Hi all, I need some advice re. 500, in particular Twin Airs but some of my queries are more generic. I'd get out and have a look and test drive but I'm stuck with a bad back this week and want to get a head start while I recover.



My 124 spider goes back soon as I never use it (and to be fair never really fell in love with it) and also have a barchetta for summer fun. I've had two Abarth 500s and a Panda Twin Air, all of which were great but this time, I really fancy a 500 lounge or similarly retro special edition.


105 vs 85

Budget isn't really an issue as I'm coming from quite an expensive car anyway, but I wanted to ask opinion on what the actual difference is in terms of real world performance between the much easier to find 85 and the 6 speed 105.




Motorway

Additionally, I may have to do a good few motorway miles, how have forum members found the car in terms of ride & general behavior? I remember my Abarths being OK but, without cruise control, my ankle used to ache like made after very long drives.



Seats
I believe the seats were upgraded in 2015, any opinions on whether this resulted in a noticeable uplift in comfort?


and finally, dogs
Now this could be a show stopper, I have a biggish (30Kg) dog that will, on occasion need to be transported when my wife's estate in unavailable. With the rear seats folded and something on the boot floor to flatten the load area, would this provide a decent space for a dog for a hour or two?


Thanks in advance.. Paul

Hi Paul,

My answers are based on my wife's TA105 - we never tested an 85 but given how quick the 105 feels I'd go with it over the 85 every day of the week!
Motorway - Last year we drove the TA from York to Inverness and back without issue. Sure, the lack of cruise control was a bit of an issue (being used to it in the Alfa) but it was liveable.
Seats - We have a 2014 so can't comment on any upgrades, they were comfy enough for the long journey above though.
Dogs - We have a GSD/Husky cross (27kg) and Staffie (17kg) - they both sit nicely on the back seats, with the seats down the floor isn't completely level so you'd probably want to put a mat in the boot to bring the level up to that of the seat backs, that would be perfect but be aware it's illegal to have a dog unsecured in a vehicle, so you'd need to make sure a seatbelt buckle is still accessible.

Regarding the dog, would fit heavy duty front seat cover on passenger side. Then buy a proper harness for the size of dog with a red loop. The belt goes securely through the loop. The dog unsecured on folded rear seat back could be the death of you (literally). Easier to find a TA 85, a mid '17 onwards worth having with cruise. Have only sat in a 500 TA Lounge but are super comfy.

Thanks guys, greatly appreciated.

I have had a 2016 105 Lounge from new and it pulls very well on the motorway even in 6th gear - no gear change need to accelerate from 55 upwards. It is noisy though though not high revving.


I've noticed that the driver's seat does not go back as far as it did in our 2010 1.2 so (at 6ft tall) my knees are quite bent when driving.


We've had a few dogs in the back but never a large one so can't comment other than it's fairly roomy back there.


The car in general has been a nightmare but I think we just bought a Friday afternoon lemon.

I used to transport greyhounds pets - rescue dogs in a medium mpv. The third row of sets was removed and I had a dog frame behind the 2nd row of seats. That did not solve the issue of animal injury in crash but this was 20 years ago. A few years later, I later did the same with an Audi A4 Avant.

For a small car I think the only option is a purpose made dog transport cage with a compartment for each animal. It would be like a specially made indoor kennel cage. Even then, you might struggle for space but at least it would solve the uneven floor of a Fiat 500/Panda with its rear seat folded down.

Here's a google search but I suspect the 500 will be too small.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=d...1t3dAhUBdcAKHfkqCSoQ_AUIDygC&biw=1700&bih=887

Alternatively, what about a dog transport trailer? Not a cheap solution as it has to be insulated (especially against heat) and can't be a basic no springs bodge like most low cost trailers offer. But they would be safe and your car would not get chewed or pooped on.

Sorry but could not resist posting this one. What a happy chappie.

Why not an abarth and get cruise control fitted?

This 85BHP TwinAir has been a fantastic car so far since Jan 2014.
I prefer the 5 speed Dualogic box, (which is very smooth on the dual mass flywheel of the later Euro 6 engines) over the 6 speed manual. This car was fully spec ed at the time and the leather sports seats are very comfortable. I drove 550miles yesterday round trip from just south of Valencia to Barcelona and the car was a delight. Other than routine servicing (it gets the oil and filter changed every 7k-8k miles and a main service at 16k) it’s had rear shocks every 18k and drop links yearly.... Performance is boosted using 98ron unleaded and the engine is easily remapped if you want more.

Thanks to all of you for your responses. Apologies that I failed to respond, I've been somewhat incapacitated of late.

Anyway, I found a 105 Sport Manual with every conceivable extra in that matt green that nobody ordered. I should pick it up next week and will post a pic or two.

Thanks again for your advice.