Clarebabes

Anyone got one?

I have just had my old 8 year old Astra nicked whilst on holiday and got the settlement figure now, so have had the annoying task of getting a new car. Seen the 500 and have sort of fallen in love after going to look at a Punte Grande. The Punto would be a "head" decision, but my heart says 500 all the way!

Looking at a red 1.2 Sport with half leather, white stripe and upgraded alloys with 2000 miles on the clock.

What do you think?

Clare

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

Clare, I looked, thinking of downsizing but to expensive to change and a bit girly but if you are a girly then they are great.


The 1.2 is the better engine at the mo, smoother and not a lot slower than the 1.4, they are however binging super economical and quite powerful 2 cylinder petrol turbos out of 90 and 110 bhp so bear that in mind.

Clarebabes

Thanks Jacko, I won't be able to afford new, new. The one I am looking at is an 08 which has been the dealer's director's car. It is lovely and if it is girly, then that's fine, I feel a midlife crisis coming on

Driving a hire car Fiesta Style at the moment and it feels so unspecial it is unreal. I know Fiestas are very popular, but I hate it. Spongy suspension means I fear going round corners too fast and seats which feel like I am going to fall out of! Not for me at all. For the same sort of price of a brand new Zetec, I can have this 500. Makes me think, plus the £35 a year road tax and economical engine makes good sense financially. Wondering if I should make them an offer tomorrow for it.....

Wish

iTrader: (2)

Make them an offer ...... And go for it. Life is too short!

It should hold quite well too, so you could get out of it in a year or so for little less than you paid for it.
Well better than a Punto or Fiesta

Clarebabes

Done it. Put a deposit down today. There was a dent on the bonnet with a scratch about 3mm long, they said that would get done and I made them put it on the paperwork.

Love dealing with car sales people! They always try to get you to have more, don't they?

So, they want me to have HP, which is where they will make some money. They say they can match any personal loan amount I can get, so we'll see. Does anyone know the disadvantages/advantages of having HP over a loan?

Excited now

Clarebabes

Pics here:

Clare Malings's Photos - Fiat 500! | Facebook

AdamNI

iTrader: (1)

I love these wee cars i have to say! Can't give much advice on the loan, however if it's with the dealership surely you don't own the car and can't sell it until it's fully paid off, or is HP something different? I know that's how it worked for me last time, so for the scooby i ended up getting a bank loan so i own the car outright and can sell it anytime i wish. Big difference imo.

Health to enjoy

Clarebabes

Yes, I think you are probably right Adam, good point Will be my argument to the dealer

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

Looks lovely, best colour with some funky alloys.

My wife has started mentioning old ones again.....

Clarebabes

More pics:

Clarebabes

Jacko, the though of all mod cons, reliability and aircon would steer me in the direction of a new one only!

Glad you approve

lozgti

I think they are great.

You need to invest in a couple of the italian badges

Clarebabes

I've looked at all the accessories on the Fiat website and could be spending quite a bit of money in the near future....

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

Aw it's so cute

You're so right to go with your heart, I bought my previous car with my head and spent two years driving around bored out of my skull. This latest car was a heart decision and although it costs an arm and a leg to run it makes me smile every time I nip down the road

I really like the look of the new 500, how does it drive? Is it quick?

Clarebabes

It's not going to worry a Scoob or M3 with its performance, but it is quite nippy as it only weighs about 800 and something kilos. It's just very small, with a 1.2 litre engine. Faster than an equivalent Fiesta or Corsa I would say, plus as this is the sport model, the suspension is a bit stiffer than either of the above.

I will give a full report once I get it and start driving it! Can't wait!

Darc174

iTrader: (13)

i love the look of these little cars, Def a good (girls) car

whens the 100BHP Sport model out?

Darc

nigel s

Never mind 100BHP its the 160BHP Abarth RR with optional performance pack!! that will be the hoot.

Darc174

iTrader: (13)

Even better that will give some cars a good run for there money

Clarebabes

At least I'll be able to chop mine in if I want

webby v7 slipperwagon

iTrader: (2)

I think these are fantastic cars, wheels as far out in each corner as possible, can only mean one thing.........FUN FUN FUN. You'll absoloutley love it.

Clarebabes

Picked her up tonight... WOOOOOOOO!

Clarebabes

Nope. Clio nicked in 2004, now this. Oh well, probably got more from the insurance than I would have done if I'd tried to sell the Astra, so no major biggy.

Haven't managed to drive her much since yesterday, have to take the hire car back today so taken that into work. Dave has taken the 500 and I think he feels a bit gay in it!

DJ Dunk

iTrader: (5)

Cool little motor What does the little Windows logo button on the left of the wheel do? Something stereo related I guess?

Clarebabes

Yeah, windows media player related. Haven't quite worked it all out.

scottydouk

iTrader: (3)

have you seen the Ferrari edition?

Clarebabes

Just did a quick Google on it as I hadn't seen or heard of it. It looks extremely similar to mine, even the colour looks the same. I haven't got the additional red bits in the wheels and steering wheel, but very familiar. Hope Ferrari owners won't be too miffed at having a £12K car for the day instead of one 10 times that amount

Andy M3

Great looking car Clare!

lozgti

Auto Express reckoned it (Ferrari edition) would have up to 200bhp

Fiat 500 | Auto Express News | News | Auto Express

Seems it ended up with 1.4 16v.

Still be a great special edition.Nice when you own a company so you can just use a name like Ferrari!

Clarebabes

Why do they stick all that black tape on test cars?