Should I Buy a Used Fiat 500 – You Need to Know Before Buy
Everyone wants good performance from their car, whether new or used. You will get good performance from a new car for sure. But when it comes to a used car, the chance is 50%-50%. Before buying a used Fiat car, the first question might pop up in our mind, should I buy a used Fiat 500?
If you want to buy a used car instead of a new one, you can try the Fiat 500. This retro-style vehicle is one of the stylish city cars on the road today. It is suitable for an urban runabout and a young driver.
Here is what you need to know before buying a used Fiat 500.
Should I Buy a Used Fiat 500?
The first reason for buying a used Fiat 500 is the price. Fiat 500 is an affordable chic. Moreover, it has always been a cheaper alternative than the VW Beetle or MINI.
Furthermore, Fiat 500 comes with different trim levels and wheel designs. Also, choosing the decals is possible, which helps a buyer give the car a beautiful touch. Thus, a buyer can buy a Fiat 500 with the me-too style.
However, we recommend you go with mid-range versions instead of entry-level models. It is because standard equipment is readily available for mid-range models. Thus, making any change in the car becomes convenient.
Although the Fiat 500 is a small city car, it has a much roomy interior for the driver and front and rear passengers. The boot space is also respectable, where you can conveniently store luggage, camping equipment, etc.
Fiat 500 also has low running and maintenance costs, making it an excellent choice for young drivers. You will get a wide range of benefits buying a Fiat 500, including,
- Combination of a wide range of colors and style
- Multiple engine options
- Low running cost
- Equipped with upgraded technology
Best Year for Used Fiat 500
The best year for used Fiat 500 is the 2015 model year. Here is why,
- Outstanding durability
- Attractive price
- Playful design and color options
- Several safety features
- Excellent reliability
The used 2015 Fiat 500 has low depreciation, maintenance, and insurance costs. Moreover, it features multiple safety options, including stability control, airbags in different positions, etc. The 2015 Fiat 500 delivers more reliable performance on the road than other model years with many features.
Reasons Why You Might Not Want to Buy the Fiat 500
Don’t assume that Fiat 500 doesn’t come with drawbacks. You might not want to buy the Fiat 500 for the below reasons,
Slow to Accelerate
Slow to accelerate problem is found in the 2019 Fiat 500 model. The speed goes from 0 – 60 mph within 7.5 seconds, more than its competitors.
You may feet the automatic transmission clunky, and its 1.4 L 4-cylinder giver underpowered performance when you flip the car into sport mode. As a result, most drivers look for more power when the engine starts.
Underwhelming Economy of Fuel
Fiat 500 is a small car equipped with a small engine. So, better gas mileage is an expectation from this vehicle.
For example, the 2019 Fiat 500 on the 6-speed automatic transmission delivers city mileage up to 24 mpg and highway mileage up to 32 mpg. It is roughly 27 mpg combined.
Moreover, on the 5-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle delivers city mileage up to 28 mpg and highway mileage up to 34 mpg. It is roughly 30 mpg combined.
Though this mpg is not bad at all, it is lower than its rivals.
So, if you are someone who needs better gas mileage, Fiat 500 will not be a good choice.
Low Power
While the exterior of Fiat 400 models is incredibly attractive. But, under the hood, they don’t come with a powerful engine.
For its tiny design, Fiat 500 is supposed to be the sportiest trim; sadly, it is sluggish to accelerate. Your investment might be better invested if you buy other vehicles rather than a Fiat 500 if you want quick acceleration.
Visibility Issue
However, it is the least problem for Fiat 500. When the top is up, you will not have a visibility problem. But when it is down, you might have problems with the visibility.
Moreover, when you position the hard panoramic sunroof-like top-down, accessing the trunk becomes difficult.
These are moderate inconveniences that can easily be solved by visiting a mechanic shop.
Is Fiat Expensive to Repair?
The average annual repair cost of a Fiat 500 is $538, and it is a bit more than other vehicles. This is the average cost of all Fiat models. But with proper care, the lifespan of the Fiat 500 is more than its rivals.
According to Repairpal, a Fiat 500 visits a repair shop 0.2 times/year for unscheduled maintenance. In comparison, a BMW visits 0.9 times/year.
Find the below chart of popular Fiat 500 models’ annual maintenance costs,
| Model Year | Reliability | Annual Maintenance Cost ($) | Repair Frequency per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat 500 X | 2.5 / 5 | 504 | 0.3 times |
| Fiat 500 | 3.5 / 5 | 510 | 0.2 times |
| Fiat 500 L | 3.5 / 5 | 646 | 0.2 times |
If you are wondering, why should I maintain a periodic schedule for my Fiat 500, here is why
- Improves your safety when on the road
- Helps you prevent expensive problems
- Ensures the best performance of your vehicle
- Keeps your car value high
Let’s look at the below chart of average costs based on the scheduled maintenance and service type,
| Mileage (miles) | Service Type | $ Cost (avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| 8000 | Oil change, Rotating the tire | 127 – 146 |
| 16,000 | Replacing Cabin air filter, Cleaning, and lubing sunroof tracks | 180 – 187 |
| 32,000 | Spark plug replacing, engine air cleaner filter replacing, checking and adjusting hand brake | 233 – 270 |
| 48,000 | Front and rear axle fluid changing | 126 |
| 152,000 | Replacing timing belt, flushing, and replacing engine coolant | 692 – 807 |
Remember, if you find any problem in your brake pads, bumper, or other parts of your vehicle, the cost will be higher.
Final Words
In summary, a used Fiat 500 will be an excellent choice for urban riding and students. It offers reliable performance, decent mileage, low maintenance cost, etc., making it worth the price.
Hopefully, after reading this guide on should I buy a used Fiat 500, your confusion is not removed. Fiat 500 is a mixed bag similar to all other standard cars. Its retro style and good performance on the road help it stand out from the crowd.
