Hi i'm looking at buying a fiat stilo abarth selespeed now before i go and buy one i'm looking for a few opinions.

What is it like to drive?

Has any one had any problems with them?

Would you buy one?

Also does the acronym of FIAT being Fix It Again Tomorrow really have any worth?

It would be appreciated if people could leave any other feedback on the car.

Cheers

Paul

Paul Westhead said:

Hi i'm looking at buying a fiat stilo abarth selespeed now before i go and buy one i'm looking for a few opinions.

What is it like to drive?

Has any one had any problems with them?

Would you buy one?

Also does the acronym of FIAT being Fix It Again Tomorrow really have any worth?

It would be appreciated if people could leave any other feedback on the car.

Cheers

Paul

Click to expand...

Hi, welcome to the forum....In answer to your questions;

1. Driving experience - The engine is a peach it pulls hard in any gear from 1500 rpm all the way to the redline (about 6500) but you'll find yourself 'short shifting' as the torque is more than enough to surf along on. It rides well especially on 16 inch wheels the 17inch will sharpen up the turn in slightly and give you more grip and feedback through the steering. As for handling, well it could be sharper but it is extremely grippy (therefore also safe) the body roll could be better controlled but a set of Eibach springs would cure that - mid corner bumps upset the chassis but the speed you can hold on a smooth corner is phenomenal. I basically find it's more a slow in fast out car as far as handling is concerned (it depends on your driving style whether you like that or not). It sounds a bit negative so far, but it's not really - you can really push a Stilo and it will reward you and the more time you spend with the car the more you'll push it safe in the knowledge it will cope.

2. The only problems I've had so far were with my 02 Reg Stilo. The main problems were electrical including constant passenger air bag sensor failure and 2 complete dashboard electric failures. The rear suspension also creaked like a rusty barn door and before I traded it in for my Abarth it had started to idle roughly and stall itself. So far the 04 Reg Abarth is completely faultless - no suspension or electrical problems and definitely no engine problems.

3. You'll have to make up your own mind about fix it again tomorrow - but as long as you take the time to by an A1 car it will be ok - and you've got lots of friends here that will help you out with advice and know how. In general I think every modern Fiat that leaves the factory id getting better and better in terms of reliability and build quality fit and finish.

4. I'm on my second Stilo now and my third Fiat overall...So yes I would reccomend one (for many many reasons but this post would be about 10,000 words long so I won't go into it now) From what I've heard the selespeed box can be a real reliability problem and personally I prefer a manual for the added control it gives you....but it's up to you? (RE the selespeed box, this is only a personal opinion...I know there are lots of happy selespeed owners..don't want to upset anyone!!)

Finally, this is only one opinion, lots of people on here will either agree/disagree with me...but I'm sure 99% will say buy one....NOW!!!

Hi Jasper,

Cheers for the reply i've always owned and driven vauxhalls. I find them absolutely fantastic motors although they don't do anything for me any more. And so i am looking at a new manufacturer.

Also do you have any pictures of your motors whilst your at it.

You can find pic of mine under 'Jasper' in the photo gallery section on this forum and also on this site...www.1981.eclipse.co.uk under 3dr gallery section. Enjoy!!

I have a selespeed and I couldn't recommend it more highly.
To me its a lot better than the manual and I had only driven an automatic once 18 years ago for a couple of miles at most.. When I drove the manual Abarth it was pretty hard work especially if you compare it to the selespeed.
If you do get the selespeed you may find 1st - 2nd gear a bit of a struggle to get smooth to start with but you will get used to it cuz i find it ok now.
once you get it into 2nd just let the revs build up and feel the power. I only need to put an inch or 2 on the gas and let the revs climb..theres more than enough oomph for me..
Photos.. hehe got loads of those

go here for some of mine

https://www.fiatforum.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5300

and try my website here.. its a new site so only a couple of car at the mo.

http://www.stiloabarth.btinternet.co.uk/

Sorry KoArAng, I feel awful now I didn't put your web link on. I went into the site the other day and I've just discovered beacuse my page wasn't maximised I didn't see the 'enter site' link so I thought you were still working on it. I've just been in now - it's gonna be a great site when it expands and thanks for including my pics. I know I've got to make good on my promise to get you some more pics but the weekends just fly by!...but I'm workin' on it.

and try my website here.. its a new site so only a couple of car at the mo.

Cheers lads some nice sites in development there. KoArAnG thats the exact colour I want. Although i wouldn't mind a stilo in yellow not to sure though. Also what are the sun roofs like ?

One more thought.

My MSN address if any one uses it is

[email protected]

come join me it'd be nice to speak to some like minded people

Hi Paul,

Welcome to the forum - the best place for advice IF things go wrong, plus it is awesome for socials

I bought an 02 Stilo Abarth Selespeed a few weeks back - I am loving every minute of it! Mine is the 5 door version, and pics can be seen in MY GALLERY - just click the link in the sig below.

From a mod point of view, it has already had a engine remap from ANGEL Tuning [see advertising banner] - the BMC CDA induction kit is being fitted on Thursday, together with a 30mm drop on Eibach springs; I am keeping on the 16s for now, though, due to xmas, blah de blah.....Overall, should push out around 190bhp, which is phenomemal in a car this size!

Are you looking to buy new or second hand?

Stu, where you a bit cautious about the remap? im thinking of having mine done, but am a little bit worried in case things go tits up and im left stranded etc.!

Stu.................................

when you see Nige ask him if he's doing the 1.6/1.8s yet.

Cheers!

blackJTD said:

Stu, where you a bit cautious about the remap? im thinking of having mine done, but am a little bit worried in case things go tits up and im left stranded etc.!

Click to expand...

Not at all - I trust Nige more than 100%! He has also done a lot of other work for me.

All the re-map is doing is ironing out the inefficiencies in the 'world' map supplied on the car as standard. Have a look on his website for more FAQS.

And if you don't like it, take it back after a week and get a full no-quibble refund

Re: Stu.................................

twincamms said:

when you see Nige ask him if he's doing the 1.6/1.8s yet.

Cheers!

Click to expand...

He is picking up my car on Thursday morning from my workplace - I may mention it in passing

Stu.................................

don't be like that!

Re: Stu.................................

twincamms said:

don't be like that!

Click to expand...

Aw, you know I don't mean it, hun

Jasper.. its no problem mate.. i need to sort out the front page link a bit better anyway. I take it for granted that everyone would see the same as me on their screens, but I run my pc through my plasma tv in very high res. so i'll get that sorted.
Paul.. The sunroofs are amazing.. before I decided on leather I was not too bothered about the sky window but when I saw one with the inner blind open and the leather interior it sold itself. Its probably worth getting whatever interior you go for.
Yellow is a really nice colour for the stilo.. theres so many colours I liked for the car though its a hard choice.. After getting this one and cleaning it, i love the colour..BUT I sometimes wish I bought the yellow...but then if i did I would prolly say the same about the blue... or the silver..or the morano blue..or the scilla red...erm ok i'll stop.
I did put a video clip of my sunroof in action in this post but I decided to remove it as its a 5.5mb clip..

OK after a number of emails requesting the video of the sky window I have put some up on my website..
Let me know if they work ok please.

http://www.stiloabarth.btinternet.co.uk/

Hi, Re your question. My Abarth has covered 55,000 miles, 02 Regd. Yellow.3 Dr.

1 ) Selespeed, you really need to drive one as I find them, (this is my second), not as smooth as it could be but much better than a manual. If not already mentioned the creep back or forward when stationary in gear is a pain sometimes with the centre armrest down and you trying to balance the handbrake / drive take up especially on a hill start. Easier to keep the armrest vertical rather than try and monkey your hand round the lever. Fantastic in manual mode when downshifts automatically blip your throttle.

2) Car has been reliable except for, cooling fans failing, new ECU, there is a recall, I think. (repaired under warranty)

Reverse sensors failed, new ECU. (repaired under warranty)

Sat Nav screeching, on going, I live with it.

Various flashing warnings which repair themselves instantly, I treat them as part of a journey!!

3) Engine has been perfect with no oil used between services and is faster than ever, I think down to regular Fiat servicing.

4) Fuel consumption, well I get 21 mpg, which is 4 mpg better than my 1st one, maybe I am slowing down.

5) Looking towards my 3rd, so I can only recommend them BUT you must buy one with manufacturers warranty and full service history as it will go wrong and repairs will bankrupt you. Fiat will check the service history.

Hope this has helped, lastly as stated, drive it 1st, this is one car which is so different to the boring rest, my partner has an S2000 and hates my car, I on the other hand LOVE THEM BOTH (Cars I mean)

Jim

Hi Jim,

Cheers for the reply i'll be looking at buying new any how especially with FIATs renowned problem list i'll loose an absolute fortune on it like but oh well. I really need to drive the sequential box as i've never driven one before but i hsould imagine its like driving a automatic car.

Also how much is it for the services ?

Could any one who has a selespeed tell me if there's a paddle change behind the steering wheel or not or is it only hte gear stick that the gear can be changed at?

The Abarth has both paddles and a floor shift.

The paddles can only be used when the car is moving - when your stationary you have to use the floor shift to select R-N-1 (or 2nd if you want).

In reality you tend to switch between the 2 depending upon what your doing - since the paddles turn with the steering they are only really usable when your going in a straight line. If your turning you have to use floor shift.

As far as driving goes, its nothing like an auto - its much more difficult to drive than an auto, and arguably more difficult to drive 'well' compared to a manual. It took me about 6 months to get really proficient to the point its second nature. The tricky thing is getting used to the fact that it still does things automaticaly when in manual mode - ie shifts up at the redline and down at around 1000 rpm. The selespeed is actually a 5 speed manual sequential gearbox with a conventional clutch, but with the addition of the selespeed system which is basically computer controlled hydraulics.

I'm not sure that a test drive will really give a true impression of what the Selespeeds are like. Given a choice I'd probably have a manual, but then I'm a control freak who likes to be in control.

Paul

BTW - I wasn't sure about the yellow, and took a gamble - glad I did cos it looks awseome.