27 replies to this topic

[wpm_720]

Does anyone have a 500 or any past experiences of one? My mum's thinking about buying one soon in the not too-distant future. Is it worth buying one new at this time? Which engine or spec is best? Or she could get a BINI, but she doesn't want to, as I have a Classic...

What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

[Lukie-J]

I love the new 500s, I'd choose one over a BINI. There was a review on top gear, maybe youtube that?
Arbarth

[LOWRIDERHORNET]

Ill have the new FIAT 500 anyday

[M44K TS]

very much a womans car IMO

[rendersonique]

Does anyone have a 500 or any past experiences of one? My mum's thinking about buying one soon in the not too-distant future. Is it worth buying one new at this time? Which engine or spec is best? Or she could get a BINI, but she doesn't want to, as I have a Classic...

What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

Fiat 500 would get my vote every time. The BMW attempt at a mini is a nice effort, comfy and meets all the ncap regs. However, I feel that the fiat 500 is far more eye catching, and its still made by the original manufacturer!! I love it (and its a dam site more affordable)

Balls in your (her) court, but I think she would turn more heads in the 500.

Andy

Attached Files

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[yeti21586]

Does anyone have a 500 or any past experiences of one? My mum's thinking about buying one soon in the not too-distant future. Is it worth buying one new at this time? Which engine or spec is best? Or she could get a BINI, but she doesn't want to, as I have a Classic...

What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

Fiat 500 would get my vote every time. The BMW attempt at a mini is a nice effort, comfy and meets all the ncap regs. However, I feel that the fiat 500 is far more eye catching, and its still made by the original manufacturer!! I love it (and its a dam site more affordable)

Balls in your (her) court, but I think she would turn more heads in the 500.

Andy

i agree fiat all the way!!

[Jimmy Hat]

Get the 500, i dont know the first thing about them other than they're absolutely gorgeous and a hell of a lot more individual than a Bini or something like that. In other words, if i could afford to, i would

[coopermpi]

not too sure on reliability though. Fiat dont reallly have the best rep!! Heard some storys about bini's too though

[Jimmy Hat]

Youve got a Mini MPI and you're worried about unreliability...?

[coopermpi]

And? Were not talking about classic mini's?? I think most mini's would have a 'break down' as they are not known for reliability!
Imo fiats, and most french cars are 'unreliable' have electrical faults etc.
And as for my mini, ive only had 1 problem and that was in the gearbox, and as its only a hobby/weekend car my mini is fine!
I have 2 other cars which i use for daily driving!!!!

(sorry for the rant)

[Jordie]

i think you will find minis are reliable. Unfortunately, due to people messing with them (wiring and such) and them now been out dated by modern technology, they have got the name of been unreliable. Infact they are reliable if serviced and looked after like they were originally intended. They have lasted 50yrs and many people have used them daily with not any major issues...

[taffy1967]

Yes my 18 year old Mini has almost gone around the clock, but it's still totally reliable because in the 15 years that I've owned it, I've always seen it get serviced as required.

As for the BINI: -

BINI On Watchdog Last Week?: -
k6YEBnynFUI

Bini On Watchdog 2005/2006?
lyhInklrvgI

So yes I'd go for the Fiat 500 too.

[Jimmy Hat]

Fair enough, mines been super reliable too except when i broke it, i had just heard some horror stories about spi/mpis in the past...

[taffy1967]

Well there is a lot more things to go wrong on an SPi/MPi Mini I guess, but apart from ball-joints, bearings and rust, I never have any issues with emissions come MOT time with my carb Cooper.

[wpm_720]

Looking at the failed power steering pump in the first video posted above, I wouldn't have thought it would be life threatening at all? I mean, you can still steer the thing, right?

not too sure on reliability though. Fiat dont reallly have the best rep!! Heard some storys about bini's too though

What makes Fiats unreliable? I know they usually make run-of-the-mill econoboxes for the masses, but do they break down often?

As for anyone out there who owns a 500, what would you recommend, regarding engine, specs and options?

Cheers.