Hello From Scarborough

[hteresa50]

I am currently completing my driving lessons in an automatic Ford Focus. Nice car but a bit big for my needs. I have always loved Fiat 500s and promised myself I would eventually buy one. Now, as you have probably been asked this many times before, where is D and P on the gear area. The car I have my eye on was built in 2019 but I cannot find out why these two important letters are missing from the gear area. Can anyone point me in the direction of explaining why these are missing and should I stick to a full automatic car rather than a semi automatic. I know that Fiat electric cars are fully automatic but not sure if I want one of those.

 

[steveras57]

I am currently completing my driving lessons in an automatic Ford Focus. Nice car but a bit big for my needs. I have always loved Fiat 500s and promised myself I would eventually buy one. Now, as you have probably been asked this many times before, where is D and P on the gear area. The car I have my eye on was built in 2019 but I cannot find out why these two important letters are missing from the gear area. Can anyone point me in the direction of explaining why these are missing and should I stick to a full automatic car rather than a semi automatic. I know that Fiat electric cars are fully automatic but not sure if I want one of those.

Hi whilst a 500 is a good choice to be honest considering all the problems we have seen on the forum with cars with expensive failures of the duologic gearbox( which is a manual gearbox with a robot system to shift for you!) id would have to steer you away from that version of the car!.
If you want(and can afford) an electric they have had very good reviews or id suggest learning to drive a normal manual gearbox car! failing that there are alternative manufactures that produce good and reliable fully automatic cars

 

[hteresa50]

Hi whilst a 500 is a good choice to be honest considering all the problems we have seen on the forum with cars with expensive failures of the duologic gearbox( which is a manual gearbox with a robot system to shift for you!) id would have to steer you away from that version of the car!.
If you want(and can afford) an electric they have had very good reviews or id suggest learning to drive a normal manual gearbox car! failing that there are alternative manufactures that produce good and reliable fully automatic cars

Good to know, thank you. I have tried manual driving but it’s not for me. It took my attention off the road too much. I will check out electric as the prices seem to be coming down.

 

[varesecrazy]

Good to know, thank you. I have tried manual driving but it’s not for me. It took my attention off the road too much. I will check out electric as the prices seem to be coming down.

My nephew didn't have any luck driving a manual.. (its not for everyone)

He bought a new
Abarth 500 Semi. Auto

No issues in the 4 years he kept it,


But you will find better gearboxes out there

Being new to driving.. You want it nice and easy


Maybe look at the Vauxhall Adam..

Not as cute, but potentially a better 1st car
I have no idea about the gearbox,

Again you want to see P and D

P = Park is a good indication of a Traditional Automatic Gearbox

 

[rmjbn1]

Be aware, most small cars now don't have traditional automatic gearboxes.

As with the Fiat 500, it's now more common to have a manual gearbox with clutch, fitted with a robot to operate the clutch and gear selection for you.

They don't behave exactly like auto boxes.

Fiat's DuaLogic seems to work OK until seals start to fail around 10 years old, repairs are expensive.

It depends what your priorities are. If you really want a 500, then I'd expect a newish example to be reasonably reliable for a few years. Or the 500e.

If you need a 'proper' auto box, then there are a few small cars to choose from, eg Suzuki Splash.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Be aware, most small cars now don't have traditional automatic gearboxes.

As with the Fiat 500, it's now more common to have a manual gearbox with clutch, fitted with a robot to operate the clutch and gear selection for you.

They don't behave exactly like auto boxes.

Fiat's DuaLogic seems to work OK until seals start to fail around 10 years old, repairs are expensive.

It depends what your priorities are. If you really want a 500, then I'd expect a newish example to be reasonably reliable for a few years. Or the 500e.

If you need a 'proper' auto box, then there are a few small cars to choose from, eg Suzuki Splash.

Or even Ignis.