Okay guys I thought maybe a new sticky for all the new members and lurkers who are interested in the 500 and are about to or just have placed an order.

So I've started this thread for everyone to give their top tips or advice when it comes to the ordering and waiting prrocedure of buying a 500. So anything you can think of no matter how small, We want to hear it. This thread is going to run for a week or so maybe less depending of the responce then the sticky will be created. It wil then be lock but this thread will remain should anyone have anything to add.



Remember it doesn't matter how small or seeminly stupid the advice is. We want it all.


Get thinking people.

Dont go to Uncle Arnold to buy yours.
There may not be much if any money off the 500 but use your head and get your choice of accessories thrown in or at a reduced price. Apparently dealers have be warned not to discount the 500 so use accessories as a bargaining tool.

Well that's a start I suppose.

j3bnl said:

Dont go to Uncle Arnold to buy yours.
There may not be much if any money off the 500 but use your head and get your choice of accessories thrown in or at a reduced price. Apparently dealers have be warned not to discount the 500 so use accessories as a bargaining tool.

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Then you end up getting accessories you dont really want just cause you feel as if your getting something for free but you aint. Guaranteed garage is making on the 'discounted' accessories aswell!

Aint got much choice but to use Arnies in Forfar area have you?

my dealer seamed willing to offer over the odds on a p/x value so as above try for discounted accsessories plus a bit more trade in value,
try you'r hardest to see you'r colour choice " in the flesh " as the net and configurator look completely different, compare side by side the specs of all 3 models pop/sport/lounge so that you start with the most suitable base car for you, then add any extras, but be warned a specced up pop can quickly be more expensive than a standard sport or lounge ! be prepared for a poss 10-12 week wait for a factory order but you can pass the time easy by visiting here everyday.

dont let them drill you boot to put your number plate on!

if you go for a sport ask for the boot light to be fitted

white 500 said:

try you'r hardest to see you'r colour choice " in the flesh " as the net and configurator look completely different

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i completely agree, i have seen several of the colours in real life and not one of them look like the website, infact I have like them all in real life, yet was going to stick with white based on the web site!

T14086 said:

Then you end up getting accessories you dont really want

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No I said your choice of accessories not what the dealer wants to throw in

T14086 said:

Guaranteed garage is making on the 'discounted' accessories aswell!

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Agree they will make on these but they make on everything so its about getting a deal that you feel is the best you can get

T14086 said:

Aint got much choice but to use Arnies in Forfar area have you?

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No they have in sewn up pretty much.

OK, esp is a must at £200 it could be the one thing that makes sure you're still around to tell us what happened.

Climate control, personal choice but having had two cars with this fitted I'd say it's a bit of a plus point.

Leather interior, ok this may seem a bit weird but if you're tall then sport seats offer more support and the height adjustment goes a bit lower than the standard seats. If this important then either go for the sport model or order the lounge with leather, in which case you get the sport seats - yes all leather seats are the sport versions no matter which model you spec them on.

Ordering advice ......

order now, worry about it later

Seriously, I ordered before I knew very much at all about all the different options, etc.

Now I know a lot more .. BUT ... I am still very happy with my choice. Pure, simple little 1.2 Pop that is going to take me on a wee adventure to Italy and back

j3bnl said:

No I said your choice of accessories not what the dealer wants to throw in

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sorry I ment the dealer packs that have 5 odd items in when you only want 3 of them etc like the popular pack thing.

T14086 said:

sorry I ment the dealer packs that have 5 odd items in when you only want 3 of them etc like the popular pack thing.

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Oh see what you mean now.

Try not to think of the savings youll make re fuel etc with the diesel and weather or not its worth the extra £1400 over the 1.2. Just think of the extra grunt from the diesel and the £1400 makes more sense then...

Definately go for climate if you can, mine hasnt got it but my Panda did and its far superior.

Apart from that, please stop buying white ones LOL... be nice to see some colour on the board!!!!

but don't all go out and buy Orange either

I would say buy the climate control ,its not just for the summer in the winter it helps de-mist the windows quicker
Esp although dissappointed it is not standard is worth the extra as it could help you when you least know.
Those with sad dissorder go with the sunroof either opening or fixed it lets plenty of light in to brighten things up
As for the model read and re-read what you get with each (Pop,Lounge or Sport)overall there is plenty of add ons to suit different people. thankyou,Richard.

nuovapanda said:

Try not to think of the savings youll make re fuel etc with the diesel and weather or not its worth the extra £1400 over the 1.2. Just think of the extra grunt from the diesel and the £1400 makes more sense then.

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the 1.2 performance figures are vertually identical to the mjt

white 500 said:

the 1.2 performance figures are vertually identical to the mjt

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Have to disagree with you there.
Diesel has a lot more torque than the 1.2 and a bit more than the 1.4.
It gets at around a dozen mpg more aswell.
The only figures it gets close to the diesel is the 0-60 where it is only slightly slower and top speed.

j3bnl said:

Have to disagree with you there.
Diesel has a lot more torque than the 1.2 and a bit more than the 1.4.
It gets at around a dozen mpg more aswell.
The only figures it gets close to the diesel is the 0-60 where it is only slightly slower and top speed.

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what other figures are there? 1.2 is .4 slower to 60 and loses 4mph top end, yes the mjt gets better eco but costs £1400 more to buy and cost 10p per liter more to run so the extra eco is partially cancelled out. in truth the diesel is too expensive because it doesn't offer enough extra compared with the 1.2 this is why most buyers chose either the 1.2 for economy or the 1.4 for a bit more performance

The 1.2 vs 1.3 debate will never be resolved, LOL! However, and this is pure fact and Ive done it. Put both cars on the open road at say 50mph and then floor em both, the diesel will romp away from the 1.2... ignore the figures. You cant argue with torque, and thats why the little diesel is so impressive.
A few years back Top Gear did it with Lupos, a diesel and petrol and both 1.4s, again the diesel just puls and pulls.
Weather or not you feel that oomph is worth £1400 is up to you, yes its expensive but personally I think its worth it, IF of course you like the diesel characteristics.

My tips:

Shop around dealers for part exchange - two different Fiat dealers offered me £1k difference for my year old Ibiza Sport.

Thoroughly check your wheel centres when you collect your car, I noticed two scratches on one of mine when I picked up my 500. The dealer sorted it promptly and ordered a replacement.

Be wary of the drive-away insurance, I had a massive saga with them as they kept saying they had Emailed the cover note to the dealer but it never arrived. I spent several stressful hours on the phone trying to resolve this. Eventually, I got them to Email it to me directly and I forwarded it on to the dealer.