Hi all,
I've read the stickies and just want to say I think this is a great forum. I've loved the Fiat 500 since I was first a passenger in one 3 years ago, and now I've decided to buy one!
Ahhhh
Okay so my first question is whether to buy new, nearly new or used. I am pretty certain I do not want to buy used, as I have fallen in love with the new rear lights and the uConnect system inside. The older model of course looks lovely but I feel I need 'technology' with my next car, having currently got a BMW 116 Sport with basically no additional extras and looking very sparse inside.
Regarding nearly new... What is the earliest reg that I can expect to have the new infotainment inside? I think I was told in the dealership yesterday it was 64. And am I right in saying the new model with the rear light cluster was only made from March 2016 onwards?
Also - does anyone have any advice on the experience following buying a nearly new car - are there regrets on not being able to customise your vehicle exactly? Or is this outweighed by the cost savings? I know it would depend on the individual but just want some feedback if anyone has any.
Now - buying new (which looks like the most likely option)... I have read reviews on here which seem to favour the 0.9 TwinAir engine... I also see that it is one of the more popular ones in the poll results. My husband discussed technical bits with the dealer yesterday and he thinks this is the best one to go for too... But in the interests of saving money, should I go for the 1.2? What noticeable differences are there? I would mostly be using it for stop/start commuting, but on the occasion of open roads then I do like 'fun' driving and so does the husband. I've come from a 2.0d BMW which is a RWD, so want to make an easy transition from that as possible.
I have test driven the 1.2 petrol yesterday and would like to test drive a 0.9 to compare. However these seem to be a lot less common for resale. I would be going for a PCP - which is something I never seriously considered before learning more about it yesterday. Does anyone have any advice on PCP either?
If I do go for new then I want to get the best price possible of course I was thinking of approaching several dealers and haggling with them, maybe getting some of the additional extras thrown in for free. The dealer I went to yesterday quoted me a price for a standard 0.9 in white with no additional extras (just as an indication) which is the exact same price as listed on Fiat - so I'm not sure how much leeway they're going to have to knock money off? What is the best way to go about this?
Finally the fun stuff - optional extras. I am going for a Lounge plus....
Total cost = £15,125
Any recommendations/reviews on the above?
So many thanks in advance for all your help!
Gemma
I've read the stickies and just want to say I think this is a great forum. I've loved the Fiat 500 since I was first a passenger in one 3 years ago, and now I've decided to buy one!
Ahhhh
Okay so my first question is whether to buy new, nearly new or used. I am pretty certain I do not want to buy used, as I have fallen in love with the new rear lights and the uConnect system inside. The older model of course looks lovely but I feel I need 'technology' with my next car, having currently got a BMW 116 Sport with basically no additional extras and looking very sparse inside.
Regarding nearly new... What is the earliest reg that I can expect to have the new infotainment inside? I think I was told in the dealership yesterday it was 64. And am I right in saying the new model with the rear light cluster was only made from March 2016 onwards?
Also - does anyone have any advice on the experience following buying a nearly new car - are there regrets on not being able to customise your vehicle exactly? Or is this outweighed by the cost savings? I know it would depend on the individual but just want some feedback if anyone has any.
Now - buying new (which looks like the most likely option)... I have read reviews on here which seem to favour the 0.9 TwinAir engine... I also see that it is one of the more popular ones in the poll results. My husband discussed technical bits with the dealer yesterday and he thinks this is the best one to go for too... But in the interests of saving money, should I go for the 1.2? What noticeable differences are there? I would mostly be using it for stop/start commuting, but on the occasion of open roads then I do like 'fun' driving and so does the husband. I've come from a 2.0d BMW which is a RWD, so want to make an easy transition from that as possible.
I have test driven the 1.2 petrol yesterday and would like to test drive a 0.9 to compare. However these seem to be a lot less common for resale. I would be going for a PCP - which is something I never seriously considered before learning more about it yesterday. Does anyone have any advice on PCP either?
If I do go for new then I want to get the best price possible of course I was thinking of approaching several dealers and haggling with them, maybe getting some of the additional extras thrown in for free. The dealer I went to yesterday quoted me a price for a standard 0.9 in white with no additional extras (just as an indication) which is the exact same price as listed on Fiat - so I'm not sure how much leeway they're going to have to knock money off? What is the best way to go about this?
Finally the fun stuff - optional extras. I am going for a Lounge plus....
- 7" TFT Instrument Cluster - £275
- 5" Touchscreen Radio with Navigation, Bluetooth, USB, Aux-in & DAB - £350
- Leather gear knob - £100
- Automatic Climate Control - £300
Total cost = £15,125
Any recommendations/reviews on the above?
So many thanks in advance for all your help!
Gemma