Hi, recently been reading these forums for information of the Fiat 500. I currently own a Fiat Punto (61 plate), the lease I got it on is up in a year (4 years not 3). The warranty ends on the Punto this year and I would rather change it early for a new car on the same deal, the issue is I haven't gone past the "point" yet where the car is worth more than owed.

The dealership is saying the only model they can do anything with realistically (so that I don't end up paying loads more each month) is a Fiat 500 (Colour Therapy), they are telling me that they hold their value far better than any other Fiat at present and therefore are better investments for the lease deals. Is this true?

I know that I would be down-sizing car and sacrificing a couple of doors as well as blue me etc, however, seeing as my youngest now walks everywhere, I no longer need a boot to hold a buggy, BUT is getting a child in and out of a forward facing car seat (in the rear seats) an issue in the 500?

Also, does anyone know why the service plan for the 500 is a tenner a month more expensive than the Punto?

Many thanks

Marcus.

I'd take what the dealer says with a pinch of salt, they'll sell you, what they've got in stock, makes them the most etc, though your major hurdle is what you still owe and what the car is worth.

You'll need to find a deposit or contribution from Dealer/Fiat, so shop around, both dealers and internet, a dealer will likely match an offer from another dealer miles away or web based.
Do a bit of work now will pay off later.

With small children, rear doors are a must in my opinion, leaning in the back of a two door is ok once in a while, but repeating it over and over will wear thin very quickly as will your back!

Because of this (sorry 500 owners!), I'd consider the Panda with 5 doors
There's an amazing amount of room in the back, boot is bigger and better shaped, mechanically they aren't too far off, the latest Panda is actually ahead of the 500 chassis wise, which is based on the older Panda.
They ride a lot smoother than the 500 too.

Though I do admit, the 500 has the looks!

They're cheaper than a 500 and they are plenty of deals with dealer deposit contributions.
My Mrs picked up a new Lounge last week, £104 a month, we're still scratching our heads how it worked out so low.
Lowest deal I've seen was no deposit and £89 a month for a Pop and £99 for an Easy.

I'm off in a moment to pick my Twinair 4x4 up, £1750 Fiat contribution because I work for the NHS.

Thanks for the advice, went with a 1.2 Panda Lounge, better equipped and has 5 doors, pick up next Thursday, can't wait...my first ever car was a 1l silver Panda, feel like I am jumping back in time 20 years!