP without any options. With a few options ticked (somewhere between £1-1.5k worth), I'm in mine for £242 per month on a lease with a fairly small deposit.
Edited by GavMason on Thursday 2nd May 07:22
The Abarth as a daily thread is mine 
Have been in mine for 8 months and 7000 miles and its great, motorway manners are better than most imply but then I came from an S-Line Audi which was pretty f
king stiff as well and actually think it was no better on the motorway that the Abarth in terms of chassis and suspension, the seats in the Abarth are the only minor weak link on that kind of journey but it doesn't bother me and I have just got back from Leeds and back from MK with a passenger who was pleasantly surprised on how comfy he was (we are both 6'1)
Mine isnt on lease though and my payments are alot more than 299 but thats fine for me as I will own it when done. Beats are a must as are the Xenons other than that the Comp comes with the 7" nav as a standard now anyway. Also stretch to the PP as well if you can as it makes a huge difference to the car!
Have been in mine for 8 months and 7000 miles and its great, motorway manners are better than most imply but then I came from an S-Line Audi which was pretty f
king stiff as well and actually think it was no better on the motorway that the Abarth in terms of chassis and suspension, the seats in the Abarth are the only minor weak link on that kind of journey but it doesn't bother me and I have just got back from Leeds and back from MK with a passenger who was pleasantly surprised on how comfy he was (we are both 6'1)Mine isnt on lease though and my payments are alot more than 299 but thats fine for me as I will own it when done. Beats are a must as are the Xenons other than that the Comp comes with the 7" nav as a standard now anyway. Also stretch to the PP as well if you can as it makes a huge difference to the car!
That’s great to hear, I think I need some respite from ‘secondhand cars’ for a minute - the last 18 years has seen me work my way through 47 cars and I am now tired!
I have lost my enthusiasm to travel to look at cars, I have lost my enthusiasm to clean them myself and really need something that will raise a smile without costing vast amounts of money.
I loved my old Abarth, was SO much fun so if I can find a deal on a new one for 24 months I will be a happy camper.
Heard one pass by the other day with the Monza exhaust and it sounds incredible for such a little car!!!!
Good to know people have traded ‘down’ in terms of power/performance/size and not felt short changed.
Si
I have lost my enthusiasm to travel to look at cars, I have lost my enthusiasm to clean them myself and really need something that will raise a smile without costing vast amounts of money.
I loved my old Abarth, was SO much fun so if I can find a deal on a new one for 24 months I will be a happy camper.
Heard one pass by the other day with the Monza exhaust and it sounds incredible for such a little car!!!!
Good to know people have traded ‘down’ in terms of power/performance/size and not felt short changed.
Si
I’m 3 weeks into a comp having moved over from an M3.
Apart from the difference in build quality -the abarth interior plastics etc), I’m loving it. It’s a very capable car. Makes me smile and is so so much cheaper to run in every respect than the BMW.
Yes, there is an element of “I sold a great M3 for a fiat hatchback” but that gets forgotten when I’m out in it.
It gets a fair bit of attention when out and sounds ridiculous- what’s not to love.
No idea about financing one I’m afraid - I wanted a particular spec so bought one that’s 18 months old so can’t comment on rates.
Apart from the difference in build quality -the abarth interior plastics etc), I’m loving it. It’s a very capable car. Makes me smile and is so so much cheaper to run in every respect than the BMW.
Yes, there is an element of “I sold a great M3 for a fiat hatchback” but that gets forgotten when I’m out in it.
It gets a fair bit of attention when out and sounds ridiculous- what’s not to love.
No idea about financing one I’m afraid - I wanted a particular spec so bought one that’s 18 months old so can’t comment on rates.
I'm waiting for my new 595 Comp to arrive; ordered a couple of weeks ago. Cash purchase, so can't really comment on the whole PCP vs Lease side though.
However, I am coming from a Fiesta ST, nothing exotic, but we all know how well reviewed they have been. I love the ST, but I traded in my old Comp for it a few years ago when I was pregnant with baby no2. I've not regretted swapping cars as the Fez is so capable, and much more practical. But, I never had enough time with the old Comp, so have been hankering after another for a long time. I've ordered with the PP so hopefully the new one will be more capable than my previous one, and I just can't wait for it to arrive!
However, I am coming from a Fiesta ST, nothing exotic, but we all know how well reviewed they have been. I love the ST, but I traded in my old Comp for it a few years ago when I was pregnant with baby no2. I've not regretted swapping cars as the Fez is so capable, and much more practical. But, I never had enough time with the old Comp, so have been hankering after another for a long time. I've ordered with the PP so hopefully the new one will be more capable than my previous one, and I just can't wait for it to arrive!
pidsy said:
I’m 3 weeks into a comp having moved over from an M3.
Apart from the difference in build quality -the abarth interior plastics etc), I’m loving it. It’s a very capable car. Makes me smile and is so so much cheaper to run in every respect than the BMW.
Wait till you get to the servicing costs... unless you have a special package which includes it, it is very expensive.. Second service on my son's Turismo started at £420, managed to negotiate it to around £330, these are Midlands rates. If I recall first service was similar price. It has a 1.4 engine!Apart from the difference in build quality -the abarth interior plastics etc), I’m loving it. It’s a very capable car. Makes me smile and is so so much cheaper to run in every respect than the BMW.
G
Gio G said:
pidsy said:
I’m 3 weeks into a comp having moved over from an M3.
Apart from the difference in build quality -the abarth interior plastics etc), I’m loving it. It’s a very capable car. Makes me smile and is so so much cheaper to run in every respect than the BMW.
Wait till you get to the servicing costs... unless you have a special package which includes it, it is very expensive.. Second service on my son's Turismo started at £420, managed to negotiate it to around £330, these are Midlands rates. If I recall first service was similar price. It has a 1.4 engine!Apart from the difference in build quality -the abarth interior plastics etc), I’m loving it. It’s a very capable car. Makes me smile and is so so much cheaper to run in every respect than the BMW.
G
The abarth is pennies compared to that. I’ve got a good indi near me so servicing is quite a refreshing experience.
Gio G said:
pidsy said:
I’m 3 weeks into a comp having moved over from an M3.
Apart from the difference in build quality -the abarth interior plastics etc), I’m loving it. It’s a very capable car. Makes me smile and is so so much cheaper to run in every respect than the BMW.
Wait till you get to the servicing costs... unless you have a special package which includes it, it is very expensive.. Second service on my son's Turismo started at £420, managed to negotiate it to around £330, these are Midlands rates. If I recall first service was similar price. It has a 1.4 engine!Apart from the difference in build quality -the abarth interior plastics etc), I’m loving it. It’s a very capable car. Makes me smile and is so so much cheaper to run in every respect than the BMW.
G
Regarding finance a bank loan is probably the cheapest if you have a good credit rating and want to keep the car a good while. There is really not a lot of sense buying new if you can find a used one with the spec you want, used there tends to be little allowance for extras even the expensive ones. So PP is relatively cheap on a used one just not very easy to find.
SiT said:
That’s really useful thanks for that, that sort of monthly would be ideal, can I ask who you leased it through??
Good to know you can lower the seat, is that £150 for one bracket or a pair?
How have you found your ownership experience?
Si
It's leased through Leazys I believe, was arranged via my local Abarth dealer Richard Hardie but I imagine most dealers will be able to source similar.Good to know you can lower the seat, is that £150 for one bracket or a pair?
How have you found your ownership experience?
Si
The brackets I spotted were from here, priced individually and excluding VAT so actually more expensive than I originally quoted.
https://www.tmcmotorsport.com/product/1431
I've loved every single drive in it, nothing else makes me smile and laugh like this thing does. Attended a meeting today with approximately 80 other owners which was fun!
GavMason said:
It's leased through Leazys I believe, was arranged via my local Abarth dealer Richard Hardie but I imagine most dealers will be able to source similar.
The brackets I spotted were from here, priced individually and excluding VAT so actually more expensive than I originally quoted.
https://www.tmcmotorsport.com/product/1431
I've loved every single drive in it, nothing else makes me smile and laugh like this thing does. Attended a meeting today with approximately 80 other owners which was fun!
The lowering kit, you have to bear in mind that as far as I know it is not safety tested it looks good but doesn't have the same tubular bracing going under the seat as the original. A matter of personal choice really for me I'm not sure, I have a kit I got direct from Italy and got half way through fitting it but had doubts comparing original to the new and stopped. I am presuming it's the same kit TMC sell but may not be.The brackets I spotted were from here, priced individually and excluding VAT so actually more expensive than I originally quoted.
https://www.tmcmotorsport.com/product/1431
I've loved every single drive in it, nothing else makes me smile and laugh like this thing does. Attended a meeting today with approximately 80 other owners which was fun!
Edited by DELTAHPE on Monday 6th May 13:06
DELTAHPE said:
The lowering kit, you have to bear in mind that as far as I know it is not safety tested it looks good but doesn't have the same tubular bracing going under the seat as the original. A matter of personal choice really for me I'm not sure, I have a kit I got direct from Italy and got half way through fitting it but had doubts comparing original to the new and stopped. I am presuming it's the same kit TMC sell but may not be.
I don't actually have the kit myself, despite being 6'3 the seating position doesn't actually bother me.Edited by DELTAHPE on Monday 6th May 13:06
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