I just got a Fiat 2015 Pop Hatchback and I love it!


I bought it off of Craigslist and it needs a few repairs that I am not understanding. I live in the bay area so repairs are very expensive and parts are particularly hard to find.


PepBoys said they would repair my car but I need to order parts -- and I am very confused as to what I need to order. Is there anyone that can help me figure out what parts I exactly need?


I need shock replacements for back and front and I need front struts plus the assembly. I was told to order the struts in a kit? The guy at Pep Boys told me to order from the rockauto website, but i'm still confused because there are so many options.


Any help is appreciated!


Karen

Welcome.

The struts on a 500 include the damper (shock on your side of the pond), so a pair of front struts and a pair of top mounts I'd guess.

The dampers (shocks) on the rear are separate so no difficulties there.

Would help to see the garage's diagnosis sheet.

D

The rear dampers (shocks) seem to lose their damping quality quite quickly. Mine were replaced less than 20,000 miles ago but the back end is not as well controlled as it was. To be fair they have to control that heavy beam axle so maybe it's not a surprise.

If you buy aftermarket suspension, it's likely to lose effectiveness even more quickly. This is not a complaint, just that the internal clearances are smaller so negative effects on performance will appear sooner as parts wear and the internal oil degrades. On the plus side, aftermarket units can be serviced, generally every 15,000 miles with new oil, seals and so on.

For most people, the standard suspension is more than good enough. Many will find aftermarket units are too hard. "Horses for courses" as we say.