500 & Australia

Hi there, New to Fiat and was thinking possibly of getting a 500 or Ritmo in the dualogic gearbox variation. Was trying to get some thoughts and experiences with this car from owners that have one. The Ritmo in Australia will get the dualogic gearbox hopefully this year which will be good. The 500 is for sale now with it and was wondering what the car was like to live with? Should I take the plunge? I sat in one on Sunday and it was quite roomy in the front but the rear was quite cramped though. Not sure if its a true 4 seater. What are some of the things to look out for when buying one except impeccable service history and the like? Other cars Im looking at are a Renault Megane auto 2.0. A Citroen C4 2.0 diesel auto. I currently own a C3 auto 1.4.

Let me know your thoughts.

Looking at what you are also considering, I think the Ritmo will suit you better (its the Bravo here). The new Bravo is a very nice car and in my honest opinion a better car than the others you mention.
I would say the 500 will be too small, its never really a 4 seater to be honest. Best thing is to try them both and see what you think.

Daniel have you looked at the (Grande) Punto at all. It's available in Dualogic in Dynamic spec.

Troy.

Im going to move this to Lets Talk Fiat, I reckon youll get loads of help there

Hi Daniel

I'm in Brisbane.

I have had my 500 eight months now and done 10,000km. I can honestly say it's a fantastic little car. The build quality is excellent which was a pleasant surprise

The rear seat is small, but I never go there

The ride on the 500 is a little bouncy on our crap roads but you get use to that.

The car does handle extremly well though and is a pleasure to drive around mountains and fun roads

The engine on new 500's is very tight and is much better after a few thousand km. You do need to give it a good rev to get it going but thats part of the fun Oh, and don't ever turn the sport button off

I have driven a Megane, they are dull compared to the 500. I had one as a loan car once and someone smashed into the back of it... it improved it's looks

Just my 2 cents worth

CJay,

I love the 500 but I feel they are not priced right and they are a little too dear for what they are. I know you have to look at the package but when they get down to the 20k mark I might look at one I think.