I have owned my Fiat 500 duologic 2012 for 7 months now and I had a txt from the garage saying I should get my timing belt changed this surprised me as its only driven 13,000 miles is this correct?
While I was looking on here I was also reading about the gearbox problems people have had. Is this still the case for 2012 models? Mine is working well at the moment but I am now seriously wondering if I should trade it in for a manual instead? Your thoughts would be gratefully appreciated I am new to the Fiat experience!
Many thanks Alex

Welcome to the forum.

4 years sounds reasonable for the timing belt, check your manual, what does the service schedule say?

Alexhaider said:

I have owned my Fiat 500 duologic 2012 for 7 months now and I had a txt from the garage saying I should get my timing belt changed this surprised me as its only driven 13,000 miles is this correct?

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Technically yes - IIRC it's due at 4yrs / 48000 miles, whichever comes first. In practice I'd say with just 13k on the clock you'd be good for another year at least (unless you need to do it to keep an extended warranty), but it'll wreck your engine in the unlikely event it does break, so ultimately it's your call. When you do change the belt, change the water pump at the same time. I'd go to an independent garage, though - it'll likely be cheaper.

Alexhaider said:

While I was looking on here I was also reading about the gearbox problems people have had. Is this still the case for 2012 models? Mine is working well at the moment but I am now seriously wondering if I should trade it in for a manual instead?

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Yes; it seems basically to be a lottery but on a 13000 mile car, again you'd be unluckly if it fails in the next couple of years.

It's a probable £1000+ bill if it does fail completely, though. Personally I'd keep a close eye on it and trade it in at the first sign of trouble. You normally, though not always, get some (resettable) warning before it gives up altogether.