Used 2012 FIAT 500 Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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Extra warranty takes me to 1M miles!
Valbowski, 01/12/2018
updated 01/25/2021
2012 FIAT 500 Pop 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car has been driven nearly 7 days a week almost every week, for 5.5 years. Once a year, an oil change is called for, the car will show the warning for that when it is time. We put a little over 8K miles on it per year, and as this writing, we are at 44K. This is a base model, no special wheels, just a basic pop. Aside from once a year oil changes, and scheduled maintenance, the following things have required repair - 1) the wiring harness that connects all things powered to the hatchback had to be replaced. 2) the fan switch for the heating/cooling needed to be replaced 3) and the rear oil seal on the engine began a tiny drip, which was deemed necessary to be replaced. All of this would have fallen outside of the warranty, but I purchased the 1M mile bumper to bumper warranty. Per visit, with the extra warranty, there is a $100 plus tax fee. The above repairs, if I had not had the warranty, would have almost equaled the cost of the warranty!!! So, since we drive the wheels off of cars, we will be in great shape going forward. Really, get an additional warranty with your purchase if it is possible. On another topic, some observations. I am a big guy, I fill up the front seat, but this is not uncomfortable and I have driven it as far as 10 hours in one day with no suffering or ill effects. The handling of the vehicle in snow, ice or rain is phenomenal for a small car. Phenomenal. I use the auto shift and move from one gear to the other myself right at 2400 rpm. This gets you the best gas mileage. Summer, air on, 32+/42+, fall and spring is 33+/45, dead of winter, as in under 15 degrees day after day, 31.6/42. My drive is boring so I keep myself occupied with mpg games and metal music. If you look at the maintenance schedule you will notice that very little needs be done, and the maintenance is very far apart too. Love that. To fill it up is around $20-22+. So low. Forget fuel cells. Forget battery powered vehicles too. Sit down and calculate it all, as I did, and the cost per month is almost the lowest of any car on the market. Change the air filter once a year, don’t bother with high octane fuel, as I tested that and the economy and performance were unchanged, and buy the car. Surprisingly, when the seats are folded forward in the rear, the car can hold a week’s worth of groceries back there! It is really large back there I am serious. However, if you have to people in the backseats, think again! Short trips, sure. But that is it. It looks great, is fun to drive, and has tons of airbags, of course ABS and the electronic wheel control system, so there. Not perfect, certainly not for everyone, but the fuel economy, the safety, stopping power, and the HUGE warranty make this a pick that works for me and my wife. *Update 1.12.19 We drive this car 7 days a week nearly. The other day, the driver's side door handle fell off. Not covered under warranty. That is a new one. Not long after I saw a Fiat on the road with the passenger's side door handle hanging half off. Weird. Passed 50K miles a few weeks ago. Put on first set of new tires aside from the originals. Still no problems other than above. *Update 7.14.19 Seems that synthetic oil makes some difference for gas mileage. Worth it for that and longevity of the engine as well. The steel wheels have been found to be weak and easily bent when potholes are hit. Never experienced that on a car before, as usually the wheels can take the hits. Still has not had any other repairs other than what was mentioned above. Keep up with the maintenance and not only will this car be reliable, but according to my calculations, this is probably the least expensive car, all things considered that you can own, either in 2012 or 2019! Update - 1.23.2021 Now at 65,000 miles, still a near daily driver. It sits outside, all day, every day, never garaged. Paint still looks great. Takes minor dents well, as in the paint stays on and does not begin to rust or chip away. Just do the maintenance as suggested, and this car is great.
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I wish I didn't purchase this car.
nomorefiat500, 03/13/2014
2012 FIAT 500 Sport 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
Sigh..I fell in LOVE with my little 2012 Fiat 500 Sport until problem after problem. I just hit 30k miles and so far here are the issues; Clutch plate needed fixed, sometimes it wouldn't start since day 1; boot shifter replaced 2x; back windshield wiper fluid doesn't spray anymore, tire has a hole in it upon purchase, noticed next day, clock replaced as it wouldn't keep time, radio (CD Player) wouldn't eject CD's. I bought the car with 4 miles on it. I do not trust the Fiat dealerships and I do not trust this car anymore. I am trading it in soon. It's ashame, as I loved it.
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2012 500 sport (manual)
pd14_98, 08/03/2011
2012 FIAT 500 Sport 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 15 people found this review helpful
I am a new Fiat fan for life! The 500 sport is a winner for me. Very reliable, very peppy & fun to drive, very economical, and very beautiful. I get 44 mpg on highway drives with the A/C on...this car easily exceeds the EPA rating for highway milage. Driving in the city is closer to the EPA rating (30-32 mpg in true bumper to bumper city driving). Even though I did not have a big budget, I am very happy I bought the Sport with a few options (18,600) and not the Pop. The sport has exceptionally comfortable seats and adds so much extra equipment for a small premium that it was worth getting over the Pop...I strongly recommend this car to everyone who admires it.
Fiat sport
perrusquiald, 05/17/2011
2012 FIAT 500 Sport 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
11 of 17 people found this review helpful
I just got my car last weekend and I'm happy. the car is great, fun to drive and great gas saver, I got 4 stars for the reliability because the car is new to America but I don't have any complains. You need to drive this car before you buy the mini cooper, this is better buy for the money and looks great.
8000 First oil filter change
cuda213, 04/27/2012
2012 FIAT 500 Pop 2dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 12 people found this review helpful
Red POP,red white interior and stick. 6 months in use. Very happy. Reliable, no issues, none! Confy ride. Gas,gas,gas hapiness. Only drawback, chicks keep stopping and asking me about it, hehehe.