Hello all, my friend has her eyes set on one of those little Fiat 500 cars. I've sat with her in a test drive and they seem pretty decent.
What are they like to own when it comes to servicing and parts? The dealer is including 3 years free servicing but she's not sure if there's any catches to be worried about?
Any help is appreciated!
With a tiny car like that, from a budget brand like Fiat, cost of ownership aren't going to be high. Especially with free servicing.
Should be ok. Fiat is not the most reliable but it is decent.
Good cars, they are actually reliable despite what people will tell you.
The reliability issue is with the ones made in Mexico, the Australian models are made in Poland.
Running costs are low, great car all around.
For $15000 odd brand new you can't go wrong.
My only issue is the lack of glove box, but the front passenger seat lifts up for storage underneath.
The 15,000 deal is over now in WA when I was looking a few weeks ago :( I was being offered around the 16-17 mark (on the road) and couldn't justify it over other new small cars. It was a fab deal around a year ago!
I recently was looking at buying one, had a few test drives etc - they're so cute! But then I test drove the Mazda 2 and there really was no comparison. Urge her to to test one for comparison. Or if she really wants European, the Renault. But the Mazda is impressive and running costs (including insurance) are half of the Fiat. I don't regret my choice but I do miss having a head-turning car.
I got my 4 door Yaris brand new for just under $16,000. Go for that.
No style.
Do you know what forum you are on haha. Seriously, a much better car all around.
Have you seen it? A Toyota is usually the more reliable option, in all segments, but rarely do they make the best cars in the segment. The 500 is cheaper, feels more upmarket, looks better, drives better and would certainly get my money in this segment.
sorry, neither does the 500, its trying to trade on the model from a years back.
FIAT = Faulty Italian Automobile Turds
ps. my comment was made in JEST :D
I have no real opinion of them other than they are severely underpowered.
Lots of better cars out there for similar money.
Is she getting an auto or manual? My gf had an auto one and that was rubbish to drive. With 3 years free servicing you can't go wrong but after then it would start getting expensive (especially if you are servicing at a fiat dealership)
The "auto" are manual gearboxes with an automatic clutch and shifting.
which is why its terrible
I see these are advertised for $16000 drive away up here, last week adverts said $17990…
The t&c are in that link you provided.. any catches would be in that. I would keep a copy if you take the offer.
Tiny euro cars are not known for their durability and resale value. Should be ok for a few years then offload it.