Off Topic Another interim option

[loveshandbags]

Moderators - would appreciate if you could leave this posting in the 500 section for a day or so before transferring it to the NON-FIAT section.

Hi all. Looking for your input on this ‘interim’ replacement – it’s as near I can get to an Abarth without paying Abarth money. Exchange rates doing me no favours and can’t get a decent one in Ireland wthin a realistic budget.

It’s 2009 Mito Lusso with the A500 engine (IHI RH3 VL37) but with a 6 speed registered on the 6th Feb 2009. Current mileage is 19,676 miles. Extras of B&Me and rear parking sensors. No negotiation on the advertised price of €9,995.

Would expect to loose around €2k on this in one year given the track history of Alfas and the more limited market for petrol turbo engines (TA excluded of course).

History looks good with the oil being changed on a regular basis. Semi-synthetic used for 6 months for 3K at 6K. Need to double check that synthetic used on the last change.

No spark plugs or brake fluid changed. Not too sure about the pollen filter. Hoping to squeeze a service out of them as part of the ‘deal’.

Not too happy about the tyres with 2 of them being replaced at 15,780miles. This is supposedly for a female driver with the seat right up to the steering wheel.

Bit of damage on the front lip which the garage have agreed to repair.

Warranty of 12 months is being offered which extends the ‘soon to be expired’ Fiat/dealer 3 year warranty.

SUMMARY
21.01.10 6,180mls Clips, Tail lamp, Alfa Selenia 10W-40, Oil Filter, Screenwash
05.07.10 9,197mls Filtering Element, Selenia Star, Sump washer, Screenwash, Oil filter
30.06.11 15,780mls Selenia Oil, Screenwash, Air filter, Oil Filter, 2 Hankook tyres

Oil changes were regular and seemed to be synthetic with the exception of the one at 6K which was semi-synthetic. This was changed back to synthetic after 6 months at 9K. Need to check if the oil change at 16K was synthetic since the price of the oil seems too cheap.

Got a good opportunity to give it a solo test drive. Car felt planted with really good overtaking capability. Brembo brakes were awesome despite the ‘average’ tyres. Fuel consumption readout showed a realistic 30.5mpg. This dropped sharply after the test drive in ‘Dynamic’ mode. Impressive car with a classy ‘standard’ interior with mock carbon dash. Had the B&Me which is unusual in the Lusso model. Road tax for this car is €330 p.a. (153grs/km) the same as the 1.4 Lounge (149grs/km) - this is Band C under 155grs/km.

Concerned at the tyres being changed so early. The OH’s tyres last 34K miles on her Mito MJ 1.6 (they were Pirelli P0s on 17s). Also surprised on the use of semi-synthetic that could have compromised the warranty. Expect that it would have caused no issues with this Euro 4 engine.

 

[jrkitching]

No negotiation on the advertised price of €9,995.

If that's in Euros it seems reasonable for a main dealer:

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/prices/used/alfa-romeo/mito/hatchback-2009/41658/?yearplate=89

Not too happy about the tyres with 2 of them being replaced at 15,780miles. This is supposedly for a female driver with the seat right up to the steering wheel.

Oil changes were regular and seemed to be synthetic with the exception of the one at 6K which was semi-synthetic. This was changed back to synthetic after 6 months at 9K. Need to check if the oil change at 16K was synthetic since the price of the oil seems too cheap.

Concerned at the tyres being changed so early. The OH’s tyres last 34K miles on her Mito MJ 1.6 (they were Pirelli P0s on 17s). Also surprised on the use of semi-synthetic that could have compromised the warranty. Expect that it would have caused no issues with this Euro 4 engine.

One issue with swapping between oil types is the risk that the different solvent properties could compromise the seals, so have a very careful look in all the likely places for oil leaks (or unexpectedly clean areas!). If there are none then probably all will be well. If you see any evidence of seepage, walk away.

Tyre replacement could be down to almost anything - hard driving, slight mistracking, or just an enthusiastic, opportunistic Kwik-Fit salesman.

Check the small print of the dealer-supplied warranty & make sure they service the car to meet whatever the requirements are before taking delivery.

Personally, I'd change the oil & filter myself after taking delivery, just to be absolutely certain all is as it should be.

 

[Stu DemonD]

Moderators - would appreciate if you could leave this posting in the 500 section for a day or so before transferring it to the NON-FIAT section.

It only gets shown in Leisure Lounge at the same time if an 'off-topic' prefix is used; in this case, you have used a 'general' prefix.

But I presume you want it to be amended to an 'off-topic' in a few days, even though it should be done now?

Or do you mean you want this whole thread moving to the Non-FIAT section [Leisure Lounge subforum...] in a few days

 

[loveshandbags]

It only gets shown in Leisure Lounge at the same time if an 'off-topic' prefix is used; in this case, you have used a 'general' prefix.

But I presume you want it to be amended to an 'off-topic' in a few days, even though it should be done now?

Or do you mean you want this whole thread moving to the Non-FIAT section [Leisure Lounge subforum...] in a few days

Could you change the prefix to 'off-topic'. Happy enough for it to sit in both sections. Pleasantly surprised at the contributions from the 'Leisure section' on the last thread on the kind of drivers that the 500 attracts.

Content for the whole thread to be moved out off the 500 section if thread develops into one that would be of no relevance to other members on here in another 2-3 days.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[loveshandbags]

If that's in Euros it seems reasonable for a main dealer:
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/prices/used/alfa-romeo/mito/hatchback-2009/41658/?yearplate=89
One issue with swapping between oil types is the risk that the different solvent properties could compromise the seals, so have a very careful look in all the likely places for oil leaks (or unexpectedly clean areas!). If there are none then probably all will be well. If you see any evidence of seepage, walk away.

Tyre replacement could be down to almost anything - hard driving, slight mistracking, or just an enthusiastic, opportunistic Kwik-Fit salesman.

Check the small print of the dealer-supplied warranty & make sure they service the car to meet whatever the requirements are before taking delivery.

Personally, I'd change the oil & filter myself after taking delivery, just to be absolutely certain all is as it should be.

Thank you for the quick response JR.

Price is in Euros. It's a car that would not be worthwhile importing. If bought for £10K in the UK it would translate into €15K landed here with the poor exchange rate and the VRT (import taxes) so much for being in the EC so it's good value for £ but it's not my first choice.

Unsure of the small print that would come from the Garage. It's tractamotors in Blanchardstown as per the invoice. Expect them to stay in business but the half the garage was leased to a convenience shop.
Good reputation. Good turnaround of cars. No nonsense service.

I'll check under the car today for oil leaks. Will probably ask them to put it on a ramp so that I can do a visual. There should be one in workshop where the pics were taken.

In some ways I thought it was a good idea to use semi-sythetic to accelerate the break in of the engine but technically too heavy an oil can cause pre-mature wear of engine components.

Still don't understand why a set of Good years only lasted 15,780mls unless the owner (a woman) had a boy racer in the family who 'borrowed' the car. Original tyres would have been fitted by Fiat. Replacements might have been Kwik-Fit.

Plan to change to new synthetic oil regardless. Expect that should be done at least since they will be guaranteeing the car for a year. This car is listed on Alfa Romeo approved cars. It wouldn't be a trade sale.

 

[Stu DemonD]

Changed the prefix for you if the thread needs to move, I will leave that down to the section mods.

 

[loveshandbags]

Changed the prefix for you if the thread needs to move, I will leave that down to the section mods.

I thought I would let the pictures do the 'talking'. I've reduced the bit map size so the FF database doesn't get filled up.
Not too impressed with the tyres. Wheel spinning in 3rd gear. At least by having 'slip' it saves the gearbox. Need to budget for decent tyres.
Hope to improve on the test mpg. A mix of go for it and eco cruising.
Being driven at 'night' and in the 'bright light of day' where I could see the scars of a 3 year old. Not pristine like the FW.
Not as excited about this as I was with the 500.
At least the FIRE 1.4 engine is still sitting under the bonnet.
Has the B&Me.
Dealer asked me if I was going to shift this on - I said that I would be keeping it for a bit probably a year or 2.
I hope you'll still have me on here.

 

[jrkitching]

Glad you've sorted yourself a new set of wheels . Hope you have lots of fun with it .

It does sound a much better proposition than that other piece of **** you were lusting after.

But most importantly, please hang around - we sure would miss you if you weren't here.

 

[jnoiles]

T-jet engine, Brembos & Blue&Me for under 10k euros. Not bad. I'm not convinced on the looks of the Mito but that's personal preference.

And 15k before replacement on the front tyres? I dream of tyres that last that long on the front. I seem to eat them at a rate of about half that on my 1.4 500.

 

[306maxi]

Have you bought it Michael?

 

[tingtang1]

Have you bought it Michael?

I was wondering that.

 

[ahmett]

I thought I would let the pictures do the 'talking'. I've reduced the bit map size so the FF database doesn't get filled up.
Not too impressed with the tyres. Wheel spinning in 3rd gear. At least by having 'slip' it saves the gearbox. Need to budget for decent tyres.
Hope to improve on the test mpg. A mix of go for it and eco cruising.
Being driven at 'night' and in the 'bright light of day' where I could see the scars of a 3 year old. Not pristine like the FW.
Not as excited about this as I was with the 500.
At least the FIRE 1.4 engine is still sitting under the bonnet.
Has the B&Me.
Dealer asked me if I was going to shift this on - I said that I would be keeping it for a bit probably a year or 2.
I hope you'll still have me on here.

You are right, the tires are absolutely rubbish = ) If you buy the car, you should change them as soon as!

From what i see cheap goodyears and korean tires??? = (((

 

[ahmett]

T-jet engine, Brembos & Blue&Me for under 10k euros. Not bad. I'm not convinced on the looks of the Mito but that's personal preference.

And 15k before replacement on the front tyres? I dream of tyres that last that long on the front. I seem to eat them at a rate of about half that on my 1.4 500.

You must be doing way too much wheelspin and ABS braking. I think you should drive more like Jenson Button!

 

[loveshandbags]

I was wondering that.

I've put €300 down as a deposit. If I go ahead with it - balance due next Wednesday / Thursday.

 

[loveshandbags]

Have you bought it Michael?

Not.yet. But you'd like the brakes.

 

[306maxi]

Not.yet. But you'd like the brakes.

I bet I would

At the moment we're actually considering another car. Not a 500 replacement, but a replacement for the Subaru. We're thinking about a Mk4 Legacy Sport Tourer with perhaps a 2.5 or 3.0 engine

Quite a lot of car for perhaps only 4 or 5k.

 

[arorat]

I've put €300 down as a deposit. If I go ahead with it - balance due next Wednesday / Thursday.

Wow, so no A500 then

 

[loveshandbags]

You are right, the tires are absolutely rubbish = ) If you buy the car, you should change them as soon as!

From what i see cheap goodyears and korean tires??? = (((

Poor choice of tyres in the 16x195/55. No Michelin Pilot/Exaltos.
I can see why a lot of Mito drivers in the 155TB opt for the 17s since there's much better choice in 17x215/45 or 17x205/45. The OHs MJ Mito has the 'Veloce' 17 inch wheels. We only realised yesterday that the Mito she bought was the Lusso with the Veloce upgrade and not the Veloce model. A bit like getting a model half way between the Pop & the Lounge and thinking you got the Lounge all along.

Standard Lusso 16s = perfect wheels for winter tyres given the Brembos
17s = funds permitting (which means highly unikely).
Thinking of putting on a set of Continentals.

Wow, so no A500 then

After watching Top Gear this evening on the BBC the OH says Oh there's an Abarth - they had a 'review' of a Twingo 133 - the eposide where JC drives off into the sea - it didn't measure up to the A500.
The last thing I want now is someone to throw a 'spanner in the works'.
It wouldn't take much to find a reason not to buy it.

 

[ahmett]

Poor choice of tyres in the 16x195/55. No Michelin Pilot/Exaltos.
I can see why a lot of Mito drivers in the 155TB opt for the 17s since there's much better choice in 17x215/45 or 17x205/45. The OHs MJ Mito has the 'Veloce' 17 inch wheels. We only realised yesterday that the Mito she bought was the Lusso with the Veloce upgrade and not the Veloce model. A bit like getting a model half way between the Pop & the Lounge and thinking you got the Lounge all along.

Standard Lusso 16s = perfect wheels for winter tyres given the Brembos
17s = funds permitting (which means highly unikely).
Thinking of putting on a set of Continentals.


After watching Top Gear this evening on the BBC the OH says Oh there's an Abarth - they had a 'review' of a Twingo 133 - the eposide where JC drives off into the sea - it didn't measure up to the A500.
The last thing I want now is someone to throw a 'spanner in the works'.
It wouldn't take much to find a reason not to buy it.

Yeah from what i see either the contis or the dunlop SP fast responses.

 

[jrkitching]

The last thing I want now is someone to throw a 'spanner in the works'.
It wouldn't take much to find a reason not to buy it.

Are you buying this with your head, or your heart? If you see a good A500 at the right price in 3 months time, what do you think you'll be feeling?