What to Look Out for When Buying a Used Fiat 500?

Buying a used car is like a gamble. Either you will get a poor-quality vehicle or the best one to get on the road. And it is no exception for a used Fiat 500 also. Before making a buying decision, the all-important question is, what to look out for when buying a used fiat 500?

Vehicle history, mileage, issues in the frame, engine condition, etc., are a few important factors you need to consider when buying a Fiat 500.

This comprehensive guide will clearly understand a used Fiat 500 performance, maintenance tips, etc. Continue reading.

What to Look Out for When Buying a Used Fiat 500?

The Fiat 500 buyers guide below will help you invest in a worthy model. Read them carefully.

1. Vehicle History

The current owner of the Fiat 500 is the first person to get information about the car’s history. After getting information, do your own research.

In this case, the vehicle identification number (VIN) will be beneficial. It would be best to go with a paid service to learn the vehicle’s history using the VIN. The VIN will tell you if there is any accident or recalls on the model.

2. Paint or Rust Damage

When physically checking the car, closely look for any paint chips or rusty spots. There is no need to worry if the rust spot is small and localized because these can easily be fixed.

But if you find totally rusted metal, reconsider the buying decision.

3. Issue in the Frame

Looking for any issues in the frame need to be identified when walking around the Fiat 500. If you wonder what issues can be found in the frame, let me clarify.

Is the car sitting level on the ground? 

Is there anything hanging from the undercarriage? 

Is there any new bolt installed under the hood?

If you find positive answers to the above question, there is something wrong with the Fiat 500 frame.

4. Inspect the Engine

The engine is one of the crucial parts of a vehicle. Follow the below process to find any problem in the engine.

• Turn the engine off.
• Pop the hood up
• Inspect the engine visually

If you find corrosion, fluid leaks, and damaged belts or hoses, think twice before buying a used Fiat 500.

5. Mileage

The average mileage of a Fiat 500 is 20,000 km/year. In order to find out whether the Fiat 500 has high or low mileage, look at the odometer and get the number. Divide the number by the age of the vehicle.

Remember, mechanical components of a high mileage Fiat 500 will have more wear and tear than the low mileage Fiat 500.

6. Test Drive

All other considerations will be wasted if you don’t go for a test drive with the used Fiat 500. Going for a test drive is the most crucial part.

The test drive in your planned route will help you know about the vehicle’s acceleration, suspension, maneuverability, and braking. If possible, drive the car on a highway. To get a feel of any blind spots, try parallel parking. If you are satisfied with the performance, only then decide to buy.

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Maintenance Tips for Used Fiat 500

Happily, maintaining a used Fiat 500 will not cost you more than $600. Follow the below maintenance schedule based on the running miles to avoid the expensive replacement of any parts.

Running Miles	Maintenance Program
8,000	1. Change the engine oil and engine oil filter 2. Rotate the tires
16,000	1. Change the engine oil and engine oil filter 2. Rotate the tires 3. Inspect the engine air filter 4. Check the exhaust system 5. Replace cabin filter 6. Clean and lube sunroof tracks 7. Inspect brake lining and CV joints 8. Inspect front suspension
24,000	1. Change the engine oil and engine oil filter 2. Rotate the tires
32,000	1. Change the engine oil and engine oil filter 2. Rotate the tires 3. Check the exhaust system 4. Replace the spark plugs 5. Check and adjust hand brake 6. Inspect brake lining and CV joints 7. Replace cabin filter 8. Clean and lube sunroof tracks 9. Inspect brake lining and CV joints 10. Inspect front suspension

If you find any damaged or cracked parts of the Fiat 500, don’t hesitate to replace them.

Fiat 500 Years to Avoid

Don’t assume that all model years of Fiat 500 are the best. Fiat 500 also has the worst years, and you need to avoid these years when buying. The 2012 and 2013 model years are the worst for several reasons.

2012 Model Year

2012 is the first model year of the Fiat 500, and it comes with many errors. With 45 complaints, it showed the below problems,

• Problem in the interior electronics
• Transmission problem
• Issues in the clutch

Sadly, you will need to pay a high amount to solve these problems. CarComplaint website also listed the 2012 model as the worst Fiat 500.

2013 Model Year

The manufacturer tried to minimize the problems of the 2012 model and released the 2013 model. But this year also has new problems, including,

• Problem in the turbo
• Leaking issue

Another thing is that the 2013 model has received a total of 18 recalls.

So, we advise you to avoid buying the 2012 and 2013 model years.

Is the Fiat 500 a Good Used Car?

If you are looking for a more stylish used car at an affordable price, a used Fiat 500 will be a deal-breaker.

This is a 4-seater retro-style vehicle, and all the seats provide a comfortable journey. It has a 186-liter boot that can easily cope with a small weekly shop.

Fiat 500 is designed for city roads with good enough light steering and excellent all-round visibility.

Running and maintenance cost is also pretty low for Fiat 500 than other vehicles in its price range. Different parts are readily available, so you don’t need to sweat a lot when you need to replace any part.

For all the above reasons, the Fiat 500 is a good used car to buy, indeed.

Hopefully, now you know what to look for when buying a second-hand fiat 500. This guide will help you make a precise buying decision.