I am soooo disappointed ...had my test drive in the 1.2 today and unfortunately it is not the car for me and I am so sad as I really wanted one.

The car was very easy to drive and comfortable, needed a bit more acceleration than my present car, but was'nt a problem...but I really did'nt like the ride, it was too bumpy for me.

Was just reading the thread about Fiat dealerships and have got to say that although the gentleman who took me for a test drive was pleasant he was'nt a salesman ...but had to help out as only one salesman there on a Sunday...when we got back and talked to the actual salesman he was was'nt very helpful and obviously did'nt care whether I bought one or not I asked him to show me the split seats at the back and he just pressed the lever and flung them forward, as if annoyed and said 'there you are' ! I have had a few different cars and he was definately the worst salesman I have come across...such a shame as it did put me off.

Anyway its back to the drawing board now...but I wondered ............


....can I please still pop in and chat with you all, as have really enjoyed being here, everyone is so nice and I still think the 500 is a fab looking car and am sure if you don't mind its firm ride, its great..... after all thats only my opinion

A big thanks to you all for being patient and answering my questions ...I hope to stay around it you will have me ......

how about a panda or grande punto?

Go try a Panda, they are fab little cars and the ride is sooo much nicer. And, you can get some stonking deals on them now. Sorry it wasnt for you, but yes the ride is the cars worst feature.

try a grande punto

Try a GP for sure - and look at the hot deals prices from Perrys - £7495 for a 1.4 8V 3dr GP model, that comes with split rear seats, fogs and 16" alloys

Nuova500 said:

Go try a Panda, they are fab little cars and the ride is sooo much nicer. And, you can get some stonking deals on them now. Sorry it wasnt for you, but yes the ride is the cars worst feature.

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Can't agree there. My 1.2 500 feels much more refined and comfortable than the 1.2 Panda that it replaced. My 100HP - totally different of course.

Which 1.2 model was it? the 1.2 sport has different suspension set up, if it is too firm for you, try the lounge or the pop.

It was a Lounge ....thanks for your suggestions everyone

STILO NEWBIE said:

Which 1.2 model was it? the 1.2 sport has different suspension set up, if it is too firm for you, try the lounge or the pop.

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Does it? Some parts of the website say it does, but he brochues etc don't indicate this. i've only ever driven Sports (with 16 and 15 inch wheels).

Try the Grande Punto. I've driven a few in various engine & trim specs. They've all been great. Nicely styled & huge value for money.

you can still pop in by the way

I've had two Pandas, both loaners, a 1.1 for about 3 months (got me used to a zero performance car!) v.soft suspension, and then a 100bhp for a couple of weeks - WOW - but absolutely rock solid suspension. Still want one really though, was considering trading in the 500 actually, dealer in my road has a 100bhp with climate for £7.5k

Shame you didn't like the 500 enough to buy one suzey, but of course it would be great to still see you around, and I would be interested to hear which car you eventually decide on (nuova500 will be pleased if its a Pug107 or a smart!) and of course there's the furry friends group where we hardly mention the cars!

STILO NEWBIE said:

Which 1.2 model was it? the 1.2 sport has different suspension set up, if it is too firm for you, try the lounge or the pop.

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The sport is no difference suspnsion wise from the lounge or pop

I am surprised that you felt it was a harsh ride, for a small car with a short wheelbase I thought it was pretty good. I didn't even notice any harsh ride when I went down some country lanes.

The 1.2 isn't the fastest, but it is a city car so I thought it was OK. Compared to my Discovery 3, it does twice the MPG as well. I was almost tempted to buy one for myself to run around in.

Suzey, I actually feel quite upset that the 500 isn't for you.. its such a shame, after all those questions and building your hopes up, its sort of like when someones died and your mind doesn't accept it, and thinks they will walk through your door any moment... I keep thinking, surely she just needs another drive in a 500 to see it is for you.. lol... I know I'm crazy but I hate thinking that you wanted it so much and now you just don't like it :bang:
I will come to terms with it eventually..lol

But yeh.. hang out with us still .... 'your a goodun' x

Drive the 1.4! Drive the 1.4! Drive the 1.4!

I would go and try a 1.3 diesel, I found that to be the best riding 500 of all, and ended up with a 1.4 which I found hard to live with suspension wise... if you do feel its not for you then dont buy one, as in time you will end up hating it.
You have to love a car from the start

No 500 ever settles into a nice even ride, until you take it abroad, on properly surfaced roads I couldnt believ how different mine was on French autoroutes and when I got back to the UK it felt awful in comparison.

Very sorry to hear that! But as N500 said, you have to like your car from the start otherwise no long term relationship will come out of it... Long time ago I had a Mazda 323 and it had really good ride, shame I couldn't say the same about the driving experience... spoiled the enjoyment of the car for me somewhat, so I wasn't shedding any tears when got rid

306maxi said:

The sport is no difference suspnsion wise from the lounge or pop

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Really? we test drive the 1.3 lounge and 1.4 sport before decided on the Bravo, the 1.3 feels alot more comfort than the 1.4 sport.....:bang: