Just about to pick up a new (to me) 2010 500 1.2 Lounge and I was wondering if anyone knew any FIAT 500 specialists in the Woking/Guildford/Bracknell/Camberley, or Basingstoke areas?

I know there's a main dealer in Guildford, (handy as that's close to me), but sometimes a specialist gives a better service at a more 'reasonable' cost.

All suggestions gladly received, thanks!

Whilst I can't help remember the 500 is a simple car, a lot of jobs can be done with fairly simple tools( on the street like I have to) if you can DIY this can save you a fortune, like new front discs and pads for £30.

John202020 said:

Whilst I can't help remember the 500 is a simple car, a lot of jobs can be done with fairly simple tools( on the street like I have to) if you can DIY this can save you a fortune, like new front discs and pads for £30.

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It's a very good point - I'm relatively handy, albeit without access to most of my tools at the moment (long story).

I'm more thinking of getting a knowledgable person to do the first (to me) service and be able to point out any issues that I wouldn't recognise yet.

Check when the cam belt was changed everything else is simple plugs and air filter is a simple 45 min job, change to Iridium plugs and you'll not need to look at them for years? Sump condition is a concern if it's not been changed.

John202020 said:

Check when the cam belt was changed everything else is simple plugs and air filter is a simple 45 min job, change to Iridium plugs and you'll not need to look at them for years? Sump condition is a concern if it's not been changed.

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Could you explain what happens to the Sump??

Rockburner said:

Could you explain what happens to the Sump??

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Its made of MildSteel.. and if the outer paint coating is damaged.. then it can get so rusty that hot oil will leak through it.

A very common problem on the older puntos.

varesecrazy said:

Its made of MildSteel.. and if the outer paint coating is damaged.. then it can get so rusty that hot oil will leak through it.

A very common problem on the older puntos.

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Oo, ok, something to watch for then. Thank you!

What´s the recommendation here ? Spray with rust prevention paint or mount an under engine protection cover ?

Gina500 said:

What´s the recommendation here ? Spray with rust prevention paint or mount an under engine protection cover ?

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Depends on how far gone the rust is. Surface rust can be wire brushed off, then anti rust undercoat, then top coat, there are better paints than hammerite by the way, it tends to stay soft for quite a while & is easily chipped. Truck bed liner over everything, this stuff is amazing, tuff as old boots.

But if the rust is bad, I wouldn't waste my time & I'd fit a new sump.

A cover would help.

Gina500 said:

What´s the recommendation here ? Spray with rust prevention paint or mount an under engine protection cover ?

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For reference..

We have just sold our 2004 panda.

It had a very minor top.end oil leak.. that dribbled oil slowly over the engine.. not enough to drip when parked.

The sump pan on that was perfect

In contrast:
I owned a real shed of a mk2 punto.. decided to swap the rusty and leaky sump pan.. it actually collapsed as I wrestled it off

Rockburner said:

Just about to pick up a new (to me) 2010 500 1.2 Lounge and I was wondering if anyone knew any FIAT 500 specialists in the Woking/Guildford/Bracknell/Camberley, or Basingstoke areas?

I know there's a main dealer in Guildford, (handy as that's close to me), but sometimes a specialist gives a better service at a more 'reasonable' cost.

All suggestions gladly received, thanks!

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Still looking for a reliable, decent service garage in the Surrey (or Basingstoke) areas!

After one visit to Bishops Guildford (who admittedly seem to have performed the work) I won't be returning.

Re doing work myself, unfortunately I find myself without the required time at the moment for things like cam-belt and waterpump swaps.

Anyone got any recommendations? Much appreciate any help!

How about Alfacare in Hartley Wintney. Not used them though.

If you're prepared to travel just a bit further afield (but still in Hampshire), you could try SmallCarServices - they're indepedent 500 specialists and contributors to this forum - @burrowsdeano.

One of the very few places able to fix faults like the blend door flap issue ar a reasonable cost.

I think the 69 bus goes close by (needs checking though), so you could leave the car there and have a day out; perhaps in Winchester or at Marwell Zoo.

Ref the rusty sump, I use an old trick from my days of owning old Land Rovers. Every time I change the oil, I brush a little of the old oil over the outside of the sump. Doesn't provide the most attractive finish but it's free and effective..

Smeagol said:

How about Alfacare in Hartley Wintney. Not used them though.

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I've used them for my Grande Punto Abarth and can recommend them! They are knowledgeable and fairly priced. In the middle of nowhere though, bring a book!

If you're in Woking, there's a tiny garage next to the Surrey History Centre in Goldsworth Road.

It's *proper* eccentric - it's tucked away with no signage, like they don't really want your business.. I don't even know what it's called.. ("Autoquest" from distant memory/when they last had a sign up, c. 1980) and it shares what looks like a big double garage with AES (Auto Electrical Services) who do at least have signage that you can see if you're heading up the road... but not if you're coming down it.

Anyway, it's up a driveway between a house and the Surrey History Centre (opposite side of the road to the small Industrial unit, with Field's Car Centre prominently advertised).

N.B. Field's Car Centre is also "not bad" .. but it's a bit more of an "Auto centre" style type of place with plenty of parking and where you might get a coffee while you wait. Not a patch on the fellas at Autoquest/AES though.

The Autoquest/AES guys obviously don't get out much.. I think they're just two old mates who have been working together for about 40 years or more. Whatever is wrong with your car, they *will* suck air through their teeth and tell you it's crocked, ask why didn't you buy something Japanese, since Fiat (i.e. whatever you happen to be driving) are always a PITA to work on... etc. and it'll probably cost "£500 plus parts and labour" but "they'll see what they can do". It's worth it for the entertainment value alone.

They're also booked up for weeks at a time, honest good value and they'll do a proper, good quality job. You won't get a coffee (although you might, if you ask) or a courtesy car (place is just too small). Park in the industrial estate or in one of the CPZ places on the road and walk in. There's no easy place to park up that driveway.

It's only half a mile from Woking Town Centre on foot, so you can catch the train somewhere or go shopping while you wait.

Given how little effort they put into getting your business, it's a worthwhile experience, as long as you know what you're going to face. Slick and modern, isn't really it.. but fundamentally they're good blokes and they'll do you a good job for not much money.


Ralf S.