First post and I'm sorry if it's in the wrong place.

I would appreciate your thoughts about some recent issues.

After only 4,800 kms, my 21 month old 1.4 dual logic lounge (Series 4, 2016) developed a leak under the engine. The mechanic traced it back to coolant seeping from the water pump, and replaced the water pump and timing belt. He said this kind of problem is unusual in a relatively new fiat 500, but it can just happen.

I was a bit concerned when the car had to stay overnight because 'the adhesive didn't cure the way it normally does', but I thought it was all okay when i picked the car up the next day. It wasn't.

I was pretty focused on driving back along the freeway in peak hour, so it wasn't til the next day I realised the car was pulling to the left. And by the time I got home the instrument cluster display was pixelated.

Drove back to the mechanic only able to read what gear the car was in from the inside of the display. The economy gauge stuck at random positions, and the speedometer was unreadable at times.

It seemed very odd that this happened immediately after the car came back to the mechanic, but I was told that the instrument cluster was no where near the water tank.

So they replaced the instrument cluster and did a courtesy wheel alignment. I was told all the tire pressures were low and this was likely the reason the car pulled left. Although it also seemed strange this would manifest straight after the repair.

Oh, and the steering wheel looked a bit grey and unglamorous (now being treated with leather cleaner). I actually thought they'd replaced it with some old one they had lying around at first. But I think it just looked unrecognisable.

These repairs were done under warranty, but I am pretty shaken that the car is having issues so soon. I thought we would at least get through the first three years! I am also thinking about changing mechanics.

I would be really grateful for your views on:
- what could have happened to my car?
- is there any advantage to dealer servicing (like being more familiar with fiats) or can an independent mechanic do just as well?

If it's under warranty, stick to dealer services that way they cannot wriggle out of a claim and make sure you stick to the timetable for services too.

Averaging only 8kms a day won't do it any good. These cars (along with most modern cars) need to be driven and driven hard to maintain them.

Start clocking up the Kms and it will last far longer.

D

As John suggests above, stick to the dealer and make sure all your problems and repairs are recorded. If these issues recur after the warranty expires it'll put you in a much stronger position to demand they do something about it.

Tbh the electrical problems could all be doing to a weak battery because the poor thing doesn’t get driven enough.

Please please please drive the thing more!

Right. Appreciate the concern over how often I get to drive the car, but serious medical issues over the last hear have prevented me from getting out. I'm well aware of this.
Thanks for your replies all.