Hi,

We've been looking at getting a new Pop 1.2 with lots of extras, which make it similar to a Lounge, except it won't have the two things we're not keen on: the glass roof, and the checked seats.

However, we've had it suggested to us that there is another alternative: The Start 'n' Stop.

Now the specs look good, with respect to styling and comfort. The only thing that now concerns us, is the actual start 'n' stop mechanism.

I get the impression that it's quite new technology, and if it works reliably, is a good idea.

What are people's opinions on the Start 'n' Stop? Is it a good idea, does it work, is it reliable, should there be anything to worry about?

Anybody have one? Anybody consider getting one but decide against it for any reason?

Any comments most welcome, as always...

I probably would have gone for one if it had been available. I think it makes great sense if you drive in town a lot. Lots of cars have this now & I've not heard of any issues attached to it.

I came very close but when I added all the extras inc leather the price was the same as the lounge but without the sunroof so took that route.

Its not a new idea (infact many have used it) but this new system is (IMO) very useful & with good built in stratergies. Reliable...yes I would say so (especially compared to older systems) & you get benefits of good fuel economy (cheaper tax?) and you can always switch it off via button on dash.

Remember its only stop/start when you want

My 2001 Honda Insight had stop/start tech, if I could have had it on the 500 I would. The engine bursts into life with no starter motor sound at all.

Would someone mind please explaining what this is? ...thanks

suzey said:

Would someone mind please explaining what this is? ...thanks

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No problem. Stop 'n' Start is a system which automatically switches off the engine when stuck in traffic. When you put your foot on the clutch to put it back in gear, the engine starts automatically.

To be honest, it sounds like a Starter Motor Reconditioning Shop's dream. If you do consider buying it, always keep a very close eye on battery condition and the alternator drivebelt. Although starting a warm motor is less strain than a cold motor, it will still draw heavily on these electrical resources, particularly if you have all the electronic gadgetry on the go at the same time.

It's only a little engine to restart though. Not like it's trying to start a 2.4turbo diesel

MikeSalt said:

No problem. Stop 'n' Start is a system which automatically switches off the engine when stuck in traffic. When you put your foot on the clutch to put it back in gear, the engine starts automatically.

To be honest, it sounds like a Starter Motor Reconditioning Shop's dream. If you do consider buying it, always keep a very close eye on battery condition and the alternator drivebelt. Although starting a warm motor is less strain than a cold motor, it will still draw heavily on these electrical resources, particularly if you have all the electronic gadgetry on the go at the same time.

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I believe that the starter and alternator are combined for the Stop 'n' Start engine. There is a thread floating around here that explains how it works quite well...

Are there any downsides to having a Stop 'n' Start? Perhaps higher servicing costs?

MikeSalt said:

No problem. Stop 'n' Start is a system which automatically switches off the engine when stuck in traffic. When you put your foot on the clutch to put it back in gear, the engine starts automatically.

To be honest, it sounds like a Starter Motor Reconditioning Shop's dream. If you do consider buying it, always keep a very close eye on battery condition and the alternator drivebelt. Although starting a warm motor is less strain than a cold motor, it will still draw heavily on these electrical resources, particularly if you have all the electronic gadgetry on the go at the same time.

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Many thanks Mike

MikeSalt said:

No problem. Stop 'n' Start is a system which automatically switches off the engine when stuck in traffic. When you put your foot on the clutch to put it back in gear, the engine starts automatically.

To be honest, it sounds like a Starter Motor Reconditioning Shop's dream. If you do consider buying it, always keep a very close eye on battery condition and the alternator drivebelt. Although starting a warm motor is less strain than a cold motor, it will still draw heavily on these electrical resources, particularly if you have all the electronic gadgetry on the go at the same time.

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Just to add, if you stop with foot on clutch it will stay running, its only when in neutral & clutch up it will stop then as mentioned dip the clutch and it restarts.

Starter is beefed up & a look at the battery will show a few differences with its connection to starter.

I had a good play around in a stop/go 500 while back & it was very impressive, personally i'd prefer it over 'styling' extras but each to his/her own.

FIAT Regatta had a variant of this feature nearly 25 years ago.

Start\Stop on a Regatta; that's scary. Stop the car and it probably would not start again.

JimR123 said:

We've been looking at getting a new Pop 1.2 with lots of extras, which make it similar to a Lounge, except it won't have the two things we're not keen on: the glass roof, and the checked seats.

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Bear in mind that financially that's likely to be a poor decision - 2nd hand the car will only ever be worth Pop money.

FWIW the glass roof put me off having had one in a smart years ago, but actually the blind and the air con are both highly effective and most of the time I leave it open. Actually I've recently got a C4P as well which also has a (extremely large!) glass roof.

Re checked seats, have you considered the leather trim?

HTH

to add, the big minus with start/stop is that your air con stops with the engine.

pearce_jj said:

to add, the big minus with start/stop is that your air con stops with the engine.

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Do you speak from personal experience?

I don't mean to sound disrespectful but I just want to be sure, as I was under the impression that if certain things were active (or the engine was cold) the engine would keep going. I can't remember what those things are, but I would have thought a/c would be one of them.

pearce_jj said:

to add, the big minus with start/stop is that your air con stops with the engine.

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Not correct AFAIK.

so what exactly will run the compressor when the engine is not running?

pearce_jj said:

so what exactly will run the compressor when the engine is not running?

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The engine doesn't stop

either way you don't get ac with start-stop, which is the point i was trying to make, except in the prius which has 200V batteries.