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

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

Discussion in 'Other Italian' started by Fastpants, Oct 16, 2011.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. Fastpants

    Fastpants Karting

    Jan 24, 2006
    111
    South Chicagoland
    Full Name:
    Nick
    #1 Fastpants, Oct 16, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    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
     
  2. GG

    GG Formula 3

    Feb 21, 2008
    2,227
    Looks cool but tell them to keep the wheels and knock off another $2,000.
     
  3. desmomini

    desmomini F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 18, 2003
    4,111
    Upstate SC
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    Go for it. You'll love your commute.
     
  4. dave_fonz_164

    dave_fonz_164 Formula 3

    Mar 11, 2004
    1,658
    Montreal, Canada
    Full Name:
    Davide Giuseppe F.
    Go for it!............The specs and equipment levels are generous and I believe you're getting a very good price. The car is fun to drive and economical when you want it to be. Truly a small gem on wheels and proof that Fiat Spa. can build great cars.

    The historical connection is just an added bonus. Think Vespa on four wheels and you get the same idea. It's an icon on four wheels and being Italian myself, the connection is deeper.

    Enjoy!
     
  5. agup48

    agup48 Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 15, 2006
    28,633
    Phoenix
    Full Name:
    AG
    +1. The white of the wheels don't match the paint of the car.

    The only things I like is the Bianco Perla and the stripe on the hood, everything else can go.

    But that is my opinion, if you like it, feel the price is what you want to pay, then go for it.
     
  6. classic308

    classic308 F1 Veteran

    Jan 9, 2004
    6,820
    Westchester, NY
    Full Name:
    Paul
    Don't forget the Mini and the Citroen 2CV....

    I say buy it! I'm waiting for the Abarth-just waiting to see how much hp it will have....
     
  7. Tifosi15

    Tifosi15 Formula 3

    Jul 15, 2009
    2,125
    Austin
    Full Name:
    Bryan
    As others have said, go for it! It's a fantastic little car to drive and you get a nice return on MPG as well. Like you said, this car has some character to it. You're lucky to have found this one at $18k, that makes the deal even sweeter

    And oh, the rims are fantastic, definitely rally inspired
     
  8. Fastpants

    Fastpants Karting

    Jan 24, 2006
    111
    South Chicagoland
    Full Name:
    Nick
    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
     
  9. desmomini

    desmomini F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 18, 2003
    4,111
    Upstate SC
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    Awesome! Congrats! Now you have to post your own pics!
     
  10. sjmst

    sjmst F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jul 31, 2003
    9,854
    Long Island, NY
    Full Name:
    Sam
    Congratulations! I have one that now has 16,000 miles on it (I have a daily commute of over 100 miles). PM with any questions and have fun!
     
  11. PaulK

    PaulK F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 24, 2004
    4,781
    Michigan
    Full Name:
    Paul
    #11 PaulK, Oct 22, 2011
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2011
    That is a great looking 500. Some did not like the wheels, but I love them. Real OZ's? I almost can't believe it. Dealers generally put the cheapest wheels on their cars. I think that car looks rad, racing stripes and all.

    Edit: I just saw you bought it. Congratulations! I'm glad you did. :)
     
  12. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jul 20, 2003
    52,414
    SFPD
    Full Name:
    Dirty Harry
    Congratulations, Nick - Are you up to posting an update on your Fiat once in a while?
     
  13. Fastpants

    Fastpants Karting

    Jan 24, 2006
    111
    South Chicagoland
    Full Name:
    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.
     
  14. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 11, 2008
    106,118
    Vegas baby
    I like the wheels. Buy the car and enjoy it!
     
  15. velocetwo

    velocetwo F1 World Champ

    Dec 11, 2006
    12,545
    Left Coast
    The wheels are too far off, have them painted or go with silver.
     
  16. Fastpants

    Fastpants Karting

    Jan 24, 2006
    111
    South Chicagoland
    Full Name:
    Nick
    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
     
  17. mclaudio

    mclaudio Formula 3

    Dec 13, 2003
    1,272
    Seattle area
    Full Name:
    Claudio
    Nice looking exterior combo. Congratulations!

    How do you like the steering feel? I had one for three days. I was going to lease it, but decided not to go through with it. The vague power steering feel and too underdamped suspension dissuaded me. I still like the way they look. Hopefully the Abarth is better.
     
  18. MITYRARE

    MITYRARE F1 Rookie

    May 21, 2008
    2,631
    Canada
    Full Name:
    Paul
    great looking car ... lucky you.... enjoy


    beev
     
  19. Fastpants

    Fastpants Karting

    Jan 24, 2006
    111
    South Chicagoland
    Full Name:
    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!
     
  20. drjohngober

    drjohngober Formula 3

    Jul 23, 2006
    2,040
    Cville and Gbury Tex
    Full Name:
    Dr.John Gober
    I have been watching the 500s for awhile- there is a dealer literally 5 miles from my house.
    Yours is the best looking one I have seen. Wish our local dealer had one specced like yours . Congrats!
     
  21. velocetwo

    velocetwo F1 World Champ

    Dec 11, 2006
    12,545
    Left Coast
    The camera is often more accurate than the human eye , but what happens when the car is exposed to sunlight for periods of time? IMO The colors should be closer, even under the scrutiny of the camera.
     

Share This Page