FIAT 500s - am I mad?!

Ryano87 · 29-10-2013 8:10am #1

Hi,

Always read this and the classics forum but rarely post - could do with some advice.

Traded in my MX-5 last Feb when my mum was buying a new car and took her focus instead. Have never really grown to love the car even though it is absolutely immaculate and therefore been thinking about changing it. In the last two weeks i've really had a liking for a Fiat 500 - this one....

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Fiat/500/Sport-**/36313823540128990/advert?channel=CARS

Would like your opinions before I make a final decision! - Test drove it and thought seating position was high and engine was a little sluggish (like the 1.4 focus)

Much appreciated,

Ryan

(My current focus here)
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Focus/ZETEC-1./201335218058525/advert?channel=CARS

ironclaw · 29-10-2013 8:36am

Only one I would buy is the Abarth 500. I have two friends in America, both lunatics with GTR's, GT3's etc, and they both have Abarths for the daily drive around New York.

MuppetCheck · 29-10-2013 8:53am

Drove a 1.2 around Italy for a week earlier this year. I personally wouldnt buy the 1.2 - I found it sluggish enough although it was very, very light on petrol. I'd try find a 1.4 at a minumum and if you are prepared to go back a couple of years there's Arbarths on carzone too.

colm_mcm · 29-10-2013 8:59am

Maybe consider the multijet diesel too? They're not that common but they're out there.

Or a mini....

Mr.Fred · 29-10-2013 8:59am

Are you a man/woman??

I'd definitely class this as a womans car. Yes you may get some amount of forgiveness if it was an Abarth.

If you're a man I hope you've a thick skin.

To add a bit more info I drove a rental one of these once and in all honesty you'll feel like noddy in the thing very small interior and generally the word I use describing these is small. It's a city car so if you do a lot of motor way mileage look elsewhere. They''re well put together though for a fiat and it would be good for a spin every now and then if the missus owned one.

Did I mention it's a womans car

Dont be at yourself · 29-10-2013 9:05am

I own a twinair one, great little car. Agree about the 1.2 tho, it's very sluggish.

bigblackmug · 29-10-2013 9:19am

Mr.Fred wrote: »

Are you a man/woman??

I'd definitely class this as a womans car. Yes you may get some amount of forgiveness if it was an Abarth.

If you're a man I hope you've a thick skin.

To add a bit more info I drove a rental one of these once and in all honesty you'll feel like noddy in the thing very small interior and generally the word I use describing these is small. It's a city car so if you do a lot of motor way mileage look elsewhere. They''re well put together though for a fiat and it would be good for a spin every now and then if the missus owned one.

Did I mention it's a womans car

Could you please explain why it is a woman's car? Does it give clittoral stimulation or something else that a man can't appreciate due to his gender?

Mr.Fred · 29-10-2013 9:25am

bigblackmug wrote: »

Could you please explain why it is a woman's car? Does it give clittoral stimulation or something else that a man can't appreciate due to his gender?

Yep you hit the nail on the head.

bigblackmug · 29-10-2013 9:27am

No, I think the correct expression is "push the button" and I think you're talking ****e. Get over yourself.

Mr.Fred · 29-10-2013 9:32am

bigblackmug wrote: »

No, I think the correct expression is "push the button" and I think you're talking ****e. Get over yourself.

Aww diddums did I ruffle your little feminine feathers. Don't be so sensitive petal. I'm sure you make this car look all macho. :cool:

Anan1 · 29-10-2013 9:35am

bigblackmug wrote: »

No, I think the correct expression is "push the button" and I think you're talking ****e. Get over yourself.

Maybe the OP genuinely isn't as insecure as yourself? The 1.2 is pretty flat though, although the twinair is said to be good.

alastair · 29-10-2013 9:41am

Seriously - anyone who thinks this car (or any car for that matter) is a 'ladies car' needs to refer to the 'Canyonaro' episode of The Simpsons. Or invest rather more assurance in their gender identity. No-one is going to equate the size of the car with your weeny - you'll be grand.

ba_barabus · 29-10-2013 9:44am

Anan1 wrote: »

Maybe the OP genuinely isn't as insecure as yourself? The 1.2 is pretty flat though, although the twinair is said to be good.

I've personally not experienced the twin air however I'm lead to believe by someone who has one that the drink juice if you drive them in a manner which will provide entertainment.

Ryano87 · 29-10-2013 9:45am

Thanks everyone for the input so far - Don't want this to turn into a feminine car debate - yes i'm aware of the womanly perception but then again I drove an mx-5 for 2 years and absolutely loved it - not worried what others think regarding the feminine image, i'm comfortable with my sexuality thanks!

I was also expecting the Abarth response - but cannot see any on carzone in dealership - only a twin-air (which I actually quite like except the black alloys).

I was full ready to do a deal today - I love the look of the 500 s but I keep coming back to that 1.2 engine niggle - once the shine of owning a new car wears off in a few weeks- would I just be frustrated with the power?

I do mainly city commuting btw.

Mr.Fred · 29-10-2013 9:48am

Ryano87 wrote: »

Thanks everyone for the input so far - Don't want this to turn into a feminine car debate - yes i'm aware of the womanly perception but then again I drove an mx-5 for 2 years and absolutely loved it - not worried what others think regarding the feminine image, i'm comfortable with my sexuality thanks!

I was also expecting the Abarth response - but cannot see any on carzone in dealership - only a twin-air (which I actually quite like except the black alloys).

I was full ready to do a deal today - I love the look of the 500 s but I keep coming back to that 1.2 engine niggle - once the shine of owning a new car wears off in a few weeks- would I just be frustrated with the power?

I do mainly city commuting btw.

Only a bit of banter mate. Some folks are a little sensitive. :eek:

They're just not for me I need something with a bit more testicular fortitude

I do like the colour of the one in your op though.

Enjoy whichever way you go I'd have thought the mx-5 would've been more of a fun drive though.

Anan1 · 29-10-2013 9:52am

ba_barabus wrote: »

I've personally not experienced the twin air however I'm lead to believe by someone who has one that the drink juice if you drive them in a manner which will provide entertainment.

So they say, but 'drink juice' is probably relative. The 1.4s seem cheap too..

Cosmo K · 29-10-2013 9:56am

I had one as a rental last week, loved it. Its not that small inside, ok, the rear seats are, but plenty of room in the front. The only thing I didn't like was the old 1.2 Punto/Panda engine, the 500 felt under powered with it.

bigblackmug · 29-10-2013 9:56am

Anan1 wrote: »

Maybe the OP genuinely isn't as insecure as yourself? The 1.2 is pretty flat though, although the twinair is said to be good.

I really think you quoted the wrong person. The only one on this thread who has displayed gender insecurity is Mr Fred.

Anan1 · 29-10-2013 9:58am

bigblackmug wrote: »

I really think you quoted the wrong person. The only one on this thread who has displayed gender insecurity is Mr Fred.

Sorry, I did!

galwaytt · 29-10-2013 10:01am

Ryano87 wrote: »

Hi,

Always read this and the classics forum but rarely post - could do with some advice.

Traded in my MX-5 last Feb when my mum was buying a new car and took her focus instead. Have never really grown to love the car even though it is absolutely immaculate and therefore been thinking about changing it. In the last two weeks i've really had a liking for a Fiat 500 - this one....

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Fiat/500/Sport-**/36313823540128990/advert?channel=CARS

Would like your opinions before I make a final decision! - Test drove it and thought seating position was high and engine was a little sluggish (like the 1.4 focus)

Much appreciated,

Ryan

(My current focus here)
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Focus/ZETEC-1./201335218058525/advert?channel=CARS

Don't mind the begrudgers. I bought a new Cinquecento Sporting - in Yellow - way back when, and I seem to have survived unscathed.......

1.4? This ? http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/fiat-500-1-4-litre-petrol/5813098

Hint of the '50's of this colour set ;http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/for-sale/5756663

Enough power ? - I'd have thought so tbh....... http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/fiat-500-abarth-esseesse/5739246

If you're really doing most of your driving purely commuting, I don't think the 1.4 is going to do a lot for you that the 1.2 won't tbh. If the cost difference is negligible I would go for the 1.4 though.

galwaytt · 29-10-2013 10:03am

Dont be at yourself wrote: »

I own a twinair one, great little car. Agree about the 1.2 tho, it's very sluggish.

...I see that in various places - but in reality, what is consumption like in yours ?

Mr.Fred · 29-10-2013 10:06am

bigblackmug wrote: »

I really think you quoted the wrong person. The only one on this thread who has displayed gender insecurity is Mr Fred.

Aww boo hoo.. will we all have a little cry together. Jesus with a user name like BIGBLACKMUG you'd imagine you'd be a bit more hardy and not such a sensitive flower..

I give up. Good Luck op

ba_barabus · 29-10-2013 10:07am

Anan1 wrote: »

So they say, but 'drink juice' is probably relative. The 1.4s seem cheap too..

36mpg was the real world figure given to me. However they didn't give a hoot as the smiles per mile factor more than made up for it.

I'd genuinely like one. And as I'm holding off until the new year for a better purchase I'll actively be considering one then.

Anan1 · 29-10-2013 10:08am

Mr.Fred wrote: »

Aww boo hoo.. will we all have a little cry together. Jesus with a user name like BIGBLACKMUG you'd imagine you'd be a bit more hardy and not such a sensitive flower..

Aren't you the one who's scared of what other people might think?

Mr.Fred · 29-10-2013 10:10am

Anan1 wrote: »

Aren't you the one who's scared of what other people might think?

ehhh.. no.. FFS ye lads are gas. loads of craic in this forum I see. I can see why some of the older regular users are leaving.. what a shower..

Ryano87 · 29-10-2013 10:13am

Might actually call in and see that one in Paddy Connollys today

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/fiat-500-1-4-litre-petrol/5813098

I just thought the asking price was a little crazy! - I'll see how much he wants with the focus. And although I really like it did some research last night - given to ferrari customers as a lend while their car was being serviced so 1 owner but probably a very hard life!

veetwin · 29-10-2013 10:17am

Lads, lets face it, woman's car or not every time you pull up beside a 500 in traffic you check out how hot the driver is?

BdaraB · 29-10-2013 10:28am

veetwin wrote: »

Lads, lets face it, woman's car or not every time you pull up beside a 500 in traffic you check out how hot the driver is?

I hope the OP's a good looking man then

bigblackmug · 29-10-2013 10:29am

Mr.Fred wrote: »

Aww boo hoo.. will we all have a little cry together. Jesus with a user name like BIGBLACKMUG you'd imagine you'd be a bit more hardy and not such a sensitive flower..

I give up. Good Luck op

I don't see how my favourite piece of pottery from which I drink my tea every evening has any relevance to the thread.

alastair · 29-10-2013 10:29am

veetwin wrote: »

Lads, lets face it, woman's car or not every time you pull up beside a 500 in traffic you check out how hot the driver is?

How you not know he (OP) isn't hot?

alastair · 29-10-2013 10:30am

Mr.Fred wrote: »

ehhh.. no.. FFS ye lads are gas. loads of craic in this forum I see. I can see why some of the older regular users are leaving.. what a shower..

No over-sensitivity apparent there then. :rolleyes:

Anan1 · 29-10-2013 10:34am

Ryano87 wrote: »

And although I really like it did some research last night - given to ferrari customers as a lend while their car was being serviced so 1 owner but probably a very hard life!

That's only marketing nonsense to reassure people like Mr Fred that they won't be laughed at in it. I think it's crazy money for the wrong colour and cheap-looking leather, but sure a quick spin can't do any harm!

Ryano87 · 29-10-2013 10:38am

alastair wrote: »

How you not know he (OP) isn't hot?

Ha ha this has escalated quickly :pac::pac:

00sully · 29-10-2013 10:40am

OP - I have the twinair version of this and it is awesome. test drove all varieties and nothing is as fun as the twinair - I say don't hesitate! I went to England to get mine as was MUCH cheaper the VRT was very cheap considering the emissions from the twinair are so low. I love this car!! I've gone from an Audi-TT to a Focus 1.6 diesel to this and do not miss any power. it's also great on the motorways surprisingly enough

go the classic black with Italian stripes

real head turner! I am male. my car is made of metal mostly can't find any gender associated parts but have not looked too thoroughly :pac:

I heard we should all get silver meganes and dress the same too

edit: should add that total cost of mine 2011 black full leather twinair worked out at €11,500! try get that price over here!

Ryano87 · 29-10-2013 10:47am

Thanks - Ha same type of car progression as myself! - SO you really wouldn't recommend the 1.2? as in the twin air is like chalk and cheese? -

Love the spec of this one (Mainly the wheels - & can get a good deal as it is a demo - Have been to see this one)

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Fiat/500/500s-1.2/37713803149868090/advert?channel=CARS

or this one - Love it inside but not mad about stripes or wheels

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Abarth/500/BY-ABART/36513799492031640/advert?channel=CARS

Thanks for responses everyone

RobAMerc · 29-10-2013 10:54am

Mr.Fred wrote: »

Are you a man/woman??

I'd definitely class this as a womans car.

Can someone explain why so many folk on here need their car to promote their sexuality for them ?

Some seriously great cars get lambasted here for being a woman's car despite being cracking cars

Puma, MX5, Mini to name but a few.

I know what my sexuality is before I buy and therefore am free to buy whatever I want !

00sully · 29-10-2013 11:23am

Ryano87 wrote: »

Thanks - Ha same type of car progression as myself! - SO you really wouldn't recommend the 1.2? as in the twin air is like chalk and cheese? -

Love the spec of this one (Mainly the wheels - & can get a good deal as it is a demo - Have been to see this one)

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Fiat/500/500s-1.2/37713803149868090/advert?channel=CARS

or this one - Love it inside but not mad about stripes or wheels

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Abarth/500/BY-ABART/36513799492031640/advert?channel=CARS

Thanks for responses everyone

yes the 1.2 is so under powered compared to the twinair. I really can't stress that enough. I even found the 1.4 not as good to drive as the twinair to be honest.

the abarth now is a different beast altogether but have never driven one. I think those stripes are decals and the dealer can take em off for you!

The one thing about the twinair is you won't really use it in eco mode and even in eco mode it's hard to get the MPG they quote! I don't really care though it's so much fun in non-eco mode :cool:

with regards car gender obsessed people - you can't reason with the ignorant

Dont be at yourself · 29-10-2013 11:27am

ba_barabus wrote: »

I've personally not experienced the twin air however I'm lead to believe by someone who has one that the drink juice if you drive them in a manner which will provide entertainment.

There's a lot of truth in that. Manufacturer's figures are something silly like 71.1 mpg. Using the eco-mode, I get around 50mpg, but it makes the car very gutless. It's massive fun with eco-mode turned off though, loads of torque. I get around 45mpg.

biko · 29-10-2013 12:17pm

Mr.Fred this thread isn't about your perceptions of women's/men's cars.
Frankly I don't give a toss and it would be nice if people could come asking about all kinds of cars without getting slagged like this.

Infraction handed out and if you have nothing constructive to add, don't post.

wonski · 29-10-2013 1:15pm

Ryano87 wrote: »

I was full ready to do a deal today - I love the look of the 500 s but I keep coming back to that 1.2 engine niggle - once the shine of owning a new car wears off in a few weeks- would I just be frustrated with the power?

I do mainly city commuting btw.

Friend of mine bought a nice looking Bravo not so long ago. Sport seats, great looking low profile 17 inches wheels. The car looks like a beast if it wasn't 1.4 non turbo engine. He still regrets not going for T-jet engine.
Don't make the same mistake. Better to wait for the right one to show up for sale rather than buy now whatever is available and regret later

FIAT 500s - am I mad?!

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