No no! Used vs New is a not-starter on car forums. Really, how long is a piece of string? You can compare used v new v used, etc... forever.

Even new vs new I think a lot of people would struggle to find the value in the Fiat if it is not their cup of tea.

All day long, I'd choose the MINI over the Fiat. I had an '07 MINI S and even though it turned out to be an unreliable pain in my ass that got unloaded ASAP, I'd buy another one in a heartbeat if it had a solid warranty.

The dealer experience was absolutely fantastic with MINI as well. Fiat? You're going to a Chrysler dealer. Never had a good experience there.

I kind of like them too, would be a great little city runabout for the wife and significantly cheaper than a GTI.

There was one that showed up at the auto-x last summer and the exhaust note was really good. Loud for a stock car.

Overall the car reminded me of a little angry dog with lots of attitude.

Those stupid cars look like these guys
http://images2.fanpop.com/images/pho...48-280-280.jpg

And for $22k, you're not much off from getting an FRS.

I still can't get over why somebody would buy such an atrocity. Just get a Yaris for wayyyy less if subcompact is what you want.

There's a lady that runs track and autocross events in my SCCA region and her car is pretty quick. The exhaust note also sounds really aggressive.
http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/...pso0sicb6v.jpg

Drive one, it's a hoot. More fun than a Toyobaru on public roads without being too obnoxious.

http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/take-abarth


The only reason I got an FRS is because I thought I would get bored of the FWD and sell the car in a few years vs. keeping the FRS a lot longer. It's definitely cheaper, marginally more practical, better gas mileage and has oodles more character. "Atrocity" :bonk:

The main downfall of the Abarth is the existence of the Fiesta ST.

yep.. my brother works at a fiat dealership, so i've had the chance to play with them from time to time. they are fun, i just can't get over the interior layout and the overall appearance.. i tend to prefer a more traditional looking coupe..

Living in San Francisco, I was heavily considering the Abarth based on what I had heard and read about it. It looks and sounded pretty mean and I was stoked to test drive one.

However, I simply hated the seating and shifter position. It just wasn't a cockpit that I wanted to be in. Surprisingly, it didn't feel very small but when I tested the BRZ, the first twin I tried, I felt at home. The cockpit was more driver-centric IMO and the seating positioning was miles ahead of the Abarth.

That being said, the Abarth looks like the most fun you can get out of a subcompact.

Over a year old necro -_-

Wasn't my fault! And the question is still relevant IMO

you guys need to learn the art of thanking people for actually searching... if you want people to search, then thank them for doing so instead of shunning them for bumping an older thread...

it's like a loose-loose around here.. post something that's been asked, and everyone says SEARCH MORON... then you search, and try to to ask for more detail and everyone goes off on the HOLY REVIVE BATMAN train.....

Old thread revived, I see ;)

For anyone contemplating a new Fiat 500, I urge you to pay the money and rent one for a full week first. I've had a couple of these as longer term rentals and it was enough to deter me and give public service announcements on this car. For example, next time you're in one, flash the highbeams. Hear that clunking sound? That's the mechanism hitting and happened in every Fiat I've ever been in. Look closely at the finishes and how poor they are.

For the price point, there are better vehicles, but I will say that the car is super cute to look at. They did do a great job at bringing the feel of the old one back to life.

Here's my vintage 1964 Fiat 500 D with my rental just a few weeks ago :D

Loved the Petrolicious vid
:thumbup:

For anyone who hasn't seen it:
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWcRjrBt4oo"]Fiat 500: Speed of Sunshine - YouTube[/ame]


Thinking of a Toyobaru?