Fiat Fiat 500 (New) | History, Reliability & Buying Guide

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The Fiat 500 (New): A Comprehensive Buyer's Guide

The Fiat 500, affectionately nicknamed the "Bambino," is an iconic city car with a rich history. Originally launched in 1957 as a response to post-war austerity and the need for affordable transportation, the "Nuova 500" quickly became a symbol of Italian ingenuity and design. This guide focuses on the "new" Fiat 500, introduced in 2007, which revived the classic design for a modern audience. The new 500 is a subcompact car, often classified as a city car or A-segment vehicle, designed for urban environments. It emphasizes style, maneuverability, and fuel efficiency.

Generations

First Generation (2007-Present): This is the focus of this guide. While referred to as a single generation, there have been several updates and facelifts throughout its production run.

2007 Launch: The initial release, featuring a retro-inspired design heavily influenced by the original 1957 model. Engine options included petrol and diesel engines.

2009 Abarth Models: High-performance versions of the 500, tuned by Abarth, offering increased power and sportier handling.

2015 Facelift: A significant update with revised exterior styling (particularly front and rear lights), improved interior materials, and updated infotainment systems. Minor engine tweaks were also introduced.

2020 Fiat 500e (Electric): Introduction of a fully electric variant, built on a new platform and offering significantly different styling and technology compared to the petrol/diesel models. This is a fundamentally different car and will only be briefly mentioned.

Reliability & Common Issues

While the Fiat 500 is known for its style, reliability has been a mixed bag. Early models (2007-2010) are generally considered less reliable than later versions.

Engine Problems

1.2L Petrol Engine (Fire Engine): Generally reliable, but can suffer from oil leaks, particularly around the valve cover gasket and oil pan. Pay attention to oil level and any unusual noises. Ignition coil failures are also reported.

1.4L Petrol Engine: More prone to issues than the 1.2L. Timing chain stretch and subsequent failures are a significant concern, especially if regular oil changes haven't been performed. Listen for a rattling noise on startup; this could indicate a stretched timing chain. Oil consumption can also be higher than normal.

0.9L TwinAir Engine: A technically advanced engine that offers good fuel economy but has a reputation for unreliability. Issues include excessive oil consumption, coil pack failures, and premature wear of the MultiAir hydraulic system. The MultiAir system is complex and can be expensive to repair. Requires very specific, high-quality oil.

1.3L MultiJet Diesel Engine: Generally considered more robust than the petrol engines, but Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) issues are common, especially if the car is primarily used for short journeys. Injector problems can also occur. Ensure the car completes regular long journeys to properly regenerate the DPF.

Transmission Issues

Manual Transmission: Generally reliable, but some owners have reported synchro wear, particularly in 2nd and 3rd gear. Test driving and ensuring smooth gear changes are crucial.

Dualogic Automated Manual Transmission: This single-clutch automated manual can be jerky and unreliable. Problems include clutch wear, sensor failures, and hydraulic pump issues. Avoid if possible, unless you are comfortable with potential repair costs.

Electrical Problems

Dashboard issues: Some owners report dashboard lights malfunctioning or flickering.

Sensor failures: ABS sensors and other electronic sensors can be prone to failure.

Central locking: Issues with the central locking system are reported, often related to faulty actuators.

Other Common Issues

Suspension: The suspension can feel firm, and the rear shock absorbers are known to wear out relatively quickly, especially on rough roads.

Rust: While improved compared to older Fiats, rust can still be an issue, particularly around the wheel arches, door sills, and underneath the car. Inspect these areas carefully, especially on older models.

Air Conditioning: The air conditioning system can be weak, particularly in warmer climates. Ensure it blows cold air during inspection.

Driving Experience

The Fiat 500 is undeniably stylish and fun to drive, especially in urban environments. However, its small size also comes with compromises.

Pros:

Stylish Design: A distinctive and eye-catching retro design.

Maneuverability: Excellent maneuverability and easy to park in tight spaces.

Fuel Efficiency: Generally good fuel economy, particularly with the 1.2L petrol and 1.3L diesel engines.

City Car Capabilities: Ideal for urban environments and short commutes.

Available Abarth Models: The Abarth versions offer a more engaging and sporty driving experience.

Cons:

Limited Space: Rear passenger space and cargo capacity are limited.

Ride Quality: The ride can be firm and uncomfortable on rough roads.

Engine Performance: The base engines can feel underpowered, especially when fully loaded or on the highway.

Noise: Road and engine noise can be noticeable at higher speeds.

Reliability Concerns: As mentioned above, reliability can be a concern, particularly with certain engine options.

Buying Advice

When buying a used Fiat 500, careful research and inspection are crucial.

Years to Look For:

2016 onwards (post-facelift): The 2015 facelift brought significant improvements in interior quality and technology. Models from 2016 onwards are generally more desirable.

Low mileage, well-maintained examples: Regardless of the year, prioritize examples with low mileage and a full service history. Regular oil changes are critical, especially for the 1.4L petrol and 0.9L TwinAir engines.

Years to Avoid (or Be Extra Cautious Of):

2007-2010: Early models are more prone to reliability issues. Thorough inspection and a pre-purchase inspection are highly recommended.

Models with the Dualogic transmission: Unless you are specifically looking for an automated manual and are aware of the potential issues, it's generally best to avoid the Dualogic transmission.

Vehicles with incomplete service history: A complete and documented service history is essential to understand the car's maintenance record and identify potential issues.

Key Things to Check:

Engine Noise: Listen for any unusual noises from the engine, such as rattling (timing chain), knocking, or hissing (vacuum leaks).

Oil Leaks: Inspect the engine for any signs of oil leaks, particularly around the valve cover gasket and oil pan.

Timing Chain: On the 1.4L petrol engine, listen for a rattling noise on startup, which could indicate a stretched timing chain.

Smoke: Check for excessive smoke from the exhaust, especially on startup and during acceleration. Blue smoke indicates oil burning.

Transmission: Ensure smooth gear changes with the manual transmission. If test driving a Dualogic, pay close attention to the smoothness of the shifts.

Electrical Systems: Test all electrical systems, including the lights, wipers, air conditioning, and infotainment system.

Rust: Inspect the bodywork for any signs of rust, particularly around the wheel arches, door sills, and underneath the car.

Suspension: Check the condition of the shock absorbers and listen for any unusual noises when driving over bumps.

Diagnostic Scan: Consider getting a diagnostic scan performed by a qualified mechanic to check for any stored fault codes.

Pre-Purchase Inspection: A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended before buying any used Fiat 500. This will help identify any potential issues and give you a better understanding of the car's condition.

The Fiat 500 can be a delightful and stylish city car. By carefully considering these factors and performing thorough due diligence, you can increase your chances of finding a reliable and enjoyable example.
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