Evening all,

Driving a silly amount of miles tomorrow to go and look at a 13 plate 500 diesel (used approved dealers)

I'm sure I'll be mooching around for some info as soon as I can't find out how to work something or need some advice.

Just thought I'd say hi first and if anyone has anything desperate they think we should look out for then let us know! Already read some of the guides and the forum looks really useful

666Panda said:

Evening all,

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Hello and welcome :wave:.

As with any secondhand car purchase, and however far you have driven to look at it, if you are in any doubt whatsoever, walk away.

Remember also that it will be a long way to go back if you encounter problems later.

Happy hunting!

Check the boot release handle on the lid works, not just from the fob, it's one of the first things to fail and not a cheap fix.
How many miles, remember at about 100k it can need a new cam chain, though approved used tends to have low miles.
I drove 300 miles for my car.

666Panda said:

Evening all,

Driving a silly amount of miles tomorrow to go and look at a 13 plate 500 diesel (used approved dealers)

I'm sure I'll be mooching around for some info as soon as I can't find out how to work something or need some advice.

Just thought I'd say hi first and if anyone has anything desperate they think we should look out for then let us know! Already read some of the guides and the forum looks really useful

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If it's a Dualogic read all the threads concerning that first.

Piccolo Nero e Bella said:

If it's a Dualogic read all the threads concerning that first.

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Is a 500 Diesel.

John202020 said:

Check the boot release handle on the lid works, not just from the fob, it's one of the first things to fail and not a cheap fix.
How many miles, remember at about 100k it can need a new cam chain, though approved used tends to have low miles.
I drove 300 miles for my car.

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I would agree about the external boot release, mine was broken and the dealer told me it opened only with the fob, fortunately I got a full new chrome handle from ebay for £28 and fitted it my self. I would also check the daytime running lights bulbs are ok. Not expensive but very awkward to change.

Never understand buying a diesel on such a small car unless you do a million miles a year.

Alexcubek said:

I would agree about the external boot release, mine was broken and the dealer told me it opened only with the fob, fortunately I got a full new chrome handle from ebay for £28 and fitted it my self. I would also check the daytime running lights bulbs are ok. Not expensive but very awkward to change.

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Good point, as often they've been turned off (check they're on when running ) as some people are too lazy to replace the bulb

typecastboy said:

Never understand buying a diesel on such a small car unless you do a million miles a year.

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There's got to be a reason why there's 1,000's of petrols and usually only a handful of diesels ?

I'm sure they are more torquey but now diesel drivers are about to be penalised by the government I would never buy one. My real car is a Ford cmax diesel but I'm going back to petrol when I get a new one.

typecastboy said:

Never understand buying a diesel on such a small car unless you do a million miles a year.

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Oi, mine is diesel, pulls like a train. I use it for work so in 6 months of ownership I have done 6k already, my Sunday car is a Insignia tourer also diesel with 25k in 5 yrs.

typecastboy said:

I'm sure they are more torquey but now diesel drivers are about to be penalised by the government I would never buy one. My real car is a Ford cmax diesel but I'm going back to petrol when I get a new one.

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Petrol cars are too expensive to run, unless you get one with a tiny engine and a big turbo. Its been 20 yrs since I had a petrol and it was costing £90 a week on fuel. (Rover 216 GTi). It was a flying machine.

Thanks everyone for all of your advice. It was really helpful!

We did end up buying it, there were only 2 diesels in the country (used approved) when we were looking. A Fiat dealer at an opposing garage (who was trying to get us to buy a twin air) suggested that might mean that they're not reliable.... we took the line of it meaning people don't tend to get rid of them.

Had a great drive back, tipped over 61MPG when the old car generally did about 26. We do a lot of miles so need the economy, we're now a 2 diesel household. And even with the changes the tax on the 500 will still be free.

I have a heap of questions but I'll try to find the answers on the forum first before asking!