Speaking of the 500, should I buy this one tomorrow?

Seeing as how I have 50 mile (each way) commute everyday, I figured this thing would be a great way to get awesome mileage and not look like a dink.

Pics don't really do it justice. In person it looks like a slightly scaled down rally car. The body-colored (Bianco Perla) colored panel on the dash is really a nice touch. Sure, it's by no means a rocket, but it also revs less than 3-grand at 72-75 on the highway. However, it really is fun on twisty hilly roads. What's so great is that you can drive it to the limit without the fear of killing yourself or losing your license. According to the car, I've averaged 34.8 MPG since I picked it up and a good portion of the driving has been hooliganistic.

Also, I went online and learned about the history of the 500 and all of its heritage and, for whatever reason, it raised my opinion of the car a little bit. I mean, it's in the same league as like the Model T, the Beetle, and the Jeep history-wise. It just gives it this presence that I just don't see in say, a Hyundai Veloster. A Veloster just can't claim to have played a pivotal role in the rebuilding of post-war Italy. Oh yeah, I'm Italian-American BTW, so that might sway my perspective a tad.

Anyhoo, here are the details; stickers at $21,197 dealer's giving it to me for $18,100 (or they won't make the sale). It's obviously a Sport 5-speed and this one has triple clearcoat Bianco Perla paint, Bose, Blue&Me, the stripes and decals, window tinting, and those OZ Racing rally wheels with Continentals are a $2,467 option. It has 800 miles it, but the dealer says it was primarily used for promotional events. The paperwork is all ready and I just have to stop by on the way to work and sign.

Obviously it comes down to my personal overall opinion, but I like the input of fellow enthusiasts before pulling the 'ol trigger. So, whaddya think?

Thanks for your thoughts and opinions,
Nick R.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

She's mine! The drive back to the dealer just sold me.

BTW, I understand how, in the pics, it looks like the wheels and body color clash, but in person they just don't. Also it looks a lot nicer without the advertising decals. It was far and away the best looking one on the lot (of the 110 in stock).

As a commuter, it's really hard to find fault in these little gems. The workmanship (on mine at least) is flawless, the wheels and tires do wonders for the ride and handling versus the stock rims (I drove 2 others), I love the little growl it makes, the (Bose) stereo sounds great when cranked, and there a numerous little tidbits (like the blindspot viewer on the driver's side mirror) that just make it seem a little bit more "special" than its competitors. In one word: Clever.

Anyways, thanks for the input guys. FYI; I told the sales guy to get a hold of me the same day that the ABARTH arrives and I will post pics ASAP.

Happy Motoring,
Nick

 

So far, I must say that this thing is TOP SHELF. Just drove into a severe thunderstorm on my home from work, and this car is just 100% solid on the highway. The mighty little Fiat didn't even flinch. Lemme spew a few more random observations:

I really like the Blue&Me system. Its so easy to make calls with the voice command system. The calls are routed into the stereo speakers and you can really crank up volume and hear the call clearly. I had my brother call me when he took it out for a spin so I could hear how the calls sound on the other end of the line and it was crystal clear. It definitely has made me more productive because when I'm rolling down I-80 with the cruise control on, it's so easy to just voice-dial all of your calls and have clear conversations without ever taking your hands off the wheel.

I keep forgetting to bring home a pinky (flash drive) so I can try the ecoDrive app that Fiat put out recently. It's so cool to have a car that has apps. Anyway, if you haven't heard of it, you plug the pinky into the USB drive in the glovebox and ecoDrive records all of your driving data. Then you put the pinky into the computer and you can see an analysis of how you drive. It even has little interactive tutorials to help you with your technique and give you tips on how to drive more economically. So far the EVIC display has me averaged out at 34.2 MPG and I have certainly not been actively trying to get good mileage.

I love the seats. and the steering wheel. and the shifter. and the stereo.

The car definitely has personality and character. It feels so much more like a pet than 2300 pounds of steel, rubber, and glass.

Anyway, I'll keep trying to find faults and I'll keep you guys posted.

Damn, this is just simply a GREAT CAR.

 

Again, about the wheels. The Bianco Perla shifts with the position of light. I reiterate, the wheels match when seen in person. I see what you guys are talking about as far as the photo above, I get what you're saying. But they match up fantastically when you're actually standing next to the car. Maybe I should try taking a photo with less light.

- Nick

 

Thanks for the compliment! (That goes for all the others, too!)

I find the steering to be quite precise and nicely weighted. Sometimes, when I'm driving down the freeway with the cruise set @ 75, when I come up to my exit ramp, I just leave the cruise on and just steer right into the curve even though it says "RAMP 30mph" (Disclaimer: I only do it late at night on empty, rural off-ramps so if anything goes awry, only me and my car are at risk). Anyway, it just carves right in, solid and true, no tire squeal, no significant body roll, no drama.

Was the one you were trying out a Sport? (As opposed to Pop or Lounge) Sport models have, well, "sportier" suspension. Also, was the car in Sport mode (regardless of trim level)? Wow, that little button makes a GINORMOUS difference (sharpens steering and throttle response and maybe does something else ???). If my car is running, it's in Sport mode. 100% of the time. With it off, I'm not kidding, I wouldn't have bought the car.

Also, I drove a Sport with stock wheels and tires and it didn't feel nearly as planted, nor did I get as much feedback through the wheel. So the OZ's certainly aren't just for show.

Cheers Everyone!,
Nick

P.S. Filled up on Monday ($31!) and I have averaged 38.1 MPG! That's with cruise at 70-75 mph on the highway, but very "spirited" driving everywhere else. I can only wonder what it's capable of if driven in a more reserved manner. Not that I really care to try. Too much FUN to toss about!