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Abarth 500 Any issues?

Discussion in 'Other Italian' started by Bounce, Dec 2, 2012.

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  1. Bounce

    Bounce Formula 3

    Nov 30, 2009
    1,024
    Perth, Australia
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    Patrick
    #1 Bounce, Dec 2, 2012
    Hey everyone, still going through what to buy car phase despite having placed an order for a new Toyota 86 GTS (GT86/Subaru BRZ for the rest of the world)

    Unfortunately waiting another 10+ months on build and delivery has me car searching again.

    I seem to have fallen for the Abarth 500, not sure what colour as I haven't seen one in person to judge yet but am willing to sacrifice a high-revving/high-compression RWD sports car for it!

    Any issues I need to know about? Have until the weekend to go have a look though.

    I appreciate any input :)
     
  2. trumpet77

    trumpet77 Formula 3

    Jun 13, 2011
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    Great Neck, NY
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    Robert Nixon
    #2 trumpet77, Dec 3, 2012
    I've been reading this Fiat 500 forum based in the US:

    http://www.fiat500usaforum.com/forum.php

    and bought a 2013 Abarth in September. I have over 4,000 trouble free miles with no issues.

    From the forum the only minor issues I've seen have been the rear window wiper leaks a little bit, and some folks report bad fitting side panels, the lower trim that is just a bit off line. Keep in mind these are all the 1st year builds from the factory in Mexico, so may not apply to Australian models!

    There have also been some minor issues with very small bits of bubbling around the front Abarth logo, so I'm not sure if this is a paint issue or the badge itself.

    The US spec 2012 only Abarth also received a minor fix to tweak the ECU unit, and most drivers report slighlty smoother acceleration with this dealer fix.

    For me the bottom line was that I was attracted to Fiat's return to the US, and after driving the base model 100 hp 500s and the Abarth, it was no contest! In the same price range there are other interesting cars as you mention, but I guess I would summarize that between the Abarth, Subaru/Toyota, Miata other hot hatch type cars, theres a lot of competition in this price range, roughly under $30,000 in the US.
     
  3. ScuderiaWithStickPlease

    ScuderiaWithStickPlease F1 World Champ

    Dec 17, 2007
    10,263
    NY Metro
    #3 ScuderiaWithStickPlease, Dec 3, 2012
    For <$30K, you can get some really nice used performers (they may not slap you in the face with their immediacy, but $30K buys a great Boxster, an OK Cayman, a "well worn" E46 M3, etc.)
     
  4. carguyjohn350

    carguyjohn350 F1 Rookie
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    Mar 7, 2007
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    #4 carguyjohn350, Dec 3, 2012
    +1

    The 500 is a cool car, but seems pricey to me relative to the competition if youre willing to look at used cars. To this list I would add BMW M roadsters and coupes (if you can find one), C5 Corvettes, some C6 Corvettes, early Elises, Mustang GT, Camaro SS, Nissan Z, and on and on. Lots of performance cars out there in the sub $30k world today if buying used (some more gently than others of course).
     
  5. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
    Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner Social Subscribed

    Dec 1, 2000
    63,970
    Southlake, TX
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    Rob Lay
    #5 rob lay, Dec 3, 2012
    my only issue Jennie is supposed to let me drive 1 day a week and she always forgets. :(
     
  6. ScuderiaWithStickPlease

    ScuderiaWithStickPlease F1 World Champ

    Dec 17, 2007
    10,263
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    #6 ScuderiaWithStickPlease, Dec 3, 2012
    Last edited: Dec 3, 2012
    Though I'm not big on its looks, the [EDIT: Z4] M coupe is a fine automobile, probably a keeper. I can't believe I forgot to list it . . .
     
  7. classic308

    classic308 F1 Veteran

    Jan 9, 2004
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    Paul
    #7 classic308, Dec 3, 2012
    you can find some 996s in that price range also.
     
  8. Bounce

    Bounce Formula 3

    Nov 30, 2009
    1,024
    Perth, Australia
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    Patrick
    #8 Bounce, Dec 3, 2012
    Thanks for all the replies I'll join that forum and start reading up.

    Believe me, I've looked at EVERY possibility in the the price range.

    Don't forget I live in Australia, the car market is tiny and protected my local manufacturers and cars get expensive.

    Boxster/Cayman etc $80k+ 2007 onwards new 130k I think

    M3s E46 decent low milage around the 45-50k mark sure there's a few cheaper but older than 2002 and rather beat up.

    Corvettes 100K again, Z4Ms go for around 40-80k+

    Exige 60k+

    Size of the Abarth suites my needs and a new one runs around 35k where as last years models around down to 27k :)

    Sucks to be a petrol head downunder sometimes.
     
  9. carguyjohn350

    carguyjohn350 F1 Rookie
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    Mar 7, 2007
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    John P
    #9 carguyjohn350, Dec 3, 2012
    You're right, I'm thinking Texas market. Those prices are nuts! If you get the Abarth post pics. It is cool, I just think its expensiveish.
     

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