(G) I'm going to test drive a 500

Hi all. I've decided that I'm going to take a 500 out for a test drive next Thursday, and have been told that I'm able to try the Dual-logic version.

Had a interesting chat in the showroom about the 500. I asked if any have been returned with problems - No Sir

And issues - Yes, a headgasket with 800 Diesel 500's. Remember reading about this.

Then he says that the 1.2 is like a 1.4 because it's a 1.2 head, but the bottom half of a 1.4

What should I be playing with on the TD? Anything I should look out for?

Jon.

I think he has it the wrong way round .It's the head from the 1.4, otherwise the capacity of the 1.2 would be all wrong. Best to let what they tell you go in one ear and straight out the other.

Alway best with sales people in the main

I said in the main. Some know what they're talking about, don't forget that I'm in Norfolk. People learn s...l...o...w...l...y up here and try to talk about things they don't know - A bit like me on ff at times

To be fair I am exceptional.

Can't blame them for not telling you about the HG problems. Most people would run a mile after hearing that. Not me. Personally I think it's good they've caught the problem now rather than you catching it a few years down the line.

I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on the dualogic matey. As I have one however I've had some issues which caused it to be off the road for two weeks (still waiting for my vouchers FIAT!! )

Out of interest what probelms were they?

Jon.

He couldn't find the clutch.

, Thats good then, as I like not having a clutch (most of the time).

basically it wouldn't change gear properly. New ECU ordered was even worse than the original ECU so a man from Fiat came to check it out and fixed it. I'm still not convinced its right as it's still a bit hesitant to change gear in auto mode its much better though, changes still much smoother even when not lifting foot from the acelarator when manually shifting. So I would be very keen to hear your thoughts after your test drive

I'll let you know my view's after the TD. You mention it hessitates to change gear, has it always done this? It's just they change gear to differently to conventional autos someone told me. They use solinoids I've been told, and are a bit like changing gear in a manual (the pause from foot going down on clutch before coming back up and power being re-instated) but without the clutch pedal. The Toyota Yaris I drove was a similar set up, and done the same.

I have also been told this. I'am used to normal autos, however before I got the car fixed it was really bad. Using the car like a normal manual and the changes are as smooth as silk. I've said in another thread I'd like to try another dualogic to see if my car is still not right it might be the best way forward.

Ok. I'll let you know how it goes. I've only ever driven CVT and the new type of manual/auto auto's, but should be able to give you feedback. I'm so going to be TD'ing the Dual-logic Panda. Said I can't decided which I prefer, so the bloke said thats fine, so it'll be interesting to see if there's much difference as in theiory its the same engine, box and chasis.

Jon.