Fiat 500 runabout, yes or no?

[So]

I am thinking about buying a 2 year old 500 as a family hack, with a view to giving it to my son in 6 years time when he turns 17.

I appreciate that they are a budget car, so will the it be a load of rubbish when its 8 years old?

[So]

Guy-j88un said:

You can't expect a 17 year old lad to drive a fiat 500...

Why?

[So]

MrMickS said:

So said:

Guy-j88un said:

You can't expect a 17 year old lad to drive a fiat 500...

Why?

Think he's insinuating that its not a cool car for a young lad to be driving. That somehow he'd be better in a rusty old Corsa with a big fatty on it, lowered suspension, and a kick-ass stereo system

I think a 500 is a cool car for anyone to be driving.

[So]

I thought it wise to test drive one of these before committing. I am pleased I did, because I won't now be buying one.

The car was really good in some respects, with the gearbox and engine better than I thought they'd be. But the suspension, especially the rear, was very hard and the steering wheel just too far away. I suspect a shorter driver who needs to sit nearer the pedals may be okay.

For a half hour test drive the 500 was fine. I just felt that it didn't drive as well as it looked and as a consequence we'd tire of driving it. In the past I've had access to multiple cars at any given time and I always gravitated to the easiest one to drive. This was intended to sit on the drive and be the go-to car for nipping out. However I think a Mini may do a better job.

[So]

RDMcG said:

I like the 500 and drove one all around Sicily. Nothing wrong with it at all-quite cool actually

Yes, Ronan, but that was when they were actually 500cc and had towel rail bumpers.

How did your op go by the way?

[So]

RDMcG said:

So said:

Yes, Ronan, but that was when they were actually 500cc and had towel rail bumpers.

How did your op go by the way?

:LOL was a modern..was tracing the Targa Florio route and doing some interviews with 3 people who won it..spent a bit of time with Nino Vaccarella, local hero of the TF....

op was a complete success.

That trip sounds fun.

Pleased for you ref the op.

[So]

RDMcG said:

I like the 500 and drove one all around Sicily. Nothing wrong with it at all-quite cool actually

In part due to your comments and also online reviews, I took a different one out for a test drive. It was quite different. The first one must have had a suspension problem or overinflated tyres.

I was undecided between a Mini and a 500. We already have one Mini, so I have bought a 500. If it doesn't work out, I can always sell it again.

[So]

First impressions are that this will be an ideal car for our business as a pool / city car. When the business has finished with it we will use it in the family.

As Ronan said above, it's a cool car. It also seems superbly appointed for something so cheap.