Abarth 595. Will it kill me?

[valiant]

It’s getting to that time where I’ve got one eye on what car to replace my trusty V60.

Thinking of going small as it’s very rare that I travel with more than one person and the 595 keeps popping up on my radar. Also hired a normal 500 numerous times and, daft gearbox ratios aside, was a great little motor.

Here’s the but.... My back isn’t in the best of health and occasionally ‘pops’ leaving me in extreme pain and I don’t want to exacerbate it any more than necessary hence why I drive a Volvo. My journeys tend to be mostly local but a 120 mile motorway jaunt needs to be done approx once a week so is the ride abysmal (I know they’re fairly stiff) or is it generally ok? What are the seats like? I see some with natty recaros - are they a good option to aim for?

Or am I on a hiding to nothing?

Alternatives welcome but don’t really gel with German stuff. Basically after small (ish), quick, good ride, good seats and a bit of fun.

[Renswan]

I had a 595 and found it to be so bad on any surface bumpier than a snooker table that I sold it after a few months ... it was a fun wee car in many other ways but for me the ride was unbearable.

[David_M]

I've never owned one, but a colleague has had one for years. Based on various rides in it I'd have to describe the suspension as terrible.

[minipower]

Don’t go near it if you have a bad back. Ride is like a classic mini i.e. like a failing pogo stick. Unlike the classic mini, however, the steering provides you with minimal feedback which combined with the crap damping makes progress on bumpy roads interesting.

Despite all of the above It is still great fun and has lots of character.

[ecsrobin]

I’ve recently sold by 595 after 4 years. I’d be looking elsewhere if you have back issues.

[Jeff1976]

I loved my old one and to this day one of if not the most fun car ive owned for a while. Suspension was never bad for me. I found the seats more comfortable than my c class no dead ass after 100 miles. I will get another one as a weekend toy one day but not got the room currently. Id avoid the brembo brakes on the comp as they are hugely expensive for what they are and dont last long and the suspension is better on the turismo .

[ecsrobin]

Jeff1976 said:

I loved my old one and to this day one of if not the most fun car ive owned for a while. Suspension was never bad for me. I found the seats more comfortable than my c class no dead ass after 100 miles. I will get another one as a weekend toy one day but not got the room currently. Id avoid the brembo brakes on the comp as they are hugely expensive for what they are and dont last long and the suspension is better on the turismo .

I’d disagree. The Koni FSD all round on the comp whilst firmer feels far nicer. The brembos are also worth the premium. You also have the benefit of more supportive seats with the sabelts in a comp. but with pre existing back issues I just couldn’t recommend one to the OP despite how much I loved mine as a daily.

[The_Doc]

Vw Up Gti.

Much better built. Made in Bratislava, not Germany

140hp easily done. 997kg.

Loads of fun. 4 seats. No chiropractor needed.

I'm 23,000 miles happy

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?postcode=L...

Only 68 for sale, so...... rare?......

Edited by The_Doc on Wednesday 2nd June 21:47