Back in the late seventies, early eighties, I worked in a Rover dealer in Dorset. We occasionally got Fiats in as trade-ins. Loved the performance and feel of the 128 1300. Astonished by the performance of the 131 2000.
Later, 1988, I'd moved away to Oxford, and my current car, Marina 1700 Auto, was crap. Found a 131 1600ohv Auto at the right price. Despite being the ohv engine not the twin cam, it went rather well and used less fuel than the Marina it replaced. Loved it. Kept it for over 3 years, took it form 26500 miles to 101000. Replaced with an Argenta 2000 Auto. Turning circle of a supertanker, but lovely to drive, but could be surprisingly quick when pushed. Did 52000 miles in about 3 years, couldn't keep up with the growing holes in it. Replaced with a classic Panda 750. Even more fun, even if overtakes needed notice in writing. 2 years, 45000 miles, upgraded to a 1000 Panda, and a 5-speed box! 4 years and 88000 miles, had a rush of blood to the wallet and bought 3½ years and 85000 miles, poor thing got tired. Then only 9 months with a Punto mk2 CVT Auto. Still miss that one.
Keep Fiats, they grab the emotions.
Sadly 6 years without a Fiat, just the driving school cars, Corsas, then BSM went to the 500 for a year. Loved them, but missed the rear doors and headrests, so bought the Panda. Just coming up to 7 years now, still love it.
Rationally the AA Fiesta is a better car. Faster, more solid, but absolutely dead emotionally. For personal trips, still prefer the Panda. Not logical, just emotional.