Used 2017 FIAT 500 Consumer Reviews
Year two required monthly drop-offs at the dealer.
I loved FIAT. I loved FIAT so much that I worked for them and then bought a new 500 Abarth six years after working for them. I used to wonder why nobody raced these in any popular series in the states (there was one in PWC that suddenly disappeared after a race; why?) and now I know why. If you’re looking for a commuter car that has a louder personality, then there isn’t a better car for you. If you’re interested in a new car for daily driving plus autocross or track days (because it’s an Abarth, come on!) then do not buy this car. I was obsessed with the history of Abarth and his cars. I’m a member of FIAT Club America and got to meet Anneliese Abarth at our club’s 2018 FreakOut; it was amazing, but my car was off the road getting serviced for two whole months after the trip to Florida, which sums up my second year of new 500 Abarth ownership. Year one was amazing, minus a blown intercooler pipe, mysteriously cracked windshield, and peeling body panels, but the performance was excellent and made up for all that. Once I got a hang of the short wheel base and front wheel drive in monthly autocross meets it was beating MINIs, BMWs, Volkswagens, and WRXs regularly. It won me a 2nd in class trophy my first year competing in the sport. Year two was another story. Every time I went to autocross or a long drive something broke, including the Electronic Stability Control, the Anti-lock Braking System, the exhaust system sensors, the rear wheel bearings (at 18k miles), more peeling body panels, the infotainment system, and a few other minor things. The dealership service was second to none, never asking for anything when I brought it in to get fixed, but the two month service was too much for my daily driver. It’s for sale now and I’m even considering the 124 Spider Abarth. Will it be more reliable because it’s built in Japan instead of Mexico? Am I willing to roll those dice and find out? I just don’t know if I want to gamble like that.
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Horrible dont buy it
Please dont buy the fiat I brought a 2016 fiat last year and last month my car jump in neutral. Well on Friday my check engine light came on brought it to mechanic and and it was two codes U 0001 and U 0402 which is the wire harness and the ( tcm) transmission control module which they were both recalls in 2016 for the fiat 500x I have a fiat 500 it shouldn't matter what type of fiat a recall is a recall I wouldn't recommend this at all!!!
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- C Pop ConvertibleMSRP: $6,500246 mi away
- C Lounge ConvertibleMSRP: $8,999308 mi away
- Lounge 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $14,595326 mi away
Owning two Abarths
I have now owned two ABarths...a 2013 5spd basic car and a 2015 6spd automatic also basic . I have tended to like the automatic better and have just returned from a long trip getting 36.5 mpg at about 75mph average speed. 30mpg around town driving. The auto has 183ft lbs torque ( more than the 5spd cars) as well which adds to the ease in drivability and it is a 6spd auto ( vs the 5spd manual). The car needs an update at this point (IE direct injection, a dual scroll turbo for quicker spool up, an independent rear suspension and it should have had Koni shocks all around ( now since changed for 2016) right from the beginning. The sway bars should have been stiffer as well especially the rear sway bar ( which can be resolved through the aftermarket.- a wise choice which does help minimize understeer) . You will need to keep the tire pressure at 40psi all around to get best performance. Mine had the optional 16 in black wheels ( not the 17inchers ) so the higher pressure was not objectionable. The car is a fun ,raucous ,unique little runabout but is only "fast" when in sport mode ( worth 20ft lbs. more torque when sport button is pushed). After owning two I would not buy another unless there was a total top to bottom update as the original was released around 2008 in Europe. It is now overdue. Not many drive these so you will need to be dedicated.
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The latest Topolino
I would get this car as a second car or as an "only" if I lived in the city. I got it because I always wanted a Topolino since the "30's. And I love it! If you are over average height you had better check its fit.
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Fiat USA is NOT customer friendly!
I bought my Fiat 1 year ago. I love the little car! But Fiat is not customer friendly. On 8/27/2015, my engine blew with 28,000 on the car. It took over a month to get it repaired and back to me. Three days later, I gave it back to the dealer, as it was not fixed. The 2nd engine blew. 3 months later, they gave me my car back. The upper management will not contact me. They continue to tell a CSR my options. 1/3 of my ownership has been in the shop, and they don't care. Buyers look elsewhere if you want support. My case number is 28015096.
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