Fiat 500/595 Abarth thoughts.

milltown · 25-03-2026 05:55PM #1

I've had a grá for the little Abarth 500s since they came out and it might be time to scratch the itch.

My current 530e is way more car than I need now, for the amount of driving I do and for the amount of times I carry passengers or luggage. With low mileage, tax and fresh NCT this could be the time to move it on and possibly free up a bit of cash.

Has anyone experience of living with an Abarth as a daily commuter or main driver? (My NCT cert tells me I've done 16k kms in the two years since the last test, so won't be racking up miles). Tales of the buying experience would also be welcome. Only a handful advertised for sale here and only two or three I would take an interest in anyway. Unless a diamond appears I imagine Norn Iron or UK is the way to go.

All opinions welcomed here.

User1998 · 25-03-2026 06:02PM

I'm currently selling a standard 2017 Fiat 500 and it's genuinely one of the worst cars I've ever driven. I never realised how cheaply made they are. Changing from a 530e to a Fiat 500 might be a big shock to you.

GPoint · 25-03-2026 06:10PM

just drive your luxo barge, you will be very annoyed by cheapened everything in fiat and its ride comfort and poor ergonomics

slideaway · 25-03-2026 06:33PM

Had an Abarth 500 for about five years.

Wasn't only car in the house but was used for commuting into dublin daily for two people, 40km round trip.

Was great for that, ride is firm but it's great fun, noise is great, fits anywhere, cheap to run and enough power for most scenarios. Surprisingly practical.

Size wise inside I found it good, I'm 6 foot and was a rear passenger a couple of times no issue.

Bought up north, if doing so check underside especially exhaust for corrosion.

goochy · 25-03-2026 07:42PM

I would wait for an Irish reg car come up. They not common but they are around

Dex Dexta · 25-03-2026 08:36PM

Marvellous fun, but like a two-stroke motorbike - gets tiring pretty quick.

bennyx_o · 25-03-2026 09:23PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124340556#Comment_124340556

Why? Importing isn't a huge hassle (especially from the north) and it'd be cheaper, too. Quick check of the VRT and a 595 Turismo is €2,500

goochy · 25-03-2026 10:50PM

Would have thought pricey importing

Alfaguy · 26-03-2026 12:42AM

I did consider a 595 a few times and came very close to buying one once and probably would have if I did not hate the colour - a solid dark blue. I did find the driving position a bit on the negative side - I felt perched up on it somehow and the cheap interior sort of hits you too. Never took it for a test drive though. There is no disguising its economy car origins but they do look fantastic from the outside.

If I was downsizing from what you have though I would go for a Mini john cooper works model although they can be thirsty on fuel but are a hoot to drive.

User1998 · 26-03-2026 01:19AM

Yeah the build quality of a Mini is leagues ahead of a Fiat 500

Esel · 27-03-2026 05:08AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124340653#Comment_124340653

Wash your mouth out with two-stroke oil!

Fiat 500/595 Abarth thoughts.

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