Used 2012 FIAT 500 Convertible Consumer Reviews

Great value but some issues

I love the retro look and feel, the interior is gorgeous but there are a few issues with my 3 yr old 50,000KM 500C. I bought it 3 years old and a few days ago I've started to hear some creaking noises on the passenger side and back, sounds almost like the plastic on the doors is not put together tightly... I can't figure out what it is exactly but it's SUPER annoying.

Why me!!!

700 characters...not enough. Since day one, this car has been the most unreliable piece of poop I have ever owned. Fiat Canada has washed their hands of me, but i have decided to make all know, DO NOT BUY A FIAT!!! New transmission, new suspension, new clutch bearings, new PCM computer, rattling all over, paint peeling, lights burning out all over the place, 35 trips to the dealer and problems that they can not even fix after 8 tries!!! My car sounds like it want to start, but does not catch, have to do everything from the beginning and will start on the second shot! Thank goodness I bought a 5 year bumper to bumper warranty!!! I feel bad for those that only had a 3 year warranty :(.

Amazing

6 weeks in and 3000K miles. If your looking for a fuel efficient, fun to drive, great looking car at a bargin price, this car is it. I bought the 5 speed manual. I average 40 mpg(combined) and I use regular gas. Don't waste your money on premium. No issues. Car feels like a much more expensive car, all around. The car has plenty of pickup and flys on the highway. The convertible is very quiet. The fiat is quieter than a 2005 Honda s2000 that I bought new. Looking at the car you would never think it will fit 4 people, but it does. Brakes are great as is the handling. If you buy it, you won't be disappointed. I can't get enough of driving this car.

CUSTOMER SERVICE IS PATHETIC

I also have had "issues" with my Fiat. Some are being rectified others...my loss. Will need to wait for 6-8 weeks for a part r/t the strut. Concerned with an event.. "slipping into drive" while idling. Not explanable nor able to recreate. Now I am concerned with safety Poor customer service including refusal to give reasoning in writing, an e-mail address and also to give me the persons last name that denied minor repair. Response: "I contacted Fiat Canada via phone and therefore my response was to be via phone". Requested an appeal and denied...told she was the final say and was speaking for FIAT. All I can say is buyer beware!!! Well with FIAT CANADA anyway!

THE WORSE VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED!

I have owned this vehicle since April of 2012, and since the first week I bought it, I've had nothing but problems with it. From the rear brake lights going out, to damage tires, bad tire/wheel bearings after short time of ownership, convertible top replaced twice, electrical issues, trunk issues (not opening - 4 times since 2012), soft top roof leak, etc.

500 Pop Manual - Fast Car and Love it

My first car was an MGB and I loved it. I feel the exact same way about this car. I smile to and from work every day. Also, it WILL go fast but you have to drive it like an Italian. Here's what it takes. 1. Manual Transmission - Auto is not quick 2. Sport button on 3. Shift at high RPMs - 4000 to 6500 4. High Octane Premium Gas - BP 93 works 5. Mobile 1 oil-makes Multivalve engine run better 6. High Flow Drop In air filter - check 500madness Other than the transmission, this set of small changes made a huge difference in how the car responds. It flys. Also, with Sport on, the steering is crisp and the throttle is quick. Take a test drive. You will love it too.

Quick, Nimble and Fun Ride

We purchased the 500C in November and have driven 6,000 with no problems. The rides comfortably, is very nimble and accelerates nicely to stay with the traffic. It is not a race car but very sporty. This car cruises the highway at 75 mph and accelerates well throughout the entire range of the speedometer. Driver visibility is excellent as the car sits higher than others of it's size. Front seats accomodate all but the largest passengers. Rear seats are cramped for adults but just right for kids. This is a very fun car to drive and park. It's also easy to get in and out due to its height. Overall the car seems well made and we have had no maintenance issues.

I've fallen!

I have fallen in love with the Fiat 500! I went from a VW New Beetle to my Fiat and I couldn't be happier! I was going to get a Mini but could never pull the trigger. The moment I sat down in the Fiat it had me. The drive is wonderful, the features are amazing and all at an extremely great price! I only wish the seats sat a little lower but that could be due to being used to driving a Bug for the past 5 years. Do yourself a favor and if you are at all contemplating a Fiat, get one!!!

5-STARS for the 500

2.5 months 2300 miles 40.7mpg on 87Octane Had to adjust the headlights downward, but that was the only issue. Rado/CD/USB media/Bluetooth all work great! ECO Drive download to PC to monitor efficiency is nice if you want to save the universe. Key fob remote range is very short :( 5M trans very easy to use even in stop light traffic. Cold AC! My F-150 (17.5mpg) sits while I cruise all over town. I used to consume 2 gallons a day, so now I'll save enough to break even at initial cost, current driving distance, and gas prices-- all in about 16 years, but it will be so much fun!!!

Sporty little car with a big personality!

I was in the market to buy a car for my son, a high school senior who will be college-bound next year and in need of good, reliable, safe wheels under him. The Fiat 500c seemed the perfect fit, literally - my son is 6' 5" and he slipped right in to the driver's seat with ease. There was plenty of head and leg room, once the tilt wheel and seat were adjusted. This car handles extremely well and is very tight on turns. What surprised me was the amount of interior space - the outside appearance is deceiving, as once you get inside, it is a well distributed area for 4 people. Equally so is the trunk space, which provides a deep, larger-than-expected compartment for all kinds of storage. Even better is the feature of the split rear seat, which folds down and allows for larger items to fit from the folded down seat to the trunk space. Very smooth ride - takes those bumps in the road really well which reflects a good suspension system. Plus, it's a convertible !! What's better than that? Although I have firmly told my son that he is not to put the top down and stand up while driving, with his feet on the wheel....! Also comes with some nice options like a 7-speaker Bose sound system, fog lights, hands-free Blue-tooth phone system, heated seats and special chrome trim that comes with the "Lounge" (high end) model. It is a great little car that is super on gas and a blast to drive - my son loves it. Life is too short, and for a car in this price range, loosen up and go grab some fun. You won't be sorry!

loved my FIAt...for first 5 months...hated Chrysler/Bob Baker Carlsbad :(

bought brand new car, only 3K miles, sometimes it would start, sometimes it wouldn't...not a good feature in a car! at first dealer suggested I was doing something wrong, but after having it towed 3 X, they finally realized I wasn't making this up. It was there for 2 months, I asked them finally for replacement (lemon law, which my car, which was sadly the case) so they dragged their feet for another month, plus charged me for mileage on the poor car they sold me. It was extortion, but after 3 months I paid it just to get a car....I don't think the service dept was at fault, they simply couldn't figure out what's wrong, but the dealer didn't help us at all, and Chrysler was even worse.

The City car

This car was designed to be in a city. The city mpg was always over 22 and the highway went as high as 40. Highway driving was fine with the acceleration of the manual gearbox allowing me to merge into traffic going 60+ mph. I was comfortable driving at 72 mph.Most of my driving was in the Boston area and traversing the river on a high bridge gave me no difficulty in a cross wind. The back seat was occasional used (sometime by me) by adults with no difficulty as long as the passenger seat was move forward a little. With the back seat folded down and access through the hatchback made this a useful vehicle. I always got a lot of attention in a parking lot. The looks were attractive to lots of people and the would ask me about the issues I described above. Overall, a good, reliable, stylish car.

It Popped!

Fun car to own and drive. It a crowd pleaser with loads of people smiling when I drive by. Enjoyed it very much. I almost forgot to put in gas.

84,000 miles. The car is remarkable!

We just crossed the 84,000 mile barrier and again with no major issues. The car always generates positive attention, smiles, and questions. It's still been the most cost effective vehicle we've ever owned. Service costs are also very low. I moved routine maintenance to my local mechanic this year. All is working well and we’re saving even more. The car is now ten years old and shows no signs of slowing down. While nothing lasts for ever, this trusted little Fiat has worked it’s way into our family and hearts.

Silly, Crazy FUN!! I am sooo in love!

Are you kidding me? I love this car so much. I keep my cars for years...I had an 82 Rabbit Convertible for 17yrs and a 99 Beetle for 14yrs. I obviously love fun cars. The minute i test drove this car I was hooked. I only drive manual transmissions, so I am only speaking about manual Fiat 500c. I feel like I am in a Fellini movie, everytime I get behind the wheel. People keep talking to me at every stop light. If you don't like lots of attention...don't purchase one. It is a cute little race car. There is a button for SPORT mode...this gives you an option for RPMS. I am a flight attendant, so I don't drive too much. When i do drive I want something that makes me smile. This is a GEM!

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.

Love my Fiat 500 C Pop

I have owned several Fiats through the years and i can honestly say, they are misunderstood. I have had a 1974 124 Sport, which was fun as could be to drive. I owned a 1980 Fiat 2000 Spider convertible ( also known as a 124). That was a blast to drive. I went through a midlife crisis and got another 1981 Fiat Spider convertible, this will always put a smile on your face, something about the top down and the wind in your hair and face. Forward to the 2012 Fiat 500C Pop, what a great design to put a cloth retractable top inside the roof pillars, much safer and way cooler. The car rides and feels like a big car, it is very solid and sure footed. I am 6 foot 1 and have plenty of room and I find the front seating extremely roomy and comfortable. I always sit in the back whenever i purchase a vehicle to see how much headroom and legroom my less fortunate passengers will have. While i am an empty nester, i tend to flop the rear seats down and create a nice little cargo hauling area that is very practical for hauling my two dogs around or for groceries. I bought my car used with 20,000 miles on it in 2014, i have since put 60,000 miles with regular oil changes and tire rotations. i have changed my own spark plugs twice, which is fairly simple, as is changing the air filter and cabin filter. I purchased an aftermarket warranty, but I have never needed to use it. There was a recall on a manual clutch spring replacement, where they also have to replace the brake sensor, but that was covered under the recall. I am sad that the cars do not hold their resale value, but I believe that the 500 C model was done correctly. I know there have been alot of complaints with the 500 L 4 door, but that is a different engine and model altogether. I love my 500C Pop convertible manual transmission. If you dont know about manual transmissions, they are the best kept secret. They are a lot more fun to drive. You are more involved with the driving experience and that is what you are doing driving! therefore one tends to pay more attention. I spoke with a used car salesman recently and he stated that he specifically bought a manual transmission vehicle for his daughter.... Because she would not be able to text and drive! She was initially upset.. but she thanked him later for this. Something to think about. I have had my Fiat up to 101 MPH and it rides the same at all speeds, 50-70 is the perfect speed for this vehicle, I cant stress enough , the big car feel. This is something American cars are getting better at, but I honestly do not know if I will ever buy American. I have owned several German cars and brands and there is nothing quite like their feel for the road, however reliablity and parts and pricing is a different story. I have owned Japanese and Korean and found them to be the most reliable. To make a long story short, on a beautiful day with the top down and a nice day trip planned with you and that special someone, I highly reccomend that you take the route less traveled in the vehicle (Fiat 500C Pop, Manual) less driven. You will not be disappointed. Just do your homework and check the car fax maintenance records. Good solid car, great gas mileage, unlimited smiles and Italian sexy.

Great car with a lot of small issues

Would be a great car if the interior quality was a little better, if you get the convertible then be aware that the light color headliner suffers from discoloration in the rear and that Fiat and the dealers will not correct the issue, instead blaming it on dust that gets on the interior. You will be going to the shop for small things and they will add up over time.

So Far so good

We bought a 2012 pop c in February 2013 for my wife. She thought it was a great looking car and we were trading a Mini Cooper. We only have 3000 miles on it so it's hard to say it has been a great car. We have had to have the headliner replaced already - really, the headliner... Anyway, my wife still likes the car. It gets good gas mileage although she doesn't drive it often. Interior parts are cheap plastic but we haven't had anything break yet. Service department is OK to deal with, BUT my one major complaint so far is that FIAT doesn't offer courtesy cars to drive if they have to keep your car which is different from any other manufacturer I have ever dealt with.

Dangerous

This car has left me standed in the middle of intersections and is super dangerous. Fiat finally agreed to pay me but for the past 4 months has not returned my calls. I also noticed that all negative posts have vanished.

Fun to look and drive, but too many problems

Too many issues for a new car, even if they fix all the problems for free. I like the car, it performs as expected. It is a city car, easy to park, drives very well from 0-40, and able to handle the highway. The convertible top makes for a fun summer drive. I get great mileage, 31 in rush hour bumper to bumper traffic, if I take it easy I have no problems surpassing the est highway and getting 41. So far I have had two ignition coils go bad, one resulting in being stranded. The radio failed to work when very cold, and now 1/2 the climate controls have gone dark. They have fixed all the problems free of charge, but the longer I own it the more I fear "What next will go wrong?

Love It

We bought our Fiat 500c last Jan. We have had no problems with our fiat at all. We have gone to Az, Tenn 3x's, and back to Pa three times. Love it great gas mileage. Only one thing has popped up in the back seat there is a radling going on not sure what it is. But its not a big thing. We want to trade it in for the 500L now. Not that we don't like our 500c but we want more room for traveling.

Luxury mini convertible gets positive comments!

I bought the 2012 500C Lounge FIAT new with all the bells and whistles. The exterior color is a gorgeous Verde green with two tone brown and cream leather upholstery. The steering wheel and housing for the temperature controls is a cream color also and very high tech looking. When my wife and I purchased this vehicle, we were strongly urged to get the extended warranty since we were warned that being a new model to North American, anything could happen and if it did it would be expensive to report. That proved to be a colossal waste of money! I can proudly report that at nearly 65,000 miles and running strong, we have had zero mechanical problems with this great little car. It turns heads everywhere we go and in the warm summer months with the top down we get a lot of looks. I find that dropping the convertible top all the way down does improve rear visibility. I bought the optional windscreen which helped with any interior noise when the top is lowered. Mileage is not outstanding but fair at 22-34 city highway. Our Fiat is a great city, around town car that parks on a dime, and turns on a dime and is mostly just fun to drive. The tiny rear trunk actually accepts two bags of groceries or a small suitcase and while the backseat is really fit for small kids, we rarely use it other than to throw an extra coat in the back or the occasional shopping bag. I wanted a unique vehicle instead of the usual where every car essentially looks the same. Our FIAT came with snazzy wheels that the dealer put on in exchange for just a few dollars more compared to the wheels that came already mounted on the car. I know we will keep this car for many many more miles and with the autostick transmission with quick downshifting it is a joy to drive. I use the SPORT mode occasionally especially on a jaunt up a steep grade. I have Sirius Satellite set up and after a few tries, I was able to program Blue Tooth. The customer service toll free number for FIAT has been very helpful for any assistance in programming the radio. My only real complaint is that the small glovebox barely holds much let alone the manual that came with the car. I do not use the USB FIAT key that stores the driving data as I have no use for it. All in all, this is a great little car which unfortunately has taken a bad rap from the likes of Consumer Reports and others who rate it as the lowest of any vehicle they have tested.

Exceeds expectations and is fun.

Fuel mileage is much better than the 38mpg highway posted on the sticker. An average of 41mpg was observed during a nice 40 mile long curvy and hilly back road drive mostly at 45mph in 4th gear with the top open. The car is a joy to travel in. It has plenty of room and comfort for 4. At 65mph with the top full open and windows closed, it is quiet enough to have normal conversations between all 4 occupants. Very quiet ride with top open or closed. Top can be operated with push button control while driving under 50mph. Car is fun enough to make our mid teen age kids still want to go with us. Back seats are roomy and comfortable for picky an long legged kids 5'8" tall.

Fiat 500C

CPop popped!!!!!

It was a fun car that was a joy to drive. It doesn't pretend to be a Corvette. It's a Fiat and proud of it. Sold it in a minute to a guy who drove one years ago while courting his wife of many years.

Love it!

So cute and fun to drive.

Worst Car on the Road.

IMHO, this is the worst and most dangerous car on US highways. We were given one as an Enterprise rental, so beware. On the Interstates, it feels like the Fiat 500 could be run over by any compact American car. The ride was rough and noisy. I've been told that some people love them......but I think it's a standard answer for those who already have them. I was teased by acquaintances who suggested I put the Fiat in the back of their car. My wife, me and two suitcases were hard to squeeze into it! Terrible car....and without a doubt the worst car I've ever rented. Complaints to Enterprise went nowhere....only questions. My objective would be to keep the Fiat off American roads.

This thing shifts terribly!

Brand new fully loaded lounge cabrio.. This thing is the worst around town. I have an automatic - because that's your only option. When it shifts from 1st to 2nd you get a whiplash-like jerk. The gas pedal is awful too. Its always too little gas or too much. Something is wrong with the design of this car. Seriously. Oh yeah.. you cannot pull out across traffic.. there is a two second delay between slamming the gas down and the car actually moving. Its not a lemon.. it just stinks!!!