General Please help me decide between 0.9 105ps and the 1.2 500 Riva!

[LewisCinquecento91]

Hi all! I have my eye on two 500 Rivas. Very close to pulling the trigger, possibly in next 48 hours!!! I was about to buy a 23k mile 2017 Riva coupe 0.9 105 twinair… then a 11k mile 2017 Riva appeared in perfect condition but is the 1.2 version.

I understand one will be more fun and one will be more reliable. I’m sure there’s more nuance than that, and that’s what I’m hoping will help me decide! The car will be a commuter but also will be cherished and enjoyed on the weekends hopefully for years to come.

Both cars:
-coupe
-Great condition, 1.2 slightly better due to lower miles.
-both low miles though.
-FSH
-same spec except engines.
-same price.


Which would your money go on?

Need help asap! Can’t test drive either. Doing all due diligence, videos, face time, etc etc but not attending until collection.
Thanks!!!

 

[Piccolo Nero e Bella]

Hi all! I have my eye on two 500 Rivas. Very close to pulling the trigger, possibly in next 48 hours!!! I was about to buy a 23k mile 2017 Riva coupe 0.9 105 twinair… then a 11k mile 2017 Riva appeared in perfect condition but is the 1.2 version.

I understand one will be more fun and one will be more reliable. I’m sure there’s more nuance than that, and that’s what I’m hoping will help me decide! The car will be a commuter but also will be cherished and enjoyed on the weekends hopefully for years to come.

Both cars:
-coupe
-Great condition, 1.2 slightly better due to lower miles.
-both low miles though.
-FSH
-same spec except engines.
-same price.


Which would your money go on?

Need help asap! Can’t test drive either. Doing all due diligence, videos, face time, etc etc but not attending until collection.
Thanks!!!

Speaking for myself, and assuming a full and up-to-date service history, there'd be no question; the Twinnie! Have to be a manual though, if either is a Dualogic that would rule them out - slow changing, uninspiring and potentially expensive to repair. Pity the Riva was never available here.

 

[LewisCinquecento91]

Thanks! I’ve heard from a couple mechanics that the 1.2 is more reliable but I’m still weighing up the risk/reward of the twin air because it seems like it will be lots of fun!

Yea, both manual!

 

[jrkitching]

Which would your money go on?

The 1.2.

This is the second time this question has been asked this week.

To avoid repeating what I said last time, read this thread if you haven't already done so.

And I'll just add that there 's no way I'd ever buy any car that I hadn't test driven. If the seller won't allow this, walk away. If it means taking a day out to go do it, and perhaps a long journey, invest the time and effort. A Riva won't be cheap, and you need to do all you can to make sure you're not buying someone else's problem.

Out of interest, what do you plan to use the car for? A low mileage Riva could be a car worth keeping, but not if you're going to use it as a daily driver. With average miles and in average condition, four years from now most of that purchase premium will have vanished.

The Riva is all about the trim package. If my priority were performance, I'd buy an A500 over a 105TA any day of the week.

 

[AnthonyH]

Accelerating quickly from one red light to the next, or accelerating quickly to change lanes...

Neither is appealing. So give me the 1.2L

 

[LewisCinquecento91]

Thanks JRkitching I didn’t see that, must be the only thread I haven’t read! Mostly votes for the 1.2.

I can test drive the 1.2 as it’s not as far away (still 3 hours away though) but the .09 is 5+ hour drive.

Its function would be a 4 day a week 30 mile a day commute, and then also a passion project and cherished weekend car also. Plan on driving it down to south of France one day too.

I love the 500’s and live the Riva. I wanted the cabrio or the 105 engine to add something special and make the car feel like an occasion. The cabrio would make me lose sleep every time it rained (bad past experience with an old Audi tt) so decided to prioritise the engine and add extra fun that way.

It’s not that I need performance, just a wider smile. I do believe I can still be happy with the 1.2 though, if it’s the overall “smart” pick

Thanks so much

 

[LewisCinquecento91]

I also had the idea that in years to come, the Riva with the 0.9 105 would be rarer and more interesting than the 1.2.

Having said that, if it goes wrong…I wouldn’t even have it by then anyway!

 

[jrkitching]

Having said that, if it goes wrong…I wouldn’t even have it by then anyway!

How long are you planning to keep it?

 

[LewisCinquecento91]

Til it dies, but at least 5 years. As long as I can! Will be happy to spend money on it over the years

 

[jrkitching]

It’s not that I need performance, just a wider smile

The good news is that no matter which engine you choose, a 500 will put a smile on your face every time you drive it.

 

[jrkitching]

Til it dies, but at least 5 years

Then it's a no-brainer to choose the 1.2

It will likely cost you several thousand pounds less in repairs during your period of ownership.

If you had been buying the car brand new, and trading it away in the first five years, then the TA would have been a more reasonable proposition.

 

[LewisCinquecento91]

After reading what you’ve said, I’m leaning towards the 1.2. I’ve never driven a twin air so I’m not exactly going to know what I’m missing out on.

It’s almost like I’ve done too much research on this matter, and read too many scary things about the 0.9 that my judgement has been compromised beyond repair! I think I might be hyper vigilant now and scrutinise everything because I’m aware of the 0.9’s potential for issues. That’s not fun. Negating the reason I would choose it!

 

[jrkitching]

It’s almost like I’ve done too much research on this matter, and read too many scary things about the 0.9 that my judgement has been compromised beyond repair! I think I might be hyper vigilant now and scrutinise everything because I’m aware of the 0.9’s potential for issues. That’s not fun. Negating the reason I would choose it!

I think that's both realistic and prudent.

Also, for the 30 mile daily commute, the 1.2 will likely be both quieter and more comfortable to drive than a 105TA.

 

[LewisCinquecento91]

But isn’t the fun and going with your heart and buying the lovely charming engine part of the 500 philosophy? I’ve heard people say its the true soul of the car? Or is this all too romantic and idealistic?

 

[AnthonyH]

But isn’t the fun and going with your heart and buying the lovely charming engine part of the 500 philosophy? I’ve heard people say its the true soul of the car? Or is this all too romantic and idealistic?

The audience you have here is mechanics...not arty people looking for a driving experience

 

[LewisCinquecento91]

Yes, that’s a good point, and after all that’s the advice I’m looking for! I’m playing devils advocate of course.

So another vote for 1.2 Anthony?

 

[AnthonyH]

Yes, that’s a good point, and after all that’s the advice I’m looking for! I’m playing devils advocate of course.

So another vote for 1.2 Anthony?

I already voted for 1.2, the extra acceleration will be pleasing for a day or two after you get the car. After that you'll revert to your usual driving style and forget all about it. Until oil starts leaking from the timing cover Your trusty 1.2L will still be starting up when the rest of the car has rusted to pieces.

 

[icheatatscrabble]

I think you should buy an Abarth 695 Rivale.......

 

[LewisCinquecento91]

I think you should buy an Abarth 695 Rivale.......View attachment 455287

That looks the business, but out of budget I think for the example I’d want!

 

[icheatatscrabble]

That looks the business, but out of budget I think for the example I’d want!

Save up a little bit more.....