500 (USA) 2012 Fiat 500 1.4 MultiAir I-4 engine

[GeorgiaCR]

Hi all,
My 82 year old mom saw I bought a 2014 Fiat 500 Lounge in Uk and now has set her eyes on a 2012 Fiat 500 in US 1.4 multi air I-4 engine with 49,000 miles. I am visiting her in US now but I'm hesitant to recommend this 2012 because it looks like a boy-racer car (red with wide stripe details) and has the automatic gear box that also allows manual driving (+ and - through the gears) don't know what that gearbox is called. It only sells with 60 day warranty and on our test drive I noticed an error code pop up on the dash but as I was in passenger seat, I couldn't see it fully before it flashed off. What would she be getting herself into with this engine (my 2014 is 1.2 engine) and should she consider getting something else since there is a warning code on this particular car? Thanks for help... Georgia

 

[BRST47]

I've got a 2012 auto with 45k miles and the engine/transmission have been problem free. I haven't heard much about powertrain problems, more electronic gremlins. Check that dealer's reviews and also ask if you can have the car checked by a mechanic before you buy to avoid having to drop your mom off at your local fiat dealer every other day.

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi all,
My 82 year old mom saw I bought a 2014 Fiat 500 Lounge in Uk and now has set her eyes on a 2012 Fiat 500 in US 1.4 multi air I-4 engine with 49,000 miles. I am visiting her in US now but I'm hesitant to recommend this 2012 because it looks like a boy-racer car (red with wide stripe details) and has the automatic gear box that also allows manual driving (+ and - through the gears) don't know what that gearbox is called. It only sells with 60 day warranty and on our test drive I noticed an error code pop up on the dash but as I was in passenger seat, I couldn't see it fully before it flashed off. What would she be getting herself into with this engine (my 2014 is 1.2 engine) and should she consider getting something else since there is a warning code on this particular car? Thanks for help... Georgia

Hi.
The us 500 is not the same as the euro spec models.
The semi auto is termed duologic...
Does have its issues.

Biggest issue could be the fact its a RARE sight in the US so even main dealers may struggle if it has an odd fault.