General Buying a USED 500 in Italy.

[Tiff]

Having recently found a 'mint' 500 R (8 bolt) specimen in Southern Italy (Magile nr Lecce, Puglia), with the intention to DRIVE back to the UK at the end of August; a potential showstopper has reared its head regarding possible need for Italian residency to be able to buy a USED car.

My contacts so far, haven't mentioned this 'rule', but I am somewhat concerned this may be the case or hopefully only an address is required. I am currently 'residing' at an Italian airbase between Bari and Brindisi.

If there is anyone out there who can shed any light on this issue, I would be eternally grateful, as I am desperate to keep the 'Dream' alive!

Here's hoping!
Tiff.

 

[aquamarine]

Hi Tiff

I once looked part way into this. Advice I had was to speak to the local ACI (Auto Club Italia) office, who gave me advice by e-mail to the effect that it is possible to buy a car for export, but it requires cooperation from the seller as regards transfer/plates/taxes. It being Italy is a bit complicated, but the ACI office should be able to guide you through.

Good luck with it!

David

 

[5MuleTeam]

My information is not current, but thought I would share it.
In the early 1990s I was required to establish residency in order to purchase my 1966 Fiat 500 for export. Used car dealer said there was no way around it. I guess I could have had a relative or friend just purchase it and then drive it out of the country, but I did it myself the hard way. It took about a month to establish the residency, was quite simple. Just went to the Anagrafe office with a my p.d.s/passport and letter from the land lord stating I was renting accommodations from them. They dispatch a vigile to check up on your lodging and then you go back to the anagrafe for the residency permit. Then get auto insurance and go to the used car lot. I remember spending my first million that day, 1 million lira - lol.
If you are not going to be residing in Italy long enough for the process to complete, I would suggest you have a friend or Italian native purchase it, and then just drive it home and transfer the title if need be.
I drove it for a month in Italy before shipping it home (USA) from Rotterdam. Oh what fun times in that car, which has been sadly in a storage garage for 10+ years, for which I am ashamed.
Residency might be easier now, especially since you seem to be from an EU member country.
I wish you the best of luck and hope you are able to get your cinquecento.

 

[gusgurner]

Hi I've been off line lately but seeing this thought I might share.

I bought a Fiat 500 L 1972 on ebay from Italy and went to pick it up I had a copy of the ebay transaction and was given the insurance and car papers.

i certainly didn't have to become a resident. I drove it as far as Genoa from Bologna before it broke down. Next morning new coil and condesor points etc. and off again. Got as far as Alasio before having a problem with fuel was a 126 engine with the return fuel pipe option so found something to plug it.

Left the Motorway and almost made back to France before the exhaust fell off even stopped by the police who questioned what i was doing but showed all the papers and passport etc. They were very helpful in finding me a fiat garage.

I left it and went back with a flat bed truck brought it Cannes in France. Then the paperwork exercise started I needed a MOT, Certificate of conformity from Fiat and registered it in France with french plates. I wouldn't have thought the uk any different. I know people who buy cars in france and take them back to the uk.

Few initial teething problems but with new Electronic ignition goes like a dream very happy and so is my wife and young son.

If you are bold enough I would go get it bit of a treck but as long as you have the car papers, insurance and a letter saying you are the new owner.

Hope you get it all sorted

 

[Bambino]

I drove it as far as Genoa from Bologna before it broke down. Next morning new coil and condesor points etc. and off again. Got as far as Alasio before having a problem with fuel was a 126 engine with the return fuel pipe option so found something to plug it.

Left the Motorway and almost made back to France before the exhaust fell off even stopped by the police who questioned what i was doing but showed all the papers and passport etc. They were very helpful in finding me a fiat garage.

I left it and went back with a flat bed truck brought it Cannes in France.

You've got to love these little cars .....

Someone once told me that FIAT stands for 'Fix It Again Tony', but having owned a few, I don't believe him. Like any cars, if they are looked after, they will be reliable for a very long time.

Chris

 

[usafstud]

I bought one from an Italian while I was stationed in Italy and took it back to the states last year.

 

[gusgurner]

Cheers Chris

"Someone once told me that FIAT stands for 'Fix It Again Tony', but having owned a few, I don't believe him. Like any cars, if they are looked after, they will be reliable for a very long time."

Since changing the clutch and electronic ignition goes like a dream shame the Italian boat I work on wasn't the same!!!!!!!

 

[Bambino]

I think part of the problem with these cars is that whilst well engineered, they were mass produced and sold cheaply. As a result, during their 'lives', they may not have had the servicing done to keep them reliable in their dotage. Now we are picking them up when they've been flogged for 40+ years and are largely worn out. Once repaired and maintained however, they should be OK.

Sorry to hear about the boat. If you want to hear Naval horror stories, just ask about our Collins class submarines - real dogs.

Chris

 

[Adam O]

Hi there, I'm looking to buy a used 500 in Italy for myself in the UK. I'm going to visit Italy for a long weekend to try and find one. Where is the best place to look for a 500 in mint condition for around £2000

 

[stevehg]

Subito is the best source for looking at 500's available in Italy.

Limit your search to your budget and see what's comes back. Then see if you can find 4-5 500's near enough to see in a weekend. Then, if you're limited to one trip, see something you are happy with - buy it.

 

[AndrewHarvey]

Good luck with your potential purchase.
I bought a 500 from Italy and attempted to drive it home with as expected disastrous result.
In my opinion you would be incredibly fortunate to find a "mint" 500 for 2500 Euro.
You will find reasonably rust free examples - but a mint car will be somewhat more expensive.
Be aware of the "completely refurbished" cars with a shiny paint finish and not a bush or oil seal replaced.
Most of these cars are getting on for 50 years old - and all will need attention some where ....some how.......many will be very "tired".
Allow £800 to ship it back to the UK..............unless you fancy driving it home.....

 

[Adam O]

Thank you for your reply, if I'm lining up cars to look at, what website is best to search on. I have used Autoscout but not getting a reply off of anyone. Thanks again.

 

[the hobbler]

Beware of the words 'mint'!---In Italy this means something different to what we would understand the word to mean. I have met a number of people who have bought 'Mint, fully restored' cars from Italy, and then spent a fair bit of time, money and grief getting the car to run properly, stop leaking etc.
There are cases of people driving the cars back from Italy to the UK, but you have to be patient, and lucky, to get away with it. A 500 will fit into the back of a large Transit or Renault van---so why not hire a van, bring it back in the van and make a holiday of it at the same time
All the best with the paperwork; I can't see 'being a resident' being a problem--there are people, on e-bay, who bring 500s back into this country on a regular basis, and sell them on as 'restoration projects'---why not get in contact with one of those people, see if they can help with the paperwork, but you still go and get the car?

 

[El cargador]

Hi, i bought my little 500 L from a guy locally here in Spain who claims to have bought it in Italy. The car was sold without paperwork (which is permitted here for historic reasons) although when i questioned him about why he seemed a bit vague,anyway restoration finished i now have the aferdavit from the Notary to say the car is mine( bought in good faith) thd paperwork from the an automobile club to say the car is original,so halfway through.....you could contact a haulier who delivers to Italy,when i was working for a Spanish company we loaded cars in Manchester bound for Malta,delivering them in Genova,as you pay per metre might be a cheaper option to get a car back to UK

 

[stevehg]

Thank you for your reply, if I'm lining up cars to look at, what website is best to search on. I have used Autoscout but not getting a reply off of anyone. Thanks again.

As I posted above, Subito, here's a link for you...

http://www.subito.it/annunci-italia/vendita/auto/?q=Fiat+500&pe=4&re=5

You'll see there are currently 766 classic fiat 500 entries for less than €3000. Just use the slider on the left to adjust amount and top boxes to narrow by region or even a town.

If you use google chrome browser with auto translate you'll find it a lot easier. Also send emails in Italian, or you'll get little or no response.

cheers, Steve

 

[AndrewHarvey]

Wow there's some troubled cars ripe for big refurb costs! Buyer beware!
There are some really good guides on this site regarding what to look out for - just don't be dazzled by bright paint and new seat covers.....

 

[Adam O]

I am very interested In bringing a car over and taking it to auction but just don't have the knowledge or experience. Does anyone know if it's profitable and I'm just wondering if anyone would want to do this with me? Splitting everything 50/50

 

[AndrewHarvey]

Probably the quickest way to loose your money involving an old 500
IMO

 

[Paolo66]

I agree with Andrew. Don't think it's probable to find a cheap car in Italy, ship it over and then sell it on for a worthwile profit. After my restoration is finished I will have an A1 car but if I'm lucky I will only break even. I don't think there is anyone on here who does it for profit. Only fun and love. Only my opinion

 

[the hobbler]

Totally agree with Andrew and Damian---you would have to buy quite cheap in Italy and hope for a good price over here to guarantee a sensible profit. By the time you have (wisely) been to Italy and chosen your car (and Southern Italy is a long way from home), organised the transport, or driven down in a big Transit (in which you can fit a 500), you will have spent a lot of time and trouble for bugger all return. And, being that you are not experienced, who are you going to have to check the car FOR YOUR BENEFIT, and not that of the Italian gent selling it to you? Sorry to be so blunt, but this is an occasion where it has to said straight out.