The problem with the 500c, as well as all other FIATs, is depreciation. I've considered a 500c, but why would I buy one new, when used-car lots are full of 2-year-old models with 20k miles, for essentially half price?
The Fiat 500c is no longer new to our world, with the standard open-top version coming in three guises: 500c Pop, 500c Easy and 500c Lounge. Our test car was the mid-level 500c Easy.
The Fiat 500 is a cute little car. The body style is typical boxy Fiat 500 lines. The blue and white interior along with the styling of the dash reminded me of a 1950’s refrigerator. Not a bad thing. Storage is minimal and the back seats are really small.
I was able to take the car through town in stop and go traffic, some Florida back roads and quite a bit of interstate driving. It handled all of these roads quite well as long as you were not in a hurry to get up to speed. A plus to all of this is that it got great gas mileage.
The Fiat 500 is a fun little car that would be perfect for someone living in South Florida.
Thank you, Fiat, for giving us another small car that has a bit of style. The styling might not be for everyone, but it definitely doesn't look like the standard subcompact.
Let's back up to that word "subcompact," though. The 500 is small. The Mini keeps getting bigger. Before falling in love with the 500, just make sure that you and all of your stuff fits. Expect to sit close to your passenger. If you go with the Cabrio model, don't plan on carrying a large-screen TV. The short wheelbase isn't super-comfortable on highways that are anything less than perfectly smooth.
The Fiat does have an attractive price point, though, with the hardtop starting at $16,995. Think of it as a budget Mini with an Italian flavor.
The problem with the 500c, as well as all other FIATs, is depreciation. I've considered a 500c, but why would I buy one new, when used-car lots are full of 2-year-old models with 20k miles, for essentially half price?
That is true. Last time I checked, decent 500 Abarths were around $10k.
I would love to see Keith get his hands on one to test it against the 124 spider. I am curious if the 500 has the same sort of lag issues as the sports car
David S. Wallens wrote: That is true. Last time I checked, decent 500 Abarths were around $10k.
wow really? I have a soft spot for them.....
It's been a while, but a little while back there was a white Abarth in Orlando with like 80k miles. I eventually saw it drop to $9999.
java230 wrote:David S. Wallens wrote: That is true. Last time I checked, decent 500 Abarths were around $10k.wow really? I have a soft spot for them.....
So do I. out here there are about 11-12K for a really really good one sub 30K miles if you look.
wearymicrobe wrote:java230 wrote:So do I. out here there are about 11-12K for a really really good one sub 30K miles if you look.David S. Wallens wrote: That is true. Last time I checked, decent 500 Abarths were around $10k.wow really? I have a soft spot for them.....
We have a guy that races a G/Street Abarth with us and that's his biggest complaint; the thing depreciates faster than he can pay off. Followed by the massive turning radius.
Heck, there are a couple under 10K miles fully loaded that are listed at $15K. They are essentially new cars. I'm really tempted to go check one out as a cheaper fun little toy.
Depreciation makes me glad I didn't buy one new in '13. That and coming from a string of neons I was weary of a fiat built in the Mexican neon/PT plant...
In reply to Brian:
I'm glad we run up miles fast enough to never worry about depreciation. Our base model has held up well considering the amount of driving my wife does and that she's slid it off the pavement a couple times, once needing to be winched back out without any problems besides a few little dings and scrapes.
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