Fiat 500 Hatchback 1.2 Pop 3d (2008/58) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I never, ever buy or drive anything run-of-the-mill.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They love it. And I think they're secretly VERY jealous!

Would you buy this car again and why?

YES! I'd upgrade the spec though next time.

What are you likely to buy next?

A Fiat 500 1.2 (or 900cc Turbo [planned for 2009] ) Lounge.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£8,695

When did you buy the car?

September 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

There appears to be little give at Fiat dealers across the UK, so if you're expecting a big discount, perhaps its not for you. Some people have been lucky and had extras thrown in, but this is a rarity. I changed my mind half-way through the build process (remember the 500 is made-to-order) and wanted 16" alloys. As the order could not be changed at the factory I had to buy the alloys as an accessory, which should've cost me £578 instead of the £350 as an option. The dealer did me a deal and sold them to me for £350 and knocked off the price of the Vintage Trims I had originally ordered. This means I got the wheels for £280, a saving of £298.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Because I love it!

What was the dealer like?

I cannot fault Marson's of Newcastle-under-Lyme. At no point did I feel pressured. I asked for a testdrive and the keys were handed to me. I took it out by myself and had a good old play. When I returned I was simply asked if I enjoyed myself and did I like the car. No pressure. I went back three weeks later and placed my order.

What's it like to drive?

Parkers state the the ride can be uncomfortable which I disagree with. This is a small car which in my mind isn't designed to munch up the Autobahn. Buy it for what you need it for, rather than expecting it to replace your mile-muncher. With the 16' alloys it handles great, although for my next 500 I'd add the ESP feature, simply because I miss it from my previous cars.

What's it like to park?

As explained, easy. If you're not sure, get the parking sensors for £147.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing at all.

What's most practical about your car?

Its very easy to park, although lets be honest I didn't buy this car for its practicality!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The Fragrance Dispencer. You can order it in either ivory or black (to match the cars interior) and it simply sits in the cup holder in the centre console with its integrated 12v socket. It comes with three fragrances, which you can easily changed and three strengths settings. Its a plug-in for your car :-)