Mike, thanks for a very helpful and informative video. I've been doing research on the Fiat 500's as I'm buying a 2015 Sport Edition for my spouse. From what I've found is that people who have these cars love them, they are dependable and the parts are cheap when compared to the Cooper. Short of a catastrophic issue "transmission, head gasket" most repairs are very affordable. Thanks for the review, I'm sure I'll be getting the 500.
It's just because of quality control many cars that should be sent back in the factory for repairs or improvements are sold instead and some of their just break by nature
@@scorpiocara6798 it means that the cars are sold with a lower expectation for quality right out the factory to cut on cost so some are made better than others
These reviews are convincing me to buy the Fiat 500. But is it only the older 2012-2019 models come without the sunroof? I noticed the newer 500 and abarth come with glass sunroof?
Great video you’re a good host Do you find that sport suspension bumpy or alittle jarring? I personally like the base model convertible as a closer nod to the original Thx
Fantastic video, great information. I purchased a 2013 Fiat 500 Pop with only 21,000 miles great condition. I was wondering where did you buy your 16 inch rim and tires ? Did you buy online, if yes can you forward me a link? I live in Cape Coral Florida. Thanks!
I own a 2012 Fiat Sport, and live in NYC. Cold winter days at 20 degrees the power steering (electric no fluid) wont turn on and even with a new battery I get the "battery light" on until the car warms up,(usually few minutes) then the power steering is active. Have you had this issue? I boght the car in 2018. Thanks Barry NYC.
I bought a used '12 Sport off a lot about 8 months ago. Live in the mid-west. It had 124k miles on it. Engine wise I've had no issues, though I learned it didn't like 10W30 oil once the temps got around 32 degrees. At least, the Multiair unit didn't like it. It would sputter on what sounded like 2 or 3 cylinders for about 20 seconds or so then clear up when first starting it up. I switched to 5W20 (I know the cap says 5W30) & have started it up at -18 F. the other week with no issues. It takes a while though for the oil to get in to & circulate through the Multiair unit, meaning the sputtering didn't clear up for a few weeks. One learns these things as time goes on. It likes the oil clean, thin, & full. As for the electric steering, no issues. I've replaced the front wheel bearings (also fit Nissan Versa) which were noisy & that's about it. Replaced spark plugs with cheap Autolite copper ones that the Chevy Spark uses as well. Two new tires for the front. I burn Phillips 66 premium in it. Going to flush the antifreeze this summer.
@@kolbpilot hello Thanks for telling me your experience. My mechanic (who is from Italy) told me best to use synthetic motor oil. I cant figure out what to do about the power steering not starting in cold weather. I bought mine with 82K on it two years ago, changed the battery,the starter (due to it sporadically NOT starting 1 week after I bought it. Id turn the key and lights would come on but no crank no start. Turns out it was the ground strap under the car, connected to the starter. He replaced it (after it happened 4 or so times within the whole time I have it ,and had to be towed to his shop at least 2 times. Now its good. Now its has 95K and Im thinking about changing the timing belt as a preventive, before 100k.And changing front strurs and rear shocks. Parts alone, I found online $350. With it all, I still like this car alot. Always get nice comments about it. Good luck!
@@Barrycomedian1 : From what I've read & learned, the timing belts have kevlar in them & aren't recommended for replacement until 154K miles. That's quite a lot and also quite good. This is also for the turbo models. I don't plan on touching mine unless something else happens, a pulley or water pump. I figure the non-turbo engines put way less stress on the belt as the turbos & I don't run the car hard anyway. I read a story of an owner that changed the belt at 200k miles because it was killing him & he said the old belt looked fine. When I was looking around for a FIAT 500, the highest mileage I saw (in a different state) for a 500 had 273k miles on it & it sold.
@@kolbpilotThanks for thr info. Im gonna ask my mech and see what he thinks. I dont run mine hard too, but I just dont want to get stuck,just in case. Wow! about the other one that sold @ 273k plus..amazing!👍🏼
Mike. Thanks for the nice review with detailed explanation. I am thinking of buying a 2nd hand 500 (Not 500C, not Abarth), just 500 (manual). Before I make a final decision, I would like to get some advice. Would it be too much for 500 to commute about 60 km on express way in return everyday? Would it be overload to the vehicle? I don't really have a knowledge about cars. She is just too adorable. I just need one as long as I need to buy a car. I'm writing from Germany. Most of my friends try to dissuade me from buying 500. Instead, I am recommended to buy another one like VW or Opel (Germans!!!) I also found some negative reviews about 500. You advice will help make the final decision.
I actually drive a VW eGolf myself and prefer it to the Fiat. The Fiat is more affordable and does have a unique look but I don't feel like the quality is on-par with VW. That said the VW is pretty normal looking. You might also look at the Mini Cooper as it has a similarly cute look and is slightly higher quality.
@@DrivenCompanion Thanks a lot for your prompt reply and honest view with advice. I incline to the view that I better consider more about durability and quality than look. I may have to check out Polo or some other small cars of Skoda. Thanks again. I will keep referring to your videos.
Do you think that spending the first 40s of your c12m vid is well-spent here? The majority of your information is accurate but I doubt that anyone in the USA is listening. By the way- it is Fee-at! not Fi-aaarrt- I feel if you are discussing European issues you really ought to speak English , not American English. You speak of 'nice' materials but the general feeling in Europe is that Fiat have saved money to provide a low price. The BT system is incredibly limited- Fiat dropped 'Blue & Me' soon after- it wasn't liked. Essentially it is agreed (here in Europe- at least) that the car is bought for it's incredible persona which seems to successfully compete with competing vehicles such as Toyota Aygo and Hyundai I10. I own one myself and love it Cheers
Scotty Kilmer is negative about a lot of fun cars. A car is more than just reliability unless you think of it strictly as transportation from point A to point B. Also, Fiat is still in the US - they just aren’t building the 500 anymore.
Mike C I tend to agree with almost all of his observations. I have a a 4runner and Tacoma like you. I’m hoping to get a Supra. That looks like a fun car.
Nothing wrong with these cars. I had tbe Twinair version and it was a good solid reliable little car. I had no issues with it at all. People still look at a BMW badge and think its quality and reliability due to the badge and Fiat isn't, well that's a load of rubbish since BMW are not as reliable as they people think . Same with Audi. People are just snobs and go for a car with "the right badge". That's it.
@@scorpiocara6798 because the cars have other aspects to them besides their reliability issues the cars are great on gas and have good styling and as well as really responsive steering
@@scorpiocara6798 and the reason people get all chopped up about the reliability is because of what I said earlier that due to the way they are made some of them are better quality than others
Mike, you make some good vids and i like your style. Your vid on the 500 was helpful for me to make the decision to buy one.
Glad I could help
Just got a 2013 sport love it and great video❤️
Mike, thanks for a very helpful and informative video.
I've been doing research on the Fiat 500's as I'm buying a 2015 Sport Edition for my spouse.
From what I've found is that people who have these cars love them, they are dependable and the parts are cheap when compared to the Cooper.
Short of a catastrophic issue "transmission, head gasket" most repairs are very affordable.
Thanks for the review, I'm sure I'll be getting the 500.
Ive just bought one i love driving it
I’m on my second 500! Got rid of the first one, missed it so much, that I got another!
I am thinking about buying one for turo? Any models to stay away from? I like the L But it's turbo?
My boss has this, it has 100k miles and trouble-free. I don’t get why they get so much hate, probably people who have never own one
I'm looking to buy a mini car to do deliveries..it's either this or a mini cooper..
It's just because of quality control many cars that should be sent back in the factory for repairs or improvements are sold instead and some of their just break by nature
@@thegodhoward8037 what do you mean?
@@scorpiocara6798 it means that the cars are sold with a lower expectation for quality right out the factory to cut on cost so some are made better than others
@@thegodhoward8037 ok thanks alot!
These reviews are convincing me to buy the Fiat 500. But is it only the older 2012-2019 models come without the sunroof? I noticed the newer 500 and abarth come with glass sunroof?
Great video you’re a good host
Do you find that sport suspension bumpy or alittle jarring?
I personally like the base model convertible as a closer nod to the original
Thx
Fantastic video, great information. I purchased a 2013 Fiat 500 Pop with only 21,000 miles great condition. I was wondering where did you buy your 16 inch rim and tires ? Did you buy online, if yes can you forward me a link? I live in Cape Coral Florida. Thanks!
I own a 2012 Fiat Sport, and live in NYC. Cold winter days at 20 degrees the power steering (electric no fluid) wont turn on and even with a new battery I get the "battery light" on until the car warms up,(usually few minutes) then the power steering is active.
Have you had this issue? I boght the car in 2018. Thanks Barry NYC.
I bought a used '12 Sport off a lot about 8 months ago. Live in the mid-west. It had 124k miles on it. Engine wise I've had no issues, though I learned it didn't like 10W30 oil once the temps got around 32 degrees. At least, the Multiair unit didn't like it. It would sputter on what sounded like 2 or 3 cylinders for about 20 seconds or so then clear up when first starting it up. I switched to 5W20 (I know the cap says 5W30) & have started it up at -18 F. the other week with no issues. It takes a while though for the oil to get in to & circulate through the Multiair unit, meaning the sputtering didn't clear up for a few weeks. One learns these things as time goes on. It likes the oil clean, thin, & full. As for the electric steering, no issues. I've replaced the front wheel bearings (also fit Nissan Versa) which were noisy & that's about it. Replaced spark plugs with cheap Autolite copper ones that the Chevy Spark uses as well. Two new tires for the front. I burn Phillips 66 premium in it. Going to flush the antifreeze this summer.
@@kolbpilot hello
Thanks for telling me your experience. My mechanic (who is from Italy) told me best to use synthetic motor oil. I cant figure out what to do about the power steering not starting in cold weather. I bought mine with 82K on it two years ago, changed the battery,the starter (due to it sporadically NOT starting 1 week after I bought it. Id turn the key and lights would come on but no crank no start.
Turns out it was the ground strap under the car, connected to the starter. He replaced it (after it happened 4 or so times within the whole time I have it ,and had to be towed to his shop at least 2 times. Now its good. Now its has 95K and Im thinking about changing the timing belt as a preventive, before 100k.And changing front strurs and rear shocks. Parts alone, I found online $350. With it all, I still like this car alot. Always get nice comments about it.
Good luck!
@@Barrycomedian1 : From what I've read & learned, the timing belts have kevlar in them & aren't recommended for replacement until 154K miles. That's quite a lot and also quite good. This is also for the turbo models. I don't plan on touching mine unless something else happens, a pulley or water pump. I figure the non-turbo engines put way less stress on the belt as the turbos & I don't run the car hard anyway. I read a story of an owner that changed the belt at 200k miles because it was killing him & he said the old belt looked fine. When I was looking around for a FIAT 500, the highest mileage I saw (in a different state) for a 500 had 273k miles on it & it sold.
@@kolbpilotThanks for thr info.
Im gonna ask my mech and see what he thinks. I dont run mine hard too, but I just dont want to get stuck,just in case. Wow! about the other one that sold @ 273k plus..amazing!👍🏼
What happened to the GQ that they only did in 2014?
Nice review
You should do a Honda Ridgeline comparison.... weather you can live with it for your active outdoor life style.
The cars you review are your own or someone else's?
I wish I had a collection of 200 cars!
@@DrivenCompanion Me too
Mike. Thanks for the nice review with detailed explanation. I am thinking of buying a 2nd hand 500 (Not 500C, not Abarth), just 500 (manual). Before I make a final decision, I would like to get some advice. Would it be too much for 500 to commute about 60 km on express way in return everyday? Would it be overload to the vehicle? I don't really have a knowledge about cars. She is just too adorable. I just need one as long as I need to buy a car. I'm writing from Germany. Most of my friends try to dissuade me from buying 500. Instead, I am recommended to buy another one like VW or Opel (Germans!!!) I also found some negative reviews about 500. You advice will help make the final decision.
I actually drive a VW eGolf myself and prefer it to the Fiat. The Fiat is more affordable and does have a unique look but I don't feel like the quality is on-par with VW. That said the VW is pretty normal looking. You might also look at the Mini Cooper as it has a similarly cute look and is slightly higher quality.
@@DrivenCompanion Thanks a lot for your prompt reply and honest view with advice. I incline to the view that I better consider more about durability and quality than look. I may have to check out Polo or some other small cars of Skoda. Thanks again. I will keep referring to your videos.
Soon we start our 50000km European tour in a 53 year old Fiat 500R. Check it out!!!
Fiat: "Fix It Again, Tony!"
You look like TheStradman.
Do you think that spending the first 40s of your c12m vid is well-spent here? The majority of your information is accurate but I doubt that anyone in the USA is listening. By the way- it is Fee-at! not Fi-aaarrt- I feel if you are discussing European issues you really ought to speak English , not American English.
You speak of 'nice' materials but the general feeling in Europe is that Fiat have saved money to provide a low price. The BT system is incredibly limited- Fiat dropped 'Blue & Me' soon after- it wasn't liked.
Essentially it is agreed (here in Europe- at least) that the car is bought for it's incredible persona which seems to successfully compete with competing vehicles such as Toyota Aygo and Hyundai I10.
I own one myself and love it
Cheers
Watch Scotty Kilmer he says these are royal pieces of crap.
Who?
RUclips Scotty Kilmer Fiat. Fiat had to pull out of America cause everyone knows these thing are POS.
Scotty Kilmer is negative about a lot of fun cars. A car is more than just reliability unless you think of it strictly as transportation from point A to point B. Also, Fiat is still in the US - they just aren’t building the 500 anymore.
Mike C I tend to agree with almost all of his observations. I have a a 4runner and Tacoma like you. I’m hoping to get a Supra. That looks like a fun car.
Nothing wrong with these cars. I had tbe Twinair version and it was a good solid reliable little car. I had no issues with it at all. People still look at a BMW badge and think its quality and reliability due to the badge and Fiat isn't, well that's a load of rubbish since BMW are not as reliable as they people think . Same with Audi. People are just snobs and go for a car with "the right badge". That's it.
I love how they look to bad they are as unreliable as United States government
R they.....y?
@@scorpiocara6798 ya they are very unreliable your better off buying an old geo metro over one of these
@@thegodhoward8037 oh wow....y do some ppl say they are good? Half are saying good other have are saying opposite and there hasn't been a in between
@@scorpiocara6798 because the cars have other aspects to them besides their reliability issues the cars are great on gas and have good styling and as well as really responsive steering
@@scorpiocara6798 and the reason people get all chopped up about the reliability is because of what I said earlier that due to the way they are made some of them are better quality than others