Used 2012 FIAT 500 Consumer Reviews
Endearing, comfortable, reliable yet quirky
This purchase was for fun, a cheeky weekend companion with a full-length cloth sunroof. Yet after 8+ years, my 500c is incredibly convenient when hunting for a parking spot hunt or for an urban commute. Heated leather seats are still firm and comfortable, its good sound system and Sport driving mode make it more playful. Top open, it makes me smile every time. The multiple positions for the top allows me to decide how much nature comes in. Exterior sounds are quite muted when the insulated top is closed, and it's remained secure and waterproof. The trunk opening is narrow, but reasonably sized for groceries or gym bags. The engine still growls in an agricultural way, but it scoots along. Fog lights are helpful, and the A/C is effective, though the compressor needed to be replaced and the fan speed seems to be less forceful. Gas mileage depends on driving style, and top-down visibility is poor, since backup cameras didn't show up until a few years later. Switchgear puts style over ergonomics, but I love the use of color and materials. The plastic door panels feel cheap and show scuff marks. My only issues in eight years besides the A/C compressor: some light bulb replacements, a new battery and tires, 2 resets of the top mechanism (fixed using the description in the manual), a squeaky seat frame, and a low front end that scrapes on some speed bumps. Overall, fewer trips to the dealer than my Honda and Toyota! It still looks good and runs well.
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GORGEOUS
Traded my Prima for the Abarth. So glad I did. It drives and handles so much better with more than enough power and much more connected. The soundtrack from the exhaust is phenomenal, has to be the best stock soundtrack out there. Fuel mileage is consistently 33-34mpg. I use premium seeing as it's turbo charged. My Prima averaged 36-38 mpg. Love driving this car. It's a blast. Looking forward to the Abarth convertible!
- Lounge 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,500240 mi away
- Pop 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,995116 mi away
- Pop 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,985116 mi away
One of the best I've ever owned
Bought mine with optional alloy wheels, sunroof, and a couple of other options in April 2012. Got a great price. Had the car now for 17 months & have driven 38,000 miles with no mechanical problems. There was a service bulletin recall concerning ungrounded starter bolts which the dealership fixed promptly along with a blown bi-halogen headlight(probably related to the ungrounded starter bolts). However, service tech did not unhook the battery while replacing starter bolts and shorted out the climate control panel. So, now, the car is back @ the dealer to replace this. Dealer did give a loaner. Absolutely no other issues. Car is great on gas(38-40mpg mostly highway) and fun, fun to drive.
Trading in
I got a letter for a blow out sale so I drove my Fiat to the dealership and I was fortunately able to get a new loan for a 500L. I got a great deal on the new car but the trade in on my 2012 Fiat Pop was really low due to issues pertaining to the clutch and the engine noise. After reading some other reviews I am apparently not the only one with these issues. Someone else had to get a new clutch under 40,000 and mine has only 34,000. Also another review complained about changing spark plugs and their costs at an early mileage. I just had to replace mine. The engine noise just got so loud in the last few months - out of nowhere. Service kept telling me it is a Fiat.? Again in another review the engine noise gave them a headache. Then there is the electrical. Tire monitor light went on after 15,000, some sort of electrical problem. I had the same problem mentioned in a review. I was constantly checking my air pressure. Service couldn't help. They just would check the air pressure and say it is fine. I had to replace both headlights at 34,000, also mentioned in another review and of course replacing the hub caps two or three times a year at $55.00 a piece. Hope I have better luck with the 500L. Risky getting another Fiat but financially I was stuck due to low trade in value.
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Bang for the buck.
I have this Fiat for going on 8 years now. With the manual transmission have more then enough power to run 80-90 plus on highways.Juke in and out of traffic and can park it anywhere with the keys in it because nobody knows how to drive a manual and it’s too small to be stolen. Bottom line best car I bought for the money. Also have plenty room in garage for other stuff.I love it but not for everybody. Great car for the city, highways and fun to drive.
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- Performance
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- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value