Not Really for Boy Racers..... (Fiat Cinquecento)

Member Name: ~tig~

Product:	Fiat Cinquecento
Date:	22/02/01 (1282 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: cheap + cheerful

Disadvantages: (see above!)

You got to hand it to FIAT - they're not really into frills, but for fun, functional cars you can't go far wrong. At the moment the Cinq is excellent value for a small car, partly because with the introduction of the Seicento the Cinq has become more affordable for the younger market.

At group 2 insurance (it doesn't get much lower), low servicing costs and unbelievable fuel economy, this car really is good value for money. There are three main models, the S, SX and the Sporting. Of the three the sporting really stands out but I'm not convinced that it's really worth the hefty increase in purchase price and the even heftier increase in insurance premium!

Overall style is often criticised as being 'boxy' although personally I think it adds character to the car. It has got rather a cut off rear end (my theory is that they got bored designing and drew a vertical line when it came to the boot! :-) and this means that there isn't a great deal of boot space, it's also a bit unnerving if you're not very tall as the bonnet has such a curve that you can't always see it at all!

I'm the first to admit that I'm no expert when it comes to mechanics. However, through experience with two different cars (one S, one SX) I can say with some certainty that they are reliable and as long as you take care of them they won't let you down. Suprisingly good at cold starting aswell, since I learnt to drive in a car with a choke it's always a pleasant suprise to me when my car starts first time!

If you are thinking of buying one there are a few minor things to look out for :

* These cars are so fun to drive and so forgiving of bad driving (virtually unstallable) that they tend to get a bit abused - get a good history to make sure it hasn't been thrashed to within an inch of it's life!

* There have been a few recalls on such things as the fuel tank etc. You're unli
kely to find a car now to which the adjustments haven't already been made and even if you do these don't really present a problem as FIAT garages are obliged to deal with it free of charge. Even so it is something to be aware of.

* Check the window trims as these tend to work loose if the car exterior isn't cared for - sounds minor but not fun when it rains!

(I would also advise not to get a grey one as they seem to be universally ignorable - I have a friend with one and people keep driving into her when she's parked!)

Overall, not really a car for you if you place high value on a comfortable ride, or if you fancy yourself as a bit of a boy (or girl) racer as it just won't impress. if however you are in it for good practical fun then I would definitely recommend this car....... Enjoy!

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