2012/2013 Fiat reliability

[Exit14]

Hi,
I am really thinking about purchasing a 2012 or 2013 Fiat 500 or 500L as a second car.

I was burned badly by GM and Chrysler due to reliability issues with cars I owned back in the 80's. I've faithfully purchased only Honda, Toyota and Subaru ever since a Pontiac I bought in 1984 gave me nothing but trouble followed by an Eagle in 1988 that left me stranded far from home several times -before cell phones existed. That was the last straw for me with all GM & Chrysler/Jeep/Eagle cars. I wrote those 2 makes off before 1990..... Until now that is because I am stuck on the little Fiat.

So, I am concerned about Fiat reliability. I have a cell phone now and AAA but, I am still wary. I read some good and some terrible reviews -which I know is common for any car.

I was wondering if these are a handful of issues or common problems...?

Electrical problems -example: radio doesn't work in below freezing temps, dash lighting failure, power window failure. Ignition coil failure, engine failure -w/replacement needed below 10k miles and transmission failure below 20k miles. Those are huge problems with a lot of down time even if they are covered under the warranty. Also interior integrity problems -handles breaking off, armrests breaking, knobs breaking, etc.

I'd like to hear about the good and bad.

Thanks!

 

[sutera1996]

My family are a Completely FIAT/ ALFA family, including uncles and grandparents, and not a single one has ever gone wrong big time
i tell a lie, my dads Abarth 500 the roofline popped out, so the garage glued it back in

 

[Exit14]

Sounds good. Thanks!

 

[catnash]

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/mi...nd-toyota-top-the-engine-reliability-ratings/

There's quite a few reliability surveys out there but Fiats come out very good. I've had 2 x Hondas with issues too.

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi,
My wife had a fiat 127 when I met her in late 80's,
being poor I bought fiats because they were chaep to buy and run , and were still as reliable as anything else on the road,

I must have been through 30 different fiats now.. 3 car family now..,
apart from RUST ( corrosion) - a phenomena we Brits are experts in,

they are pretty much bomb-proof, Engines are VERY well respected.

rust and electrics were always their historical downfall..,

the rust has ended..and the electrics are now industry standard,
the issues that now arise are from Sensors and the like - complexity now found in ALL modern cars,

my view..=
DO NOT pay a premium to "own an Exotic",
but if a fiat is comparable on price - then go for it,
they are nice to drive , well built cars,

Charlie

 

[ShawzyD]

I just bought a 2011 fiat punto evo gp and after looking into the reliability of cars i can say that Fiat have considerably up'd they're game! take a look at the stats from whatcar. Fiat are also the second cheapest car to replace faulty parts!

i cannot post URL becuase i am a 'newbie' but just type 'most reliable cars' on google and its the 5th link!

 

[Mr Mayoh]

im on my second punto now, first was a mk2, 10 years old and 70000 on the clock not one issue with it, i ruined it by messing with it no fault of the car. started first time every time and not a spot of rust on it, compare that to a similar aged ford you'd be hearing a very different story. My New grande is an 08 plate 28000 on the clock, all through winter and this infernal snow shes fired up no problems, drives a hell of a lot better than the vauxhall it shares a chassis with. Brakes very well and handles well despite the yachtish body role. Only issues ive had and these are little issues is the petrol gauge not going up after a refill for a few miles, squeaky what i think is starter motor when very very cold and a lack of any revs on again a very cold start (happened once). Interior good qaulity feels a nice place to sit in so is the 500. my major gripe though is the gearbox feels slack as a whore really dont like it (feels same in my friends sporting so not my driving lol) but mines a £5000 car so for the money i really cant complain. I can only give my views on the punto but im sure rest of the fiats are just as good if not better, ignore all these terrible reviews, every car companies get at least one bad one ( i think fiat got 2 in a year for one particular model cant think but thats very good!!)

 

[dragonwagon]

I rely on a 1987 Panda 4x4 during the bad weather and it is utterly reliable.
So much so, that i have now parted with my newer car and will be using the old Panda every day. Simple, bomb proof and inexpensive to maintain.