(G) Where is my Test Drive?

Hi Italian car Fans...

I've had my current car for 5 years (Alfa 155 V6) and am looking at replacements.

I'd thought I'd have a go in the Stilo Abarth, so I went to Fiats web page and filled out the form, put in the model name etc.

Next day I got a call from Fiat asking me for my contact details, as they had problems with the web server. He said a dealer would be in touch, since then .... NOTHING.... ;)

Did any of you Abarth owners get to drive one first... To be honest I'm a bit concerned of the selespeed gearbox and really wanted to try one out...

Why am I considering an Abarth? well I really love my Alfa, its never let me down, apart from not starting after I had been working abroad for a year, so the battery was duff! But Alfas are now getting too common!! which is good for them. I'll hold out for the new rear wheel drive Alfa models. In the meantime I like the looks of the Abarth, or maybe a Multipla! The other possibility is an Alfa SZ.

Hi there

I came from a V6 Alfa 156 to my Stilo Abarth last year. I'd seen the car at the local motor show and was impressed with the level of equipment and the looks of the 3 door so I asked my dealer if they had one I could drive.

As the car was just out they didn't have an Abarth demonstrator but they let me pick the colour and spec of car I wanted from a list of cars ready for transport and brought it in saying if I wanted it I could buy it but if not they'd either put it on as a demonstrator or put it in the showroom.

I've now put over 25000 miles on my Abarth and apart from a few squeaks and rattles which are being sorted the car has been mechanically faultless. The Selespeed 'box is great 95% of the time and only irritates slightly the other 5% i.e. during tight maneuvres which require sensitive throttle application.

The only slight gripe I have is the amount of body roll during cornering but the plus side is a comfortable ride. I find the Abarth is better over less than perfect back roads than any of the Alfas I've owned (although I've driven a 1.6 147 and it seems to be almost as good).

I don't know how many dealers would be keen enough to do what I described above but the only thing I can suggest is that you find a dealer with a second hand Abarth for sale and get a drive.

Good luck!

Jon

Jon,

Good to hear your story. Especially about the selespeed ... I guess FIAT have been using it long enough now to have ironed out most of the faults [?]

Well I live in the wilds of Aberdeenshire so finding a dealer is a BIG problem, I've found the Fiat/Alfa dealer in Aberdeen to be totally useless and I try to avoid them now... finding a 2nd hand one is a good idea thanks... I'll away and check on auto trader...

Stuart