I love my CRZ it's a nice balance of comfort, efficiency, and performance.

The 500 did feel a little like you're sitting ontop of something rather then in something if that makes any sense.

I love a low semi reclined seeting postion (Low H-point). Many people like sitting up high and having good visibility, but they can have their SUV's while I dodge them in my BRZ.

I understand your pain. My wife got a 2005 Legacy used. Appeared to be in great shape. We put almost $5k into it last year. We seriously considered abandoning it at the place servicing it and cutting our losses. It wasn't all at once though so what started as a few hundred dollars piled up over the course of the year. The car probably isn't worth the $5k we ended up spending on it last year. Right now we'd probably be thrilled if someone stole it and drove it off a bridge. We intend to trade it in for a BRZ (or something) eventually and I don't expect to get much for it (at all).

My car we bought new and it has cost us less (or nearly less) than my wife's used car and will probably be in our possession for a good long time to come.

More on topic: My wife really likes the new Fiesta and Focus. They aren't too pricey and it really seems like Ford has stepped up their game. This is from a woman who would otherwise not give a domestic car the time of day (hates large, bulky, etc US designs).

I sat in a 500, it was very comfortable. I was amazed by the comfort of the seats, and the interior did not seem cheap (and I had just drove a new BMW to the Fiat dealer). My dad and I were about sold on the car, which is why I am seriously considering the Abarth.

Some guy near my shop has a Fiat 500 "Gucci Edition" in white. I told him that's cute :lol:, but I did ask him if liked it and he said he enjoys it so far, so no complaints there. He liked the fact it was Gucci and decently good on gas.

Holy shit, he actually has one of those? One of my neighbors has joked about getting one of those but even he (and he's pretty over the top) feels like they are gauche.

I'll give him this, the car looks nice up close but I would never want one, its just too girly imo.

Never drove one but they do look good up close and I think the Abarth is the better half.

i drove a 500 as a rental when i was on vacation in and around the rockies in AB for about 2000km - one of the worst POS ive ever driven, the stupid auto box changing up and down all the time for no reason, engine management light came on for 80% of the jorney it was gutless and slow, did not feel big enough for the highways over there, felt cheap, made me feel like i had been castrated too

dont do it!

I test drove this car and couldn't stop laughing because it was so much fun. Only 100hp, but honestly, its plenty quick. I loved it completely!

I rented one. Felt cheap and imbalanced (like all the weight was way up front) not fun to steer around. Are you looking for new or used? The new Yaris feels pretty ballsy and slightly refined. Veloster is another option. Or my personal recommendation: Suzuki SX4. It's twin to the Fiat Sedici (the 500's big brother) designed by Italdesign Giugiaro. It's the more masculine direct competitor to the Mini. Comes with transferable 7 year/100k warranty. Available in AWD or the FWD Sportback has lowered sporty suspension and aero package. 2010 was the best year with digital climate control, key-less start, and 6-speed manual. The optional tech package (navi, steering wheel controls) doesn't cost much and is an excellent value. Has an airy cabin which my passengers love.

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Veloster maybe?