Matt's humour, comparisons and gentle digs at other walks in life are slowly becoming my main reason for watching his reviews. The cars and his knowledge of them are taking a backseat place (as he did this time) Keep 'em coming Matt, and if ever I need a Car in UK, i'll look you up (maybe you'll have a Duke by then). Greets from Switzerland, Steve.
@@HighPeakAutos Sitting on my driveway in a Fiat 500, oh and a cute little dog to boot (see what I did there). But don't bother with the frilly pink knickers, they might feel amazing but won't be at all comfortable. Spend your money on something practical, say a new cabin filter instead lol. Cheers Matt, keep 'em coming.
You all probably dont care at all but does anyone know a method to get back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb lost my account password. I would love any assistance you can offer me.
I have always enjoyed FIAT products. I have an old Grande Punto at the moment - rocker cover leaks oil, there is a weird suspension graunching noise from the rear and the HRW doesn't work presumably because of that stupid rear hatch wiring solution they have. All standard FIAT stuff and as I like and have had Citroens and Renaults too I can like with this stuff. A wise old head once told me cars are not perfect - be more Zen about them. They are not so much a mode of transport and more a series of failures that have happened are happening or are about to happen all travelling together in close formation and you will be at peace.
Maybe you could do with a trip to a nail salon, clearly it's on your mind and there's really nothing wrong with you wanting nice nails. Anyho thanks for the information regarding the car and it's issues.
We had a FIAT 500 Sport, 1.4, 100bhp, in black, nice trim, handled well if a little harsh on Britain's roads, but was good cheap fun. Had it for about 8 years with only a couple of minor niggles which were easily solved and parts were cheap. Just good honest cheap fun, in any engine or trim. Great review
Motorcycle vlogger Freddie Dobbs has just taken a 59 plate 1.2 to 200k miles! Including many European road trips, so I just thought I'd come back to this for a refresh.
Girly little runner, but you gave it great fair review #from the drive way or on the road your reviews NEVER boring, it’s your knowledge, passion and the way you describe cars is what most of us find fascinating here.
Great little car, lovely to drive in the town, my daughter had a brand new one as her first car, she loved it, drove from the midlands to us in Blackpool lots of times, she even named it Poppy, she really loved it so easy to drive. as much room as a mini
Good review, thanks for posting, I enjoyed watching this - my first car was a 2002 Fiat Seicento. I drove it for about 50,000 miles before I sold it on. It is still on the road and has now covered over 100,000 miles. I currently drive a 2018 Smart Forfour. I think these are brilliant and massively underrated city cars, this is the second one that I have owned.
We have a bright yellow 2008 lounge version, it's a very good car, looks great, runs perfectly, great on the motorway, sport button is fun....I love it !
That mate was the most honest review of a fiat 500 I've heard in ages I please note work for fiat and have used a 500 as run about and pretty much all you said was spot on. But you didn't mention top mounts and Speedo issues which are also common known faults So in all honesty would I tell someone to buy one ? Yes but only a 1.2 check it's been regularly serviced listen for obvious wierd noises and if you can get a 12 months or longer warranty get it as a dash WILL be expensive if it fails but otherwise yes get one they're usually a ok car to own
My partner has the 500c in cream with the red roof and I drive a big ass jag and I have to say that I love driving hers, not on long runs but around town. It’s very nippy and is like a go kart around corners. A bloody great little car for journeys under 30 minutes.
Brightened my day seeing this. One of my favourite cars, probably the only car now which is true to its original roots and a brilliant design, I'm so glad they haven't altered it, like the mini which seems to require constant enlarging and facelifts so it doesn't resemble anything anymore. I've had several fiats all have been fun to drive and reliable. I bought a 8 year old Mercedes before Christmas as a retirement car to keep and look after, now with this lockdown I'm worried about using it afterwards and wondering if I should have kept my Punto, which was a great car. If I was forced to change, I would probably get a 500. Strangely, whilst I'm a comfortable fit in a standard 500, I've sat in Abarths at the dealer's and just can't manage the pedals, set too high and too close, strange.
I rented one when I went on holiday to Sardinia last year and it was brilliant! Loads of Germans take their Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Porsche’s and posh Mercs to do the full Matt Monro “On Days Like These” but because the top speed is 50 km/h on the precipitous roads you can smile and hum along with them as you thrash your rental car and they never leave second gear. “On Daaaaaayss Like Theeeeze, dum, dum, de, dum, dah, dum, de, dummmm...”
This mans reviews are insightful, tempered with magnificent wit and backed by tangible knowledge and honest opinions . He doesn’t avail of a scriptwriter like clarkson and may . The mass appeal that his reviews generates merits an even larger forum
Love the "...make funny noises, breakdown and end up in rehab." Many of the cars you review I wouldn't ever want but if you are doing a review, just got to watch, never a waste of my time :)
Great little car I had a 64 plate fiat 500 sport fully equipped sat nav in car wi-fi colour digital display only just upgraded a few weeks ago to a Mercedes A180 AMG
Hi Matt. Hired a new one a few months ago here in Spain while the X5 was being serviced. Had it a few days and was very sad to hand it back. It was really fun to drive and surprisingly nippy. Great for parking and loved all the chunky controls. Thanks again. Stay sane. Regards Col. (On lockdown until the 26th! )
I have recently purchased a fiat panda manual 2013 model. I had a kangoo before which was practical but died young. It was a great purchase for my needs once I realized I was going to buy something small. I am looking forward to the day the mechanic says it isn't worth fixing and I tell him to fix it anyway just cos it is pretty and has character.
Great little cars! Fun to drive, economical to run and heaps of character! Italian styling, combined with daily driver practicality, what more do you need? I drive a Fiat Panda 4x4 Antarctica, which shares a lot of similar features, mine has the 875cc Twin air turbo engine, which is actually more powerful than the 1.2 engine, has more torque, less moving parts, lighter engine and cheaper to service! The mpg should be way better than the 1.2 depending how you drive it of course, I can easily get 50+mpg but than can quickly come down to mid 30s mpg with a heavy right foot! If you're after a more 'masculine' 500 they do a 1.4 turbo Abarth version, which has almost 200bhp! There is a slightly less powerful 's' version also. 😎👍
I LOVE mine!!! And just a small detail with the Twinair, if you run it on slightly more expensive 98 Octane fuel, you'll find that the power and consequently the economy improves. And it has a timing chain which never needs replacing. They are a fantastic car and so much joy and fun (better than antidepressants). And let me tell you that nothing conveys more confidence and Assuredness in your 'manliness' than driving a small car (well works for Italian men)! Recently one woman at a dinner said 'you know what they say about guys with big cars' then turns to me and says 'wow, so what does that say about you'. Yep I'm still blushing 😂
Your reviews, always informative always entertaining. Same as todays, but with added comedy, my cuppa tea came out my nose laughing! Keep it up matey, best auto review channel out there.
I inherited a 3 year old 500 convertible with 3000 miles on it from my mother it was only supposed to be a stop gap.. 4 years later and 85000 miles later and I've still got it. £180 for insurance 50 miles to the gallon, 35 quid for a tyre that gives u 20000 miles and the only thing I've changed are the timing belt at 70000 and 2 door handles that are 13 quid on ebay. It's been a bit of a bird puller over the years. The stories that passager seat could tell. I want a 124 spider but I'm holding off at present for good reason.. And no I don't have a nail salon.
My wife drives a 12 plate 500 that done just over 50k miles so lots of life left in it and she loves it…economical, reliable and easy to drive. It’s our second car and we always choose Fiat, we’ve had several Puntos and now this 500, yes we’ve had a few issues but they are very easy and inexpensive too repair. We will definitely be having another in a couple of years time. Great review by the way 👍👏
The 500 is based on a shortened Panda floorpan with the same oily bits and electrics. I bought an 05 Panda diesel and ran it for 12 years and 115,000 miles. Apart from batteries and brakes the only things I replaced were 2 side indicator bulbs because the orange tint had faded and a clutch at 105K. I replaced it 3 years ago with 63 plate 1242 Easy. Nearly on 40K and no issues. The 1.2 does a genuine 45 to 48 mpg, not off the trip computer, and is happy at 70 although the narrow track means it does tend to wander slightly in lane one of the motorway. Looking forward to the new one in a couple of years. Virtually all electric pas will fail if you bang I it from lock to lock a and hold it against the stops a lot. The Corsa had the same problem.
It's worrying when one of the biggest highlights of a car is a good sound system... it's about the least important thing to consider in terms of vehicle design. I'd rather they spent extra on reliability, durability and making the driving experience better. 🙄
I hired a 500 in France last year and really enjoyed driving it. Maybe because French Autoroutes are much smoother than British motorways, it felt perfectly at home and had less wind and road noise at speed than my new Seat Ibiza. On country roads, the ride often felt a bit bouncy but in an amusing way and wasn't crashy or jarring (maybe better French road surfaces). I liked the interior ambience which thanks to clever design, distracts your eyes from the cheap plastics. I'm a 55 year old straight man but felt no shame driving one because I don't feel a car can define me and if anyone else does, who cares?
when i came to england in 2013 to meet my friend...now wife she had a 2012 500...she sold it in 2018 when she moved to australia...i bought her a 2017 model & drive it nearly everyday...great little cars...liked the video...mitchell - sunshine coast queensland australia
You might want to mention a common fault it the door handles snapping off! Happened twice on the wife`s car. When i ordered a replacement off e-bay the sellers listing said 801 of this item sold!! And that`s just one seller.
My father has a 1.2 litre Panda which had the EPS issue. It was really easy to change. If it is faulty a light shows on the instruments. The service parts have the faulty part designed out. I just changed the cambelt on it too, and that was so much easier than the one on my VW Polo. It was very easy indeed. I fancy a 500 with the 1.2 engine.
my 1st car was a 2009 fiat panda dynamic multijet. there are things that deffo feel similar with the 500 and the panda. good fuel economy, i could easily get 60mpg
I love my 2013 fiat 500 lounge and my 6 feet tall 200lb husband loves it too. Great video 👍 I had to replace the alternator last week. (My battery light started flashing, indicating alternator issues starting)
Had one for 3 years great fun to drive and a lot of comments. Not many issues mine did 100000 km. It had a noice from the front Aksel every time i turned.
Good points, I've had a few of these, the 1.4 is a much better car if you don't have a young driver and insurance to consider. Quicker, better brakes, but also 6 speed so much better on motorway. Power steering and lots of other stuff can play up if battery is weak, problems go away with new battery. Many had a weird Microsoft audio system, a Blue and Me USB dongle for £40 fixes that and they then work well with iPhones etc. Finally, the earlier cars were much better built than later. I reckon the best were the very first on 58 or 09 plates, there were also some funky retro colour choices on those early cars that really suit the 500.
My wife has an Abarth 595, fantastic little car. Proper old school hot hatch. Reminds me a lot of the Renault 5 GT Turbo I had in the 90s. The Fiat 500 however is car for daughters and old women.
I have a 1.2 pop. I thrash it everywhere, it's so much fun to drive and it feels fast and it doesn't break.. I can highly recommend it for the perfect ratio of fun, cost, and pleasantness.. And the ladies love it! 😉
Great info. I loved the original and was impressed that someone actually designed seats and dash with a “style” when this new version came out. As you say they are really popular for stylish runabouts hereabouts. One dealer here in Billericay seems to specialise in these and/or minis and they are extremely popular hereabouts. Your reviews are really useful and interesting!!
Thanks Matt; we all need entertainment in these lockdown times! I hired one of these in south of France a couple of years ago - a duo-logic auto convertible. Convertible was great, and when it got too hot the aircon even worked, but the 'auto' gearbox is the pits, and the combination of engine and gearbox meant it was powerless. I still remember a very large French lorry following me at about 2 cms distance up a steep hill in the dark, honking at me all the way. I just couldn't go any faster and he obviously could. Still, it was loads of fun, apart from getting my credit card skimmed by Avis staff in Marseille.
Thanks for doing this review, which is a fair summary. I had a 1.2 Pop for a couple of years when I needed a cheap city car. I got 45mpg urban and 60mpg touring - yes I did some motorway trips but as you say it's not ideal for that. I guess I am unusual in being a (now) 60-year old bloke who actually chose a 500 for its style, above all. I still don't get why more men don't own them, they are no more feminine than a Mini, which many women drive.
Sending to my brother in law, he clearly loves the pink frilly knickers 🤭 had a dodgy clutch in his 2015 example. Cost about £300 for a new one from (I think) Hellfrauds.
I loved my 500 had it for 6 years and 200000 miles. The only thing I changed where some bulbs and the battery and that was my fault. Now I have the 500x Sport , awesome car.
Great driveway review, fab as always! Keep them coming much appreciated. Love the 500 design and spirit, fancied a twin air screamer, as it's a bit different, but colour choice crucial! Did Fernando Alonso advertise them? Think he did!
I like the car I've drivin this car for 8 yrs .I own the 1.4 miltiair and I love it.Ive done alot of mechanical work on it buts it runs beautiful.The car is one if those things you love and have it just because you it's a very different car from the rest especially here in the USA
Cool RH drive car. Love that white interior. I have a 2018 white Abarth with red trim. Driving the car is fun but bumpy. Sport mode even more so. Such a unique car, nobody will mistake this for anything else. That is a nice feature. You have a very sharp grey car.
You have not wasted any of my time here in Oviedo, on lockdown! I think your reviews are great, please keep them coming! Incidently, I am 6'2" and built lke a wrestler, but also love this little car, but think the panda is so cute and a little more practical. Take care.
I am more than happy with mine. I have had to replace the sump which was a pain just before Christmas. But other than that it has been fantastic. Seriously cheep to run.
One hit me from behind last year at low speed (5-10 mph)whilst I was waiting to pull out at a roundabout while I was out on my motorbike. The whole front grille and bumper fell apart on it and it also badly distorted the strengthening bar behind the bumper. The damage to my bike was minimal and I rode home! Absolutely rubbish and I wouldn’t want a loved one driving, or more importantly crashing one.
Apparently a car crunching up easily is a good thing Because "crunching" absorbs a lot of the impact so that less of the force gets transmitted to the occupants.
I'm a guy and I love this car 😂 I'm so happy it's finally standing on my driveway as it's my first car. It's great looking. It's easy to park. Insurance wasn't cheap, but I guess it's even worse for cars that are slightly bigger.
Now on our 3rd as a 2nd car. This one is a Twin Air 2 cylinder 875cc, it’s got decent acceleration, far better than the 4 cylinder 1200 cc normal engine. Not quite an Abarth (that’s next) but better than most small town cars.
Nice one, on the fiat.. Great work do more reviews on any cars I can't wait to to hear you rip on cars, people what ever you have in the crosshairs keep them coming... stay healthy and safe my friend's from the highlands.. THANKS KG from Arizona.
I revisited after Spanish apparent glitch cured!,,,great honest review as always,,,in the States were very popular,well in Alabama,but introducing 500X and their awful quality,sadly killed sales. Not just the unlogical box but also rear end collision performance,,,so great car if only used as two seater. I'm returning to Alabama in December and if I can't get a V70,may try and get cheap one for weekends,,,!
Great audio review for here in Spain black screen throughout complete piece! I see from other comments not all over and other sites also have similar problems in Spain.
They are really good. My wife has had two. Both totally reliable , cheap to service and fun . We buy a three month old one with a maximum of 3k miles ( usually a demonstrator) for £9k. Keep it four and a half years and then sell it privately . Depreciation works out at about £5k over that period so cheap motoring .
They did a Sport model too. We had a 58 plate before the rear suspension revisons Fiat made once Ford did the KA..... Dangerous mid corner on fast roads as the back would skip...
Amazing luck just bought a 10-year-old twin the lounge it’s a beautiful little car 60 miles to the gallon and no road tax what more could you want fully loaded to?
I recently got a lift home in the back of one of these. Pleasantly surprised at the space inside for a car of its size. I agree EV wouldve been a great shout in this country. Definitely a girls car as you say. Another great video, even on your drive
Had 230TKm with my first 1.2 Punto, no expensive problems, but if you are racing these Engines through the Alps, you should drive them careful "Cold" for 10 minutes before shutting them down.
The ball joints on these are fixed to the control arm. So you have to change the whole arm if the ball joint is bad. This involves removing the front bumper & unbolting a section of the subframe to get access. A bit awkward The top bushing in the original rear shock absorbers is a crap design. The rubber bushing will tear away. You can buy replacement bushings, or aftermarket shocks which have a better design. That happened at 60k miles. Same car as above, came back 4 months later with a bad whining noise when you took your foot off the throttle. Oil leaking out of the gearbox, replacement needed. Also, saw a MK2 500 in needing gearbox cables. It was about 4 year old & had average mileage on it. There is a dashboard problem on many Fiat's, including the 500, where the warning lights will glow dimly or flash when they aren't supposed to. Door handles are also flimsy & tend to break. The metal used in the body of the car seems fine, but the metal used for brackets, the exhaust, track rods & as you say the sump, seems poor quality. It suprised me how rusty these parts be when the car isn't that old. Also, the MK2 Ford Ka shares 70% of its components with the 500
Thanks. I hired one for a week in Jersey because I love the styling. It wasn't the best car I've ever driven. There was that constant feeling that five more years would be its maximum life.
Matt's humour, comparisons and gentle digs at other walks in life are slowly becoming my main reason for watching his reviews. The cars and his knowledge of them are taking a backseat place (as he did this time) Keep 'em coming Matt, and if ever I need a Car in UK, i'll look you up (maybe you'll have a Duke by then). Greets from Switzerland, Steve.
millinutz Thanks Steve. That means a lot. Cheers
Loving the delivery style as well. Competing with Dave Lamb of come dine with me fame 🤣
I'm also in Switzerland, small world indeed 👍
@@HighPeakAutos Sitting on my driveway in a Fiat 500, oh and a cute little dog to boot (see what I did there). But don't bother with the frilly pink knickers, they might feel amazing but won't be at all comfortable. Spend your money on something practical, say a new cabin filter instead lol. Cheers Matt, keep 'em coming.
You all probably dont care at all but does anyone know a method to get back into an Instagram account..?
I was dumb lost my account password. I would love any assistance you can offer me.
@Leon Allan instablaster ;)
It's such a fun car. 6f 2, 95kg manly guy here and I love driving it. It feels like driving a 60s classic car, simple, light and fun.
"makes it easier to park... outside your nail salon" hahaha loving the little quips
Discrimination 😉😉😜
Twat
I have always enjoyed FIAT products. I have an old Grande Punto at the moment - rocker cover leaks oil, there is a weird suspension graunching noise from the rear and the HRW doesn't work presumably because of that stupid rear hatch wiring solution they have. All standard FIAT stuff and as I like and have had Citroens and Renaults too I can like with this stuff.
A wise old head once told me cars are not perfect - be more Zen about them. They are not so much a mode of transport and more a series of failures that have happened are happening or are about to happen all travelling together in close formation and you will be at peace.
@@galaxyride4944 cry
In 15 years of driving fiat products, I’ve never had a minute of problems
LOVED your description of the "Pop Star Model" - I wonder how many caught your drift?.....I spit my coffee :)
PussyGalore Thanks for picking up on that. I thought it was funny 😂
Pussygalore. Funny James bond user name
@@HighPeakAutos How much time did you spend rehearsing that one, mate ? I thought it was absolutely brilliant! :D :D
Maybe you could do with a trip to a nail salon, clearly it's on your mind and there's really nothing wrong with you wanting nice nails. Anyho thanks for the information regarding the car and it's issues.
We had a FIAT 500 Sport, 1.4, 100bhp, in black, nice trim, handled well if a little harsh on Britain's roads, but was good cheap fun. Had it for about 8 years with only a couple of minor niggles which were easily solved and parts were cheap. Just good honest cheap fun, in any engine or trim. Great review
Andrew Johnston Thanks for watching. I’ve never driven the sport
I had the twinair lounge for 4 years no issues, great fun to drive even on long distance runs, a truly iconic design.
Motorcycle vlogger Freddie Dobbs has just taken a 59 plate 1.2 to 200k miles! Including many European road trips, so I just thought I'd come back to this for a refresh.
This car was born a classic! Had mine for 4 years with no issues whatsoever. Great little city car with awesome looks!
Girly little runner, but you gave it great fair review
#from the drive way or on the road your reviews NEVER boring, it’s your knowledge, passion and the way you describe cars is what most of us find fascinating here.
Simo Laazizi Thanks! I appreciate it. Take care
Great little car, lovely to drive in the town, my daughter had a brand new one as her first car, she loved it, drove from the midlands to us in Blackpool lots of times, she even named it Poppy, she really loved it so easy to drive. as much room as a mini
Good review, thanks for posting, I enjoyed watching this - my first car was a 2002 Fiat Seicento. I drove it for about 50,000 miles before I sold it on. It is still on the road and has now covered over 100,000 miles. I currently drive a 2018 Smart Forfour. I think these are brilliant and massively underrated city cars, this is the second one that I have owned.
We have a bright yellow 2008 lounge version, it's a very good car, looks great, runs perfectly, great on the motorway, sport button is fun....I love it !
That mate was the most honest review of a fiat 500 I've heard in ages
I please note work for fiat and have used a 500 as run about and pretty much all you said was spot on.
But you didn't mention top mounts and Speedo issues which are also common known faults
So in all honesty would I tell someone to buy one ?
Yes but only a 1.2 check it's been regularly serviced listen for obvious wierd noises and if you can get a 12 months or longer warranty get it as a dash WILL be expensive if it fails but otherwise yes get one they're usually a ok car to own
My partner has the 500c in cream with the red roof and I drive a big ass jag and I have to say that I love driving hers, not on long runs but around town. It’s very nippy and is like a go kart around corners. A bloody great little car for journeys under 30 minutes.
Brightened my day seeing this. One of my favourite cars, probably the only car now which is true to its original roots and a brilliant design, I'm so glad they haven't altered it, like the mini which seems to require constant enlarging and facelifts so it doesn't resemble anything anymore. I've had several fiats all have been fun to drive and reliable. I bought a 8 year old Mercedes before Christmas as a retirement car to keep and look after, now with this lockdown I'm worried about using it afterwards and wondering if I should have kept my Punto, which was a great car. If I was forced to change, I would probably get a 500. Strangely, whilst I'm a comfortable fit in a standard 500, I've sat in Abarths at the dealer's and just can't manage the pedals, set too high and too close, strange.
I am so glad to have found this channel, Matt is brilliant. I have almost finished watching the whole 90 videos. Keep up the good work mate.
Harry Pity Thanks! I appreciate it 😉
I rented one when I went on holiday to Sardinia last year and it was brilliant! Loads of Germans take their Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Porsche’s and posh Mercs to do the full Matt Monro “On Days Like These” but because the top speed is 50 km/h on the precipitous roads you can smile and hum along with them as you thrash your rental car and they never leave second gear.
“On Daaaaaayss Like Theeeeze, dum, dum, de, dum, dah, dum, de, dummmm...”
Nick Hewyn Holmes walk away would be more apt? 😂👍🏻
The Feck are you on about?! Dreamer...
i love small cars as well i have a V8 and a little citybug. can be just as much fun
This mans reviews are insightful, tempered with magnificent wit and backed by tangible knowledge and honest opinions . He doesn’t avail of a scriptwriter like clarkson and may . The mass appeal that his reviews generates merits an even larger forum
Very kind. Thank you
I had one as a courtesy car, loved it. The one I had was fitted with a fixed glass roof with plenty of headroom, I'm 6'2"
Love the "...make funny noises, breakdown and end up in rehab." Many of the cars you review I wouldn't ever want but if you are doing a review, just got to watch, never a waste of my time :)
Haha thanks! I couldn't resist the Popstar joke :)
My wife is on her 5th one!
She ABSOLUTELY, COMPLETELY, turned down a mini having had two minis before her 500’s
Dead easy to park
Me use Fiat 500 1.2 as pizza delivery in UK
Great little car I had a 64 plate fiat 500 sport fully equipped sat nav in car wi-fi colour digital display only just upgraded a few weeks ago to a Mercedes A180 AMG
Hi Matt. Hired a new one a few months ago here in Spain while the X5 was being serviced. Had it a few days and was very sad to hand it back. It was really fun to drive and surprisingly nippy. Great for parking and loved all the chunky controls. Thanks again. Stay sane. Regards Col. (On lockdown until the 26th! )
Col H I heard the PM extend the lockdown period over there. Take care
I have recently purchased a fiat panda manual 2013 model. I had a kangoo before which was practical but died young. It was a great purchase for my needs once I realized I was going to buy something small. I am looking forward to the day the mechanic says it isn't worth fixing and I tell him to fix it anyway just cos it is pretty and has character.
Great little cars! Fun to drive, economical to run and heaps of character! Italian styling, combined with daily driver practicality, what more do you need?
I drive a Fiat Panda 4x4 Antarctica, which shares a lot of similar features, mine has the 875cc Twin air turbo engine, which is actually more powerful than the 1.2 engine, has more torque, less moving parts, lighter engine and cheaper to service! The mpg should be way better than the 1.2 depending how you drive it of course, I can easily get 50+mpg but than can quickly come down to mid 30s mpg with a heavy right foot!
If you're after a more 'masculine' 500 they do a 1.4 turbo Abarth version, which has almost 200bhp! There is a slightly less powerful 's' version also. 😎👍
I LOVE mine!!! And just a small detail with the Twinair, if you run it on slightly more expensive 98 Octane fuel, you'll find that the power and consequently the economy improves. And it has a timing chain which never needs replacing.
They are a fantastic car and so much joy and fun (better than antidepressants). And let me tell you that nothing conveys more confidence and Assuredness in your 'manliness' than driving a small car (well works for Italian men)! Recently one woman at a dinner said 'you know what they say about guys with big cars' then turns to me and says 'wow, so what does that say about you'. Yep I'm still blushing 😂
Your reviews, always informative always entertaining. Same as todays, but with added comedy, my cuppa tea came out my nose laughing! Keep it up matey, best auto review channel out there.
Darren Hawkes 😂 Thanks for watching
I inherited a 3 year old 500 convertible with 3000 miles on it from my mother it was only supposed to be a stop gap.. 4 years later and 85000 miles later and I've still got it. £180 for insurance 50 miles to the gallon, 35 quid for a tyre that gives u 20000 miles and the only thing I've changed are the timing belt at 70000 and 2 door handles that are 13 quid on ebay. It's been a bit of a bird puller over the years. The stories that passager seat could tell. I want a 124 spider but I'm holding off at present for good reason.. And no I don't have a nail salon.
Haha very good. I like the 124 spider too
The perfect motorized handbag!
My wife drives a 12 plate 500 that done just over 50k miles so lots of life left in it and she loves it…economical, reliable and easy to drive. It’s our second car and we always choose Fiat, we’ve had several Puntos and now this 500, yes we’ve had a few issues but they are very easy and inexpensive too repair. We will definitely be having another in a couple of years time. Great review by the way 👍👏
The 500 is based on a shortened Panda floorpan with the same oily bits and electrics. I bought an 05 Panda diesel and ran it for 12 years and 115,000 miles. Apart from batteries and brakes the only things I replaced were 2 side indicator bulbs because the orange tint had faded and a clutch at 105K. I replaced it 3 years ago with 63 plate 1242 Easy. Nearly on 40K and no issues. The 1.2 does a genuine 45 to 48 mpg, not off the trip computer, and is happy at 70 although the narrow track means it does tend to wander slightly in lane one of the motorway. Looking forward to the new one in a couple of years. Virtually all electric pas will fail if you bang I it from lock to lock a and hold it against the stops a lot. The Corsa had the same problem.
The way you compare models without having a slight change in your expression is 😂
I laughed man.
I’d have the Abarth model 1.4 turbo, slightly more manly maybe?
That Thing Is A Beast
It doesn't change the looks though!
Darian Gower yeah, as in Cliff Richard manly 🤭
@@1ridgy superb!
Had one as a hire car, great fun as a second car I'd say, not as a daily - too loud and a harsh ride
I've got one and love it economy great sound system and runs forever cheap as chips to maintain great little runaround
It's worrying when one of the biggest highlights of a car is a good sound system... it's about the least important thing to consider in terms of vehicle design. I'd rather they spent extra on reliability, durability and making the driving experience better. 🙄
Videos are getting very polished mate nice work 👍🏼💪🏼😎
Matchbox Garage Cheers 👍🏻
Your sense of humour - I came here for the car review but stuck till the end because of your humour!
I hired a 500 in France last year and really enjoyed driving it. Maybe because French Autoroutes are much smoother than British motorways, it felt perfectly at home and had less wind and road noise at speed than my new Seat Ibiza. On country roads, the ride often felt a bit bouncy but in an amusing way and wasn't crashy or jarring (maybe better French road surfaces). I liked the interior ambience which thanks to clever design, distracts your eyes from the cheap plastics. I'm a 55 year old straight man but felt no shame driving one because I don't feel a car can define me and if anyone else does, who cares?
I hired one in Italy a few years ago and it was perfect for their narrow roads plus everyone had one so I didnt feel silly driving it
What!! No wiper triangle of doom test? Hubnuts Ian would be disappointed !
cracking video as always! Hope the lock down isn't effecting you too badly.
when i came to england in 2013 to meet my friend...now wife she had a 2012 500...she sold it in 2018 when she moved to australia...i bought her a 2017 model & drive it nearly everyday...great little cars...liked the video...mitchell - sunshine coast queensland australia
Pleased to hear it!
Bought one for my wife, she loves it and gets to drive when I’m not driving! Really good car!
You might want to mention a common fault it the door handles snapping off! Happened twice on the wife`s car. When i ordered a replacement off e-bay the sellers listing said 801 of this item sold!! And that`s just one seller.
I meant to say that. I totally forgot whilst I was filming it. Its happened to me several times too
Love mine-had it for 8 years now. Can't imagine what I would trade it in on.
a proper car
My father has a 1.2 litre Panda which had the EPS issue. It was really easy to change. If it is faulty a light shows on the instruments. The service parts have the faulty part designed out. I just changed the cambelt on it too, and that was so much easier than the one on my VW Polo. It was very easy indeed. I fancy a 500 with the 1.2 engine.
my 1st car was a 2009 fiat panda dynamic multijet. there are things that deffo feel similar with the 500 and the panda. good fuel economy, i could easily get 60mpg
I love my 2013 fiat 500 lounge and my 6 feet tall 200lb husband loves it too. Great video 👍 I had to replace the alternator last week. (My battery light started flashing, indicating alternator issues starting)
You crack me up.....you buy a car to sell on and then say it is shite lol. Love it.
loved the lockdown edition matt, all your review videos are really well detailed and presented, love the "should you buy " videos :)
Liked how you’ve changed the usual shots with you coming out of the boot and using a dog as a prop! 👍🏼👏🏻🐶
twfy861 Thanks
Is being in the boot a Scotty Kilmer reference?
I'm not struck on the 500, as you rightly said, the Panda is more my bag, especially the 4×4....Andre....Good review as always, very honest...
Had one for 3 years great fun to drive and a lot of comments. Not many issues mine did 100000 km. It had a noice from the front Aksel every time i turned.
1.2 definitely the one to have, the twin airs go bang. Built cheap but are cheap, look good too.
Good points, I've had a few of these, the 1.4 is a much better car if you don't have a young driver and insurance to consider. Quicker, better brakes, but also 6 speed so much better on motorway. Power steering and lots of other stuff can play up if battery is weak, problems go away with new battery. Many had a weird Microsoft audio system, a Blue and Me USB dongle for £40 fixes that and they then work well with iPhones etc. Finally, the earlier cars were much better built than later. I reckon the best were the very first on 58 or 09 plates, there were also some funky retro colour choices on those early cars that really suit the 500.
My wife has an Abarth 595, fantastic little car. Proper old school hot hatch. Reminds me a lot of the Renault 5 GT Turbo I had in the 90s. The Fiat 500 however is car for daughters and old women.
I have a 1.2 pop.
I thrash it everywhere, it's so much fun to drive and it feels fast and it doesn't break..
I can highly recommend it for the perfect ratio of fun, cost, and pleasantness..
And the ladies love it! 😉
Great info. I loved the original and was impressed that someone actually designed seats and dash with a “style” when this new version came out. As you say they are really popular for stylish runabouts hereabouts. One dealer here in Billericay seems to specialise in these and/or minis and they are extremely popular hereabouts. Your reviews are really useful and interesting!!
I learned to drive in the original 500 back in 1969... Guernsey. Loved it!
Perfect car for Guernsey
My 500L has been a charm from 2014 to 2020 so far ...
Another great video!
Cheers
Thanks Matt; we all need entertainment in these lockdown times! I hired one of these in south of France a couple of years ago - a duo-logic auto convertible. Convertible was great, and when it got too hot the aircon even worked, but the 'auto' gearbox is the pits, and the combination of engine and gearbox meant it was powerless. I still remember a very large French lorry following me at about 2 cms distance up a steep hill in the dark, honking at me all the way. I just couldn't go any faster and he obviously could. Still, it was loads of fun, apart from getting my credit card skimmed by Avis staff in Marseille.
Cheers! Everytime I drive one of those semi-autos, I always think 'why?!'
"About as manly as a pair of frilly pink knickers." What a great line. Been chortling at that one for 5 minutes. Made the video worth it on its own.
I'm a lumberjack...what's the joke?
@@Pwwh0711 and I don't care...🎶
My wife has the 500 twinair S with 105bhp. Really good fun to drive. Good power to weight ratio. Still does 45 to 49 to gallon
Had loads of these as cheapie hire cars; just bought one for buttons to flip. Nice little cars, and another interesting and informative review.
Thanks for doing this review, which is a fair summary. I had a 1.2 Pop for a couple of years when I needed a cheap city car. I got 45mpg urban and 60mpg touring - yes I did some motorway trips but as you say it's not ideal for that. I guess I am unusual in being a (now) 60-year old bloke who actually chose a 500 for its style, above all. I still don't get why more men don't own them, they are no more feminine than a Mini, which many women drive.
Rory McLoughlin Thats true but they do have a whiff of nail technician about them
Sending to my brother in law, he clearly loves the pink frilly knickers 🤭 had a dodgy clutch in his 2015 example. Cost about £300 for a new one from (I think) Hellfrauds.
Good honest video personally I do like them I drive a camper van so I would have no problem driving a 500 as a second vehicle
I loved my 500 had it for 6 years and 200000 miles. The only thing I changed where some bulbs and the battery and that was my fault. Now I have the 500x Sport , awesome car.
Great driveway review, fab as always! Keep them coming much appreciated. Love the 500 design and spirit, fancied a twin air screamer, as it's a bit different, but colour choice crucial! Did Fernando Alonso advertise them? Think he did!
I like the car I've drivin this car for 8 yrs .I own the 1.4 miltiair and I love it.Ive done alot of mechanical work on it buts it runs beautiful.The car is one if those things you love and have it just because you it's a very different car from the rest especially here in the USA
You can get a used one sooo cheap that's what is so appealing to me
Cool RH drive car. Love that white interior. I have a 2018 white Abarth with red trim. Driving the car is fun but bumpy. Sport mode even more so. Such a unique car, nobody will mistake this for anything else. That is a nice feature. You have a very sharp grey car.
You have not wasted any of my time here in Oviedo, on lockdown! I think your reviews are great, please keep them coming! Incidently, I am 6'2" and built lke a wrestler, but also love this little car, but think the panda is so cute and a little more practical.
Take care.
Thanks for watching. take care :)
I am more than happy with mine. I have had to replace the sump which was a pain just before Christmas. But other than that it has been fantastic. Seriously cheep to run.
One hit me from behind last year at low speed (5-10 mph)whilst I was waiting to pull out at a roundabout while I was out on my motorbike. The whole front grille and bumper fell apart on it and it also badly distorted the strengthening bar behind the bumper. The damage to my bike was minimal and I rode home! Absolutely rubbish and I wouldn’t want a loved one driving, or more importantly crashing one.
Id say it did its job well , if the frontend had been stouter you might not have been ok
Apparently a car crunching up easily is a good thing Because "crunching" absorbs a lot of the impact so that less of the force gets transmitted to the occupants.
I'm a guy and I love this car 😂 I'm so happy it's finally standing on my driveway as it's my first car. It's great looking. It's easy to park. Insurance wasn't cheap, but I guess it's even worse for cars that are slightly bigger.
Nice way to keep the reviews coming . A bit like Bill from Auto Europa, I am also fascinated to see how the sharp hair cut copes with lockdown !
Always puts a smile on my face... and sense of humour is great....”nail technician “....thanks again for a great and entertaining review!
Thanks :)
Now on our 3rd as a 2nd car. This one is a Twin Air 2 cylinder 875cc, it’s got decent acceleration, far better than the 4 cylinder 1200 cc normal engine. Not quite an Abarth (that’s next) but better than most small town cars.
Nice one, on the fiat..
Great work do more reviews on any cars I can't wait to to hear you rip on cars, people what ever you have in the crosshairs keep them coming... stay healthy and safe my friend's from the highlands..
THANKS KG from Arizona.
I revisited after Spanish apparent glitch cured!,,,great honest review as always,,,in the States were very popular,well in Alabama,but introducing 500X and their awful quality,sadly killed sales. Not just the unlogical box but also rear end collision performance,,,so great car if only used as two seater. I'm returning to Alabama in December and if I can't get a V70,may try and get cheap one for weekends,,,!
It’s a city/ down to the local Co-op car. Practical and easy to park. Or you could have the Ford Ka almost the same car.
These were one of rentals in Santorini, perfect car for those roads.
Had one as a hire car on holiday in Tuscany, loved it. Drove it Into Florence.
Gas Man I had one as a hire car in Italy too. I felt less of a tit driving one in Italy, it has to be said.
Was Florence hurt...did she need an ambulance ?
No but Siena was badly injured.
Love the info about issues to watch for.
A great alternative to your usual reviews! Keep em coming!
CarWhiz22 Cheers for watching
Great little car my mum had one but she made huge boo boo and changed it for a Peugeot 108, not nearly as fun to own or drive. Cheers. Enjoyed
Always been intrigued by the Fiat 500 ...you have just answered all my questions...cheers...
They're cute little cars, just not the best build quality
I MUST SAY I LIKED YOUR COMMENT ABOUT DIESEL ENGINES FOR PEOPLE CALLED" SCOOGE"
Great audio review for here in Spain black screen throughout complete piece! I see from other comments not all over and other sites also have similar problems in Spain.
Oh really? Thats strange. Too many people using it in spain perhaps
My wife has a 1.4 liter 5 speed auto and it does not roll back thanks to hill holder. It holds the car up up to 3 seconds.
They are really good. My wife has had two. Both totally reliable , cheap to service and fun . We buy a three month old one with a maximum of 3k miles ( usually a demonstrator) for £9k. Keep it four and a half years and then sell it privately . Depreciation works out at about £5k over that period so cheap motoring .
Thats a sensible way of running around in a new car :)
They did a Sport model too. We had a 58 plate before the rear suspension revisons Fiat made once Ford did the KA..... Dangerous mid corner on fast roads as the back would skip...
Amazing luck just bought a 10-year-old twin the lounge it’s a beautiful little car 60 miles to the gallon and no road tax what more could you want fully loaded to?
I recently got a lift home in the back of one of these. Pleasantly surprised at the space inside for a car of its size. I agree EV wouldve been a great shout in this country. Definitely a girls car as you say. Another great video, even on your drive
Had 230TKm with my first 1.2 Punto, no expensive problems, but if you are racing these Engines through the Alps, you should drive them careful "Cold" for 10 minutes before shutting them down.
The ball joints on these are fixed to the control arm. So you have to change the whole arm if the ball joint is bad. This involves removing the front bumper & unbolting a section of the subframe to get access. A bit awkward
The top bushing in the original rear shock absorbers is a crap design. The rubber bushing will tear away. You can buy replacement bushings, or aftermarket shocks which have a better design. That happened at 60k miles.
Same car as above, came back 4 months later with a bad whining noise when you took your foot off the throttle. Oil leaking out of the gearbox, replacement needed.
Also, saw a MK2 500 in needing gearbox cables. It was about 4 year old & had average mileage on it.
There is a dashboard problem on many Fiat's, including the 500, where the warning lights will glow dimly or flash when they aren't supposed to.
Door handles are also flimsy & tend to break.
The metal used in the body of the car seems fine, but the metal used for brackets, the exhaust, track rods & as you say the sump, seems poor quality. It suprised me how rusty these parts be when the car isn't that old.
Also, the MK2 Ford Ka shares 70% of its components with the 500
This is great British humor ..Fiat500(a joke on 4wheels)in a lockdown.. KUDOS from a lockdown in Tel Aviv Israel
Thanks. I hired one for a week in Jersey because I love the styling. It wasn't the best car I've ever driven. There was that constant feeling that five more years would be its maximum life.