General Searching for a 500 - any tips?

[mphmacd]

Hi all, new member here.

I'm on the hunt for a classic 500 for an upcoming (big) birthday for my wife. We previously had a 90's era Cinquecento that unfortunately lost the fight against rust. So I'm looking to take a step further back in time, having fallen in love with the shape - while doubling down on the somewhat unsophisticated driving experience of older Fiats.

I'm relatively new to the world of classic 500s and would prefer a RHD model, so wondered if anyone had any specific recommendations of dealers etc. to speak with? I wouldn't be comfortable with my ability to spot any issues on a car such as this so recognise that I might need to pay a premium to find something that comes from a dealer (and risk that the premium is actually a rip-off fee) but the last thing I'd want is to buy something that looks good superficially but is falling apart. I've spent some time reading the forum and it seems this is a bit of a recurring trend.

Budget-wise, I was hoping to find something for c. £10-11k. Does this seem like enough to get a good car, or would I have to be quite realistic about niggles / signs of age?

Any other thoughts / suggestions are very welcome.

Cheers,
M

ETA - based in Perthshire and London, so most of the UK would be within reach.

 

[Toshi 975]

With that sort of budget you should be able to pick up a decent car in a genuine sale but having said that there are plenty out there that will quite happily sell you a pup for that and more. One good way of searching is to join specialist Fiat 500 car clubs and look out for cars that members have owned for a while and are now selling.

 

[mphmacd]

Much appreciated, thanks very much.

I did pick up on a member considering a sale on another post, so may follow up on that as well.

 

[the hobbler]

I agree with Dave (Toshi)--for that sort of budget you should get a corker. As he suggested, contact iether of the main 500 clubs ---"Fiat 500 Enthusiasts Club" or "Fiat 500 club UK" May I also suggest that you contacy Mark Jayes at Motobambino---he is on the edge of Carnforth (M6) and might be able to find you one or put you in contact with somebody selling one. He is a real 'pukka' guy.

 

[mphmacd]

Thanks for these suggestions, very much appreciated. Will follow up with those clubs and people mentioned.

Cheers,
M

 

[Alfadeke21]

Hi all, new member here.

I'm on the hunt for a classic 500 for an upcoming (big) birthday for my wife. We previously had a 90's era Cinquecento that unfortunately lost the fight against rust. So I'm looking to take a step further back in time, having fallen in love with the shape - while doubling down on the somewhat unsophisticated driving experience of older Fiats.

I'm relatively new to the world of classic 500s and would prefer a RHD model, so wondered if anyone had any specific recommendations of dealers etc. to speak with? I wouldn't be comfortable with my ability to spot any issues on a car such as this so recognise that I might need to pay a premium to find something that comes from a dealer (and risk that the premium is actually a rip-off fee) but the last thing I'd want is to buy something that looks good superficially but is falling apart. I've spent some time reading the forum and it seems this is a bit of a recurring trend.

Budget-wise, I was hoping to find something for c. £10-11k. Does this seem like enough to get a good car, or would I have to be quite realistic about niggles / signs of age?

Any other thoughts / suggestions are very welcome.

Cheers,
M

ETA - based in Perthshire and London, so most of the UK would be within reach.

Hi, I’m based in Fife and am considering selling my 500D 1964; not concours but very good. Please let me know if you’re still interested in finding one?
cheers, Derek