Since I’ve had my car for a nearly a month I thought I’d list its good and bad points:-

Good

1. Value for Money
2. Looks
3. Performance
4. Comfort
5. Build Quality

Bad

1. No full size spare
2. No light in the glove box
3. Blue&Me voice commands aren’t available for CD and Radio
4. Ummmm…..

Overall

Other than the two recent recall requests from FIAT, and unlike my previous Stilo and two (old) Bravos, I’ve had no reason to return to the dealership for anything. Mind you, the Bad points are hardly what I’d call “show stoppers”.

I know the car is built to a price, but I would like to see an integrated alarm, satellite navigation, puddle lights, tyre pressure monitors and automatic headlamps as optional extras across the range. Perhaps the forthcoming face lift might offer something - either that or I should have bought a new Bravo!

Couldn't agree more with the optional extras, although some you can retro fit - as I'm currently doing.

Glad to hear you're enjoying it though, good to know I'm not the only one with a problem free motor (touch wood it stays that way).


Tom

Have to agree with you there.

I test drove pretty much all of the small hatch's and the GP was by far the best in most aspects. Value for money its very good, it looks much better than any of its rivals, and im guessing unless you have the 1.2 8v then performance aint too bad either. OVERALL, GREAT CAR IMO

Im also glad to report that after 9 months of owning mine, still no problems to report

Mark

MarkSims said:

Have to agree with you there.

I test drove pretty much all of the small hatch's and the GP was by far the best in most aspects. Value for money its very good, it looks much better than any of its rivals, and im guessing unless you have the 1.2 8v then performance aint too bad either. OVERALL, GREAT CAR IMO

Im also glad to report that after 9 months of owning mine, still no problems to report

Mark

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I previosly owned a 1.3 MJet GP and was going to change brand after hearing I'd got a pretty good bonus from work. Test drove a few alternatives too. Girlfriend loved the CooperS, we both 'hated' the 197 Clio (don't understand the appreciation of that car on this forum!?) and a 207 GTI which I really liked. (but still French!) In the end it was back to test the GPS M&T-JETS. I still thought it was the best looking, most comfortable (with leather), most economical and I know some would disagree but I think the M-JET at least is blimin fast. BRILLIANT CAR! apart from a few interior rattles which the dealer has sorted out no problem.

G.P.S said:

197 Clio (don't understand the appreciation of that car on this forum!?)

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where? I delete it :devil:

I tend to agree with the good points you have listed although I am sure many long term owners, myself included will not rate the car as highly as you do when it comes to the subject of build quality.

Venom? You have just had the brake discs replaced under warranty havent you.....how can you say your car has been trouble free

yeah replaced cause he torched them on a track day and managed to swindle fiat out the money to replace them

...and its pulling to one side......c-mon venom, thats not what you could call a trouble free car is it.

lol I worked that one out, silly Fiat tech forgot to check the tyre pressures...



... ok ok, silly me forgot to check the tyre pressures.


--------->Brakes were my fault<----------, but shhhhhhhh! Don't want Fiat knowing that - Dealer knew btw.

Tom

Also, some problems I put down to niggles - e.g my door handle broke on drivers side, yes it was an inconvenience, rang the dealer -was sorted the same afternoon.

I can't imagine anyone has ever had a car with NO problems - some can be major, but that doesn't include rattles and small minor things.

Ironic thing is that I love to have a rant and moan (no sexual refrences please ) yet certain things don't annoy me. Everytime I get in my car it puts a huge smile on my face, without fail. If I'm annoyed I usually go for a drive and return very much relaxed and happy.

Tom

iv not had one single problem wiv my 1.2 gp (apart from a thief nickin my dvd player.but cat1 alarm sorted that out lol) as its my first ever brand new car had it 5 month now . Jus wondering if i lowered the punto wud it void warranty thanks

sledge said:

I tend to agree with the good points you have listed although I am sure many long term owners, myself included will not rate the car as highly as you do when it comes to the subject of build quality.

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I think you're right about the long term ownership, but I have just come from a Stilo that had more rattles than a branch of Mothercare and a huge collection of mystery bits of plastic and screws – most of which appeared in the foot wells during the first week of ownership (I never did work out where they came from!)

I'm also looking at how much money it cost me to buy – and my expectations are matched against it. Sure, if I'd bought an over engineered VW Golf for 8 grand more than what I've just paid I'd expect a lot more toys and better quality trims and finishes but, even after once spending nearly 20 grand on a Mercedes, I have to admit that my GP is the first new car I've ever had that's been problem free and kept me happy from day one of ownership. I just pray that it continues to do so!

barbarian said:

Good

1. Value for Money
2. Looks
3. Performance
4. Comfort
5. Build Quality

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You sure build quality is in the Good section?


For me personally its been over a year's worth of ownership, and with my fair share of problems, I no longer give a crap about it anymore. Sure I still like the car, but its no longer taking over my life - hence I'm not on FF as much these days

luvduvs said:

You sure build quality is in the Good section?


For me personally its been over a year's worth of ownership, and with my fair share of problems, I no longer give a crap about it anymore. Sure I still like the car, but its no longer taking over my life - hence I'm not on FF as much these days

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Everything apart from the interior build quality is excellent on the GP. The materials used inside are fine but Fiat haven't quite sussed out how to peice them together consistently when coming off the production line. Nothing is perfect but the good news is the dealer will sort these niggles out (if you have a good one).

Engine, chassis, general components and Bodywork build quality is without doubt better than the close rivals and of a high standard. Either Autocar or Auto Express mag have just released the results of their 'hardcore' durability test and the Fiat 500 came out top above the Mini.

G.P.S said:

Everything apart from the interior build quality is excellent on the GP. The materials used inside are fine but Fiat haven't quite sussed out how to peice them together consistently when coming off the production line. Nothing is perfect but the good news is the dealer will sort these niggles out

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The term "Build quality" is not limited to how well the car is asseambled or the overall quality of the materials used in the interior, it also relates to the reliabilty and longevity of component parts, how well they function and how suitable they are for the application. In the case of the GP there is definate room for improvement in this area. Good examples of poor build quality are the drivers door release mechanism failing, the windscreen vent panel lifting and the leaking tailgate, all common faults that many in here have suffered from. Of course there is a trade off between price and quality but I feel Fiats priority was price and not quality.

Another thing to consider, some people have lower standards and expectations than others and will accept faults and shortfalls without complaint. I am sure many of the younger GP owners fall into this bracket

How well the car is screwed together is down to the men on the line carrying out the operation and the QA checks, this in turn is a reflection of their attitude..............bear in mind the 500 is built in Poland, not Italy

sledge said:

Another thing to consider, some people have lower standards and expectations than others and will accept faults and shortfalls without complaint. I am sure many of the younger GP owners fall into this bracket

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Agree with your post almost entirely, however I don't think anyone just accepts faults without complaint - Believe me, even though some don't bother me all that much, I go to town on the dealer when something comes up, and always end up leaving with a smile on my face or some freebies :devil:
- The only thing that annoys me about me dealer though is they dont give courtesy cars to under 21's.

I agree some people may take certain faults in their stride but not without complaint, and I personally never expect anything to be perfect (Unless I build it myself ). Everything and everyone has it's faults, but if I took them all to be major problems I'd never enjoy anything. - I kniow you post wasn't just aimed at me, but these are just my opinions.

Tom

Why should they?. Under 21's are high risk and thus add a massive premium onto insurance especially with hire cars . I also agree there should have the ability for the customer to get their own insurance like I had to when I was 17 (cost me £25 for 3 days through my policy) was fairly painless they just increased the monthly payment.

I never had any big problems when I owned mine just things that I was being picky about. The biggest problem (and the only one I remember having) was my Blue&Me Biatch speaking italian and not understanding my english swear words . Oh and the drop links were knocking when booting it in first and second. But the new owner fixed them after I sold her (only due to loosing job).

sledge said:

The term "Build quality" is not limited to how well the car is asseambled or the overall quality of the materials used in the interior, it also relates to the reliabilty and longevity of component parts, how well they function and how suitable they are for the application. In the case of the GP there is definate room for improvement in this area. Good examples of poor build quality are the drivers door release mechanism failing, the windscreen vent panel lifting and the leaking tailgate, all common faults that many in here have suffered from. Of course there is a trade off between price and quality but I feel Fiats priority was price and not quality.

Another thing to consider, some people have lower standards and expectations than others and will accept faults and shortfalls without complaint. I am sure many of the younger GP owners fall into this bracket

How well the car is screwed together is down to the men on the line carrying out the operation and the QA checks, this in turn is a reflection of their attitude..............bear in mind the 500 is built in Poland, not Italy

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Some very good points there sledge and noted.....but I firmly believe that quality isn't compromised as much as you think. I bought my first GP when they first came out and sure enough I think it had all the common faults that you mentioned before and more. Now, with my new red badge adorned model I can promise you that there is a significant improvement in quality all round.

I believe Fiat is a safe brand to buy into right now....As a corporation they've had to work very hard at improving the quality of their cars and know that even if they made the most bomb-proof car in the world it still has to shake off the consumers preconceptions of a bad quality product. So, it's now, and probably for a good few years, that Fiat are going have their eye on the ball and produce some great cars. Most brands have good and bad times due to 'riding the crest of a wave' and then lapse into comfortable mode after losing their drive. Look at Renault who used to make pretty good cars and even some of the premium brands like Audi and Mercedes are offering very poor quality build and inconsiderate customer service because they know they will get sales regardless.

I think that Fiat garages all over the country are gearing up and excited about the 500 in 2008....you can certainly 'feel' the vibe in the local dealers about most of the new models (in my area anyway). This enthusiasm running through the whole corporation will get you build quality and service above the competition!

I tend to agree that Fiat are on the way up and I have mentioned in here before that there has been a noticable improvement in both attitude and service at my dealer in the 14 months since I first bought the GP.......long may it continue.

I have a theory that a lot of the problems with GPs are purely down to what happens on the assembly line, specificaly the attitude of the workers and what is expected of them. Its well known that industrial relations at the Melfi factory are strained, there is a high union involvement on the factory floor and the management are tough.....maybe not on a par with the BL of the seventies but I could imagine it being a similar culture.

I have been following the blog of a melfi worker, its looses a bit in translation but its quite eye opening.

http://translate.google.com/transla.../search?q=SATA+fiat+melfi&hl=en&sa=G&ie=UTF-8

Oh goody.....thanks Sledge.....love the things you find