THE FIAT 500 ABARTH BUYERS GUIDE | AVOID Buying until watching this!

Fiat 500 & Fiat 500 Abarth common problems explained to make sure you get the best car possible with your hard earned money!
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[@MCJimboy10]

I can't recommend one enough. I love my Abarth. I passed my test not too long ago and my first car was written off after 3 months, so I got an Abarth. SO happy with it. Oh make sure you get the convertible, makes the world of difference.

[@Nikos6j]

But the boot opening on the convertible is so small

[@MCJimboy10]

@@Nikos6j Yeah it is, I can sacrifice a small boot opening to top down fun

[@zenmayo918]

I purchased my second Abarth a few months ago, 2017 Abarth 500c, 18k miles..in spite of the crazy current car market I got it for a steal. Funnest car ever.

[@MCJimboy10]

@@zenmayo918 Good to hear man :)

[@willham1427]

@@zenmayo918 how’s the reliability I’m looking to get an older one around 2013-15 with about 70k miles would that still be good for another 50k miles?

[@User-pu3lc]

Really wish these were still being sold new in the US.

[@edombre4637]

so do i, but unfortunately americans like to diss anything fiat - just watch scotty kilmers utube videos for instance, and that influences the buying public, so the ended up selling poorly

[@Milnoc]

@@edombre4637 The one exception being when Scotty had the chance to check out a proper North American Abarth. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4XKXpuinduKh6s

[@junes118]

Brilliant guide and those cups look amazing never thought I'd want a 500 but this changes my mind!

[@ScottishCarClan]

Glad I could help!

[@richardhargrave6082]

Great little cars My first Abarth was a Legends Blue one, white wheels & stripes. Loved it! Went on to have four in all, the later ones have better suspension. The best ones are the series 3 versions, with the digital dash. The series 4 onwards have the LED rear lights, great cars, I just felt the series 3 had more spice I had four and all were reliable The only reason I don't have one now i because they are so small I'm still with FIAT, saving for an Alfa For smiles per pound, you cannot beat an Abarth

[@reefnotrobbie]

Fantastic video, with some excellent advice. I'm looking to purchase one of these and I shall be looking out for all the issues you pointed out. Highly appreciated 👍

[@neilheyes6651]

I always find myself comparing these type of cars to the pocket rockets from when i were a lad The arbarth reminds me of the Renault 5 turbo of my youth, like the suzuki swift sport is reminding me of the 205 gti 1.6.

[@jimbob12382]

40 years old all my mates are taking the p!ss out of me for looking at buying one.. I don’t care!!!! I need fun!!!!!!!!

[@ScottishCarClan]

Sod them! 😂 go for it, they are a ton of fun!

[@whateverwhoever9613]

Mate, I did the same! Bought a 2018 trofeo in bright yellow..after owning loads of "serious" cars... and fitted a tdo4l kit, it's absolutely hilarious.

[@David-J-Harris5263]

It is one of the best cars I have ever owned - 2016 Abarth 500c black

[@paullockwood7219]

Brilliant guide as always. Cheers pal!

[@adamd2090]

Great video! Another thing to watch for which is very common is the side skirts separating from the body due to improper hoisting of the vehicle. This was/ is a very common issue because most shops do not know how to properly put these cars on a 4 point lift and what happens is the hoist arm makes contact with the side skirts and not only damages them but also causes them to separate from the body.

[@Maartwo]

Hmm funny. I've had this happen to me in my Fiat Palio lol. Just Fiat things 😎👌🏻

[@dorling91]

I had this issue and the garage caught both sides

[@nicolehanson4362]

Mines the same on one side. How do I fix it?

[@alanjames5660]

Basic original 500 Abarth plus TMC box gets you about 180bhp absolute barn stormer of a ludicrous little car. Bit harsh on the 17" rims though 16" rims would make it a bit more comfortable on the poorly maintained UK roads but my god you get good at avoiding potholes either that or you will be on first name terms with a chiropractor.

[@denzilbarker1429]

You forgot to mention the wiring harness from the tailgate which always fails and causes electrical issues. Also the slight oil leak from the gearbox which is a common fault.

[@dickwhackis5783]

Great video. Currently shopping for a 500 and this is amazing. Cheers

[@ScottishCarClan]

Very welcome!

[@jonathankfouri3431]

Music to my ears. Can't wait to get one soon hopefully. Thanks for the vid!

[@ScottishCarClan]

Very Welcome my friend!

[@connorlangan1622]

Great video I work for a fiat approved dealer and what you’ve touched on is exactly what we normally see them in for Especially the door handles keep up the great work

[@thesaint8400]

Interesting. Any kind of year/model/mileage sweet spot? I've been looking at 2018+ with 30,000 miles

[@andybroer651]

Very nicely done video. I own a 2013 and just love it!

[@marksterling8286]

I have had 3 and they have all been great, one problem to look out for is the electrical cable between the car and the boot. The cables fail near the hinge point. Easy fix with a soldering iron some cable and heat shrink

[@velardechelo]

I know this car is not the most beautiful, or fanciest... But is the funniest car i´ve ever driven... I want one so bad :C...

[@archstanton3763]

Small car big attitude. Fantastic car, great video !

[@marinobottali7823]

Hi ..there's no drop links on the rear suspension if there's a knocking sound it'll be a worn rear shock, always replace as a pair easy job .. Abarths don't usually suffer from worn turret top mounts if anything it'll be front lower ball joints or bushes that get knocked out as they can collapse usually due to the state of the roads, big wheels, tyres and stiff suspension.. Windscreen blockage is usually due to residue sitting in the bottom tank from screen wash so could be as simple as the wiper jets ! Any fiat or Abarth owners reading this I recommend shop 4parts Based in Bradford, genuine parts next day delivery, very competitive prices I'd give it 10 out of 10 For the drivabilty and value for money if buying used plenty out there..🙂👍

[@leescrivener9653]

Thanks for your review Marino. My wife and I had a bit of a mid life complex yesterday 😁 and bought a 2009 Abarth. Fell in love with it straight away. It's got FSH and upgraded Cobra exhaust and clutch. Couple of little issues being sorted by dealer hopefully and we'll pick it up on Wednesday all being well. I wanted to thank you for the recommendation of the place to get parts as I'll use them if needed as it was a concern as never owned a car like an Abarth before. The mechanic doing the work said they're very reasonable for parts and a good reliable car, so fingers crossed. Really looking forward to getting it. Lee

[@marinobottali7823]

Hi Lee your welcome, yes shop4parts are very reasonable, genuine parts, great service, i get all the parts for our cars delivered in a big box. great to here your getting a Abarth 👍😊 I'm sure you'll both have many miles of fun, you'll never tire from that driving experience and unique abarth sound.. Talking of mid life crisis I've had mine nearly 6 years and and I'm 60 this year lol it's the best car I've had, my son calls it the mini ferrari 😄 I was fortunate to of had upgrades by a previous owner, it has a cat back ragazzon remote, valved exhaust and the rear section is a novitec evo corse racing straight through so sound epic, it's nicely muted till you you floor it lol, must of been mapped cos it feels more like 200 bhp which doesn't sound much these days but the power to weight ratio is probably more like 300 bhp 😲 its astonishing as well as other upgrades, bigger 17" wheels, interior etc.. If there's anything else you need to know or unsure about in the future just message me! Looking forward to see your video of you Abarth All the best and enjoying 👍 😉

[@leescrivener9653]

@@marinobottali7823 - hi there. Thanks so much for your reply mate. Yours sounds fabulous. When we test drive it yesterday, my wife didn't stop smiling and she's not driven for a few months as she's not felt comfortable doing it. But yesterday she said it was the safest she'd felt for a while and how much bigger it felt once she was in it. It seems like it was week liked after judging by the service history and I felt that it drive really well. It has been sat in the back showroom of the dealers for over 2 months as I used have to drive past it twice a week and it never moved. I noticed that they'd knocked £500 off down to 4500 so jumped at it. Its got 100500 miles on it and looks beautiful in pearlescent white when red leather front seats and black wheels. I was impressed. A couple of year shocks that the dealer is doing for years mot even though it had 7 months left. The radio was working on initial looking after a jump start but now needs a radio code after the mot (??) but that's being sorted and the only thing I could see was if the dash illuminates because it was daytime, but I've looked online to see how that can be done so I'll check that on picking up It sounds like you really enjoy the Abarth, Marino and yours sounds superb. Lee

[@marinobottali7823]

Hi Lee yes they are like a go-kart and brilliant for parking, you've got the eco mode aswell as sport mode I get easily 40 to the gallon when driving sensibly lol the radio shouldn't need a code, when I changed my battery its just came back on but mabe if lesf long term it might need recoding! Rear shock are common to fail with age are corrosion they are upgraded with koni shocks ! Check about timing belt/ water pump history, I expect its been changed usually around 60,000 but for peace if mind get it done usually £3/400 as its a bit awkward to do . Rear dics can suffer, sometimes the inner pad sticks causing uneven wear, check the calipers and slider pins are free, I know the combination pearlescent white is awesome with the red interior also I'd recommend changing the gearbox oil for the sake of just 2 litres of oil, this is normally overlooked but these gearbox have a hard life and can suffer from gear whine when accelerating and when in 5th normally around 40mph, I'd send you a couple of pics of mine but don't think you can on this messager !🙄

[@leescrivener9653]

@@marinobottali7823 - thanks ever so much for your help. I'll try and drive it carefully 😬😁. The service history seems pretty thorough. It was looked after at a have garage cashed Monza sport I believe and seems to be well cared for. The radio worked after the jump start when I first went to look at it so it's a bit of a puzzle why it doesn't now, but the dealer will sort it for us. The timing belt needs doing next year so I assume the water pump would be worth doing then too. Not being that mechanically minded, the great box oil I assume can be changed at any time? Yeah, is like to see pics of your Abarth, Marino. My email is [e-mail] if you're happy to send some over. Regards - Lee

[@PaulBriden]

Great video. Thanks.

[@riccardo7790]

I love mine to bits, literally. You forgot to mention the rear trunk has wiring issues they get pinched and your trunk will stop opening, on the manual i wouldnt say its the most reliable as the shifter cable link tends to either slip off of the box or snap entirely, stranding you in 1 gear. Side skirts tend to peel off. Check the armrest, they also break if heavily used.

[@mada3565]

Rear wheel bearings is another well known weak spot and tend to fail for fun - typical signs are rumbling humming noise which resonates with car/floorpan and obviously the noise is speed dependant

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Great little buyers guide, one of the great little hatches around at the moment.

[@melissamobberley2086]

I'd have loved one of ur videos wen I bought my mini countryman, love videos xx

[@ScottishCarClan]

Thanks Melissa, we'll here when you buy your next car! :-)

[@chriscraft77022]

cool video.. i might buy one tomorrow..

[@rlmross]

nice video, I go through so much copper grease on mine, unreal. Also replaced both door handle hinges twice, but its easy fix.

[@ScottishCarClan]

Thanks! The car should come with copper grease 🤣

[@varmastiko2908]

What are you using the grease on?

[@laurenmckenzie4666]

*Runs to buy* 😍😍😍😍

[@raf9974]

My 2011 unit works with iPhone and does recognise it as iPod and Apple Music works via usb with steering controls, it does automatically switch to aux. Haven’t tried other apps but Apple Music, and maps commands work through the speakers.

[@jimros9295]

I have a problem with the cigarette lighter on my 2012 500 pop. I don’t have the tools that I use to but can address many problems despite that. I have replaced the fuse with a known good one and still nothing, any suggestions?

[@viper24820]

The ac in one I’m looking at makes a noise but it’s not a squeaking noise it some weird cycle of some noise. What does the noise sound like?

[@malcolmscott4150]

Excellent overview of a fun hatch

[@ScottishCarClan]

Thanks Malcolm :-)

[@johnsullivan395]

Also look for missing metal Abarth carpet clips on the Turismo and Competitione models. They come out currently at around £30 a pop! :(

[@chrishodgkinson7162]

Any thoughts on the 595c version? Anything to look out for?

[@abee3515]

The 3500 mark was somehow branded I guess by the quick change shops. I always change at 5000. You cannot show me a car at 5000 miles that the oil hasn't seriously darkened and picked up a burnt smell. 5000 is the max I would ever run a car. Plus it's easy to know when you need a change. 40 bucks every three or so months. That's cheap insurance. I have the 124 spider with auto ricambi muffler delete. Sounds growlie.

[@paulgriffiths8488]

Ive just ordered one of them mugs same as yours :)

[@ScottishCarClan]

Good man! They are great

[@Nyny.1000]

How much is it to sort this squealing? Just seen one with this issue plus no air coming out of the central and side vents ( only the windscreen vents). Have been told changing the resistor will fix both issues (dealer will do) but have your warning ringing in my ears!

[@ScottishCarClan]

Hey! The cost is going to vary a fair bit garage to garage so its hard to pin down a price. I'd let the dealer fix the resistors and carefully re-test to make sure its resolved the issues. Best of luck!

[@marianburke8302]

2012 fiat 500 pop...no electricity to upper brake light help! I want to check wire connecting thru hatch..any suggestions? Regular brake lights ok. .thanks buzz

[@billwilson6096]

The problem is in the wiring harness from the body into the hatch. All electrical connections are from the flexible harness. You will need to remove the rubber boot and check for a broken wire. Good luck, you may need to trace the colour coded wire back from the 3rd brake light. 🇨🇦

[@bwho]

Sounds doable if you're very patient

[@laika25]

Is that 1 a “turismo” version?

[@Otis_Art]

Oh my God I subscribed to you just because of your accent

[@cylum6168]

Do you need to go to a Fiat specialized shop to get mechanical work done?

[@billwilson6096]

NO

[@mattallott6662]

Are all mods pretty much bolt on could I get a base model tjet and turn it into a comp or bisposto?

[@Link30567]

Base model vs other ones is a big difference. Base model is naturally aspirated and the Abarths are turbocharged

[@varmastiko2908]

@@Link30567 Base model T-Jet means Abarth. I would also like to know if you can upgrade to higher spec simply by swapping parts.

[@itzTobi11]

Does anyone find that other cars will still try to blow past you while you're in this car even when you're doing the speed limit or above?🤔

[@sallywalton5375]

I have a 500 and get overtaken constantly 😂

[@alexruska2701]

Definitely noticed this when I drive it.

[@BeBarnee]

I have a new abarth with 5 k miles / 9000 km, but the brakes are squeaking as mentioned in the video. Anyone know exactly where the brake pads should be greased? Thanks!!! @scottishcarclan

[@viraldope6933]

Just drive it, maybe rust on discs

[@BeBarnee]

@@viraldope6933 Rust is clearly visible. It's the material of the standard brake pads that cause the squaling

[@ExorcistRecords]

I traded my base model 500 but now I want an abarth for fun and to mod the absolute shit out of it

[@studiocalder818]

First In Any Trial 🏁

[@psychojock]

Turismo is 165 bhp

[@Truthik]

🤣!!! American here that freaked out at 3:06. Wrong side WRONG SIDE!! CAR!! AHHHH!!! Oh my bad 😆

[@acelestialwitch8512]

I am viewing one in this colour 2008, this monday

[@ScottishCarClan]

Best of luck 🙌🏼 you know what to look for

[@acelestialwitch8512]

Yes! I avoided a second hand being sold on as “runs well” the oil lamp was on red, meaning oil pressure in Diesel engine was off and also oil residue in the water tank meaning the gasket had gone ! Walked away and still on the hunt for one

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

There is a lot to look for. I bought a "cheap" 2008 Abarth last year and it needed a lot of suspension work, crumbling hoses replacing, AC leak fixing, new radiator fan, gearbox mount. A few other things. Ended up costing about another £1500 in parts on top. One thing which can be an issue is because the rear axle is a fixed beam, it can go slightly out of shape with use and you cannot easily fix it with an alignment like on most modern cars.

[@carljenner3383]

I'm over 40 years of age, thinking of getting one. Do you think i would look stupid driving one at that age?

[@ScottishCarClan]

No chance Carl! Do it :-) good luck in your search

[@edombre4637]

why do you care what other people think - if you want one and love driving it, just get it

[@IzzyGside961]

I wear skinny jeans with a billabong tshirt and some crocs and nobody even notices I’m old AF..just kidding 🤠

[@billwilson6096]

Jeez I was 70 when I got my 500 Sport 2012 and still enjoy driving it at 81. Could well be my last car, my wife tells me my next car is a bus pass.

[@markclewes-hx9vk]

I’m 58 just bought one Why because I’ve liked them and I can !!!

[@godzillasuzuki2374]

Subtitles in English please😂

[@katpen777]

Need to know best least problems cheapest 2 door hatchback reliable daily driver

[@varmastiko2908]

Fiat 500 petrol-only models fit the bill if well looked after.

[@ScottishCarClan]

What budget? Hondas tend to be good for the most part!

[@kieronmad]

I was sitting there like why do i know this guys face then i relised ...ford with big loud exhaust haha

[@ScottishCarClan]

Hey! Yes thats going back a few years but yes :)

[@Reaper1008]

I had a 2013 Dart.. Same motor.. With 1.4 multiair turbo.. it had 160 Horse there.. It had the turbo cooler..

[@jeancalabro2721]

Competizione is 180Hp

[@britbritcritict2512]

There ain't nothing italian about this disposable made in mexico car. The color is dope tho

[@classiccarfinder]

Ignore all this bs i own one engines bullet proof bottom arm rear bush is junk clue is brake judder when braking could be rear bush cured with poly bush front arms much stronger no corrosion issues door handles can b a issue but pull handle at front of handle not at back

[@steviepaton2899]

Where u based pal

[@ScottishCarClan]

Just outside Cumbernauld Stevie - are you local and have a tasty car lol ?

[@steviepaton2899]

@@ScottishCarClan yeh I’m Falkirk pal got a 2019 m140i

[@PoltergeistWorks]

the left hand drive models are crap, no leg space and a stupid way to place the turbo gauge lol

[@user-dh7zf9hh4b]

That’s my missus old car 😂

[@jhaxzPH]

thumbs up if you want Ford ka MK2 to be the next car to be reviewed ^_^

[@DiscoFang]

You did NOT just pronounce it REsidules. 0:18

[@KS-ro6in]

Abarth is pronounced "Abart" ( the H is silent)...

[@bwho]

Correct. I just learned this about a week ago!

[@Nobody-dc8dp]

Abart is slang, Abarth is clearly the full term.

[@CINENIMUS]

Your sound is clipping pal, too much gain 🥶

[@digitalclock]

competizione has about 180hp and not 160 that's the turismo. and the standard abarth has around 135hp.

[@JamesHarris-]

First of all, if you're a dude, don't buy one in Baby Blue! :-)

[@lightningtwostrikes4317]

It’s an Abarth.. not a Fiat!!

[@roytofilovski9530]

198 horse in that tiny car? Yikes.....