Warning - don’t have children. Abarth 500 content
Discussion
Children are expensive, time consuming and difficult to understand - take my son for example. He has been driving for just over a year in a perfectly fine Seat Ibiza Sport Coupe in a nice shade of emocion red. He has honed his driving and cleaning skills and developed the ability to fill his car with fuel. I am as a father so proud.....
After recently starting an apprenticeship following A-levels he announced that he wanted a new car. After a dip into the BMW 1 series and Audi A3 pool he settled on a Abarth 500. Now obviously as any father would do I pointed out the negatives of having such a small and insurance unfriendly car. I pointed out that my MINI F56 JCW is a very practical and family friendly steed which is both good on fuel and spacious. I also mentioned that his current car is absolutely fine and given the old nails that I drove back in the 80’s when I was his age (chevette anyone?) he should think himself lucky that he has a half decent car.
Being a petrolhead and serial car buyer myself I didn’t really have a leg to stand on in any argument. So after a few scary insurance quotes and almost succumbing to the ridiculously cheap quotes from Hastings (how bad are they as a company - read online reviews) we managed to get a reasonable quote. So after a fairly long search that saw a few cars driven we managed to find ‘the one’ at a dealer in Cheshire.
So, how you may ask am I spending what may be the last nice Friday of the year? Currently in Cheltenham station waiting for train number 2 en route to pickup said car....
Watch this space for more updates.
Why did I have children???????
After recently starting an apprenticeship following A-levels he announced that he wanted a new car. After a dip into the BMW 1 series and Audi A3 pool he settled on a Abarth 500. Now obviously as any father would do I pointed out the negatives of having such a small and insurance unfriendly car. I pointed out that my MINI F56 JCW is a very practical and family friendly steed which is both good on fuel and spacious. I also mentioned that his current car is absolutely fine and given the old nails that I drove back in the 80’s when I was his age (chevette anyone?) he should think himself lucky that he has a half decent car.
Being a petrolhead and serial car buyer myself I didn’t really have a leg to stand on in any argument. So after a few scary insurance quotes and almost succumbing to the ridiculously cheap quotes from Hastings (how bad are they as a company - read online reviews) we managed to get a reasonable quote. So after a fairly long search that saw a few cars driven we managed to find ‘the one’ at a dealer in Cheshire.
So, how you may ask am I spending what may be the last nice Friday of the year? Currently in Cheltenham station waiting for train number 2 en route to pickup said car....
Watch this space for more updates.
Why did I have children???????
What spec is the Abarth?
I say that as I ran quotes for a 595 Comp when I was deciding on my current car, and the F56 Cooper S that I now have was considerably more to insure. - That was at 19 years old with 2 years NCB and 3 points.
Was set on the 595 until I actually went and sat in one. Drove nicely and made a great noise but the interior felt cheap, the seating position was too high, and I didn't think I'd be able to face my mates who would call it a Fiat 500.
Each to their own though. I'd still like to try one if they could sort the seating position out.
I say that as I ran quotes for a 595 Comp when I was deciding on my current car, and the F56 Cooper S that I now have was considerably more to insure. - That was at 19 years old with 2 years NCB and 3 points.
Was set on the 595 until I actually went and sat in one. Drove nicely and made a great noise but the interior felt cheap, the seating position was too high, and I didn't think I'd be able to face my mates who would call it a Fiat 500.
Each to their own though. I'd still like to try one if they could sort the seating position out.
Sounds like he is skinting himself for the sake of a car, real smart. But hard to see past that when you are a young petrol head.
I wanted to do that when I was 17 (i am now 30) by getting a Clio 172, I was absolutely determined. Never owned one to this day - parents nudged me into something more sensible with some financial help. Glad they did in hind sight.
I wanted to do that when I was 17 (i am now 30) by getting a Clio 172, I was absolutely determined. Never owned one to this day - parents nudged me into something more sensible with some financial help. Glad they did in hind sight.
We are on train number 2.
After some interesting arguments by two of my fellow travellers over reserved seats that weren’t it is all looking good for Birmingham station in 10 minutes.
Thanks for reading, here are some answers.
Car is a 2015 Abarth 500 135 with 13k on the clock so pretty much new. It is in metallic dark grey with red stripes and mirrors. The interior was designed by Mario Llewelyn Bowen in a nice shade of Red Cow skin. Drives well and was really well presented by a Ford dealer with fresh MOT and service etc.
AS a parent I get it that pushing him towards keeping his car or going for something cheaper would be the best thing to do. However in my defence I did move him away from a £16k BMW as I wasn’t happy with that level of debt at his age. If you half that and throw in the value of his car the borrowing is manageable. He is on a fair whack with his apprenticeship and as they are a financial service company he is on the share scheme and putting some in his pension. I have also insisted that he saves more per month than the car payment so all good. When they turn 18 and have cash money it is difficult to dictate and all I can do is steer him where I can.
Next stop Birmingham New Street for a 15 minute wait until the next train.
Thoughts have turned to coffee and my packed lunch....
After some interesting arguments by two of my fellow travellers over reserved seats that weren’t it is all looking good for Birmingham station in 10 minutes.
Thanks for reading, here are some answers.
Car is a 2015 Abarth 500 135 with 13k on the clock so pretty much new. It is in metallic dark grey with red stripes and mirrors. The interior was designed by Mario Llewelyn Bowen in a nice shade of Red Cow skin. Drives well and was really well presented by a Ford dealer with fresh MOT and service etc.
AS a parent I get it that pushing him towards keeping his car or going for something cheaper would be the best thing to do. However in my defence I did move him away from a £16k BMW as I wasn’t happy with that level of debt at his age. If you half that and throw in the value of his car the borrowing is manageable. He is on a fair whack with his apprenticeship and as they are a financial service company he is on the share scheme and putting some in his pension. I have also insisted that he saves more per month than the car payment so all good. When they turn 18 and have cash money it is difficult to dictate and all I can do is steer him where I can.
Next stop Birmingham New Street for a 15 minute wait until the next train.
Thoughts have turned to coffee and my packed lunch....
We are on train number 2.
After some interesting arguments by two of my fellow travellers over reserved seats that weren’t it is all looking good for Birmingham station in 10 minutes.
Thanks for reading, here are some answers.
Car is a 2015 Abarth 500 135 with 13k on the clock so pretty much new. It is in metallic dark grey with red stripes and mirrors. The interior was designed by Mario Llewelyn Bowen in a nice shade of Red Cow skin. Drives well and was really well presented by a Ford dealer with fresh MOT and service etc.
AS a parent I get it that pushing him towards keeping his car or going for something cheaper would be the best thing to do. However in my defence I did move him away from a £16k BMW as I wasn’t happy with that level of debt at his age. If you half that and throw in the value of his car the borrowing is manageable. He is on a fair whack with his apprenticeship and as they are a financial service company he is on the share scheme and putting some in his pension. I have also insisted that he saves more per month than the car payment so all good. When they turn 18 and have cash money it is difficult to dictate and all I can do is steer him where I can.
Next stop Birmingham New Street for a 15 minute wait until the next train.
Thoughts have turned to coffee and my packed lunch....
After some interesting arguments by two of my fellow travellers over reserved seats that weren’t it is all looking good for Birmingham station in 10 minutes.
Thanks for reading, here are some answers.
Car is a 2015 Abarth 500 135 with 13k on the clock so pretty much new. It is in metallic dark grey with red stripes and mirrors. The interior was designed by Mario Llewelyn Bowen in a nice shade of Red Cow skin. Drives well and was really well presented by a Ford dealer with fresh MOT and service etc.
AS a parent I get it that pushing him towards keeping his car or going for something cheaper would be the best thing to do. However in my defence I did move him away from a £16k BMW as I wasn’t happy with that level of debt at his age. If you half that and throw in the value of his car the borrowing is manageable. He is on a fair whack with his apprenticeship and as they are a financial service company he is on the share scheme and putting some in his pension. I have also insisted that he saves more per month than the car payment so all good. When they turn 18 and have cash money it is difficult to dictate and all I can do is steer him where I can.
Next stop Birmingham New Street for a 15 minute wait until the next train.
Thoughts have turned to coffee and my packed lunch....
Train number 3 and they are getiting better.
From a small shutter between Stroud and Cheltenham to a full on executive carriage with aircraft flush toilets.
The train is heading to Liverpool, the land of my father but I depart a bit before that.
No coffee due to the madness of Birmingham station and my first use of app based tickets. Why have so many barriers between trains? Time for packed lunch me thinks....
From a small shutter between Stroud and Cheltenham to a full on executive carriage with aircraft flush toilets.
The train is heading to Liverpool, the land of my father but I depart a bit before that.
No coffee due to the madness of Birmingham station and my first use of app based tickets. Why have so many barriers between trains? Time for packed lunch me thinks....
Packed lunch has been and gone and I a bit disappointed that I didn’t include some form of treat in the shape of a kitkat or something similar.
Just been planning my weekend attack on the car. Thinking wash, Clay, autoglm SRP topped off with mequires ultimate for long lasting shine. I am not a detailer but I have bought lots of ‘stuff’ over the years. My son, will of course be playing xbone or something when I am doing this but if you want s job worth doing.
Drive back will be fun as it will involve M6 down to Birmingham followed by the M5 as far as Bristol. This in a car that is smaller than my MINI.
When I am old and can no longer drive or fend for myself, I will point my son to this thread as I ask him to look after me.
Just been planning my weekend attack on the car. Thinking wash, Clay, autoglm SRP topped off with mequires ultimate for long lasting shine. I am not a detailer but I have bought lots of ‘stuff’ over the years. My son, will of course be playing xbone or something when I am doing this but if you want s job worth doing.
Drive back will be fun as it will involve M6 down to Birmingham followed by the M5 as far as Bristol. This in a car that is smaller than my MINI.
When I am old and can no longer drive or fend for myself, I will point my son to this thread as I ask him to look after me.
I am in Crewe. I have never been to Crewe before.
One thing that I have learnt is that they chop the train in half at Crewe as I have been ushered into the front four carriages as my train will be shortened.
The new carriage is more of a shunted with 1970’ s green seats in a 3/2 formation. I can’t find any toilet yet alone the swish aircraft ones of the previous carriage.
My travelling companions for this leg of my journey are two yoot who are both wearing box fresh vans with added ‘chequered flag’ effect’. I am listing to Spotify which has chosen to offer up Royal Blood which is a good thing so feel at one with my companions.
Garage emailed and lift arranged, one stop to go once they shorten the train.
One thing that I have learnt is that they chop the train in half at Crewe as I have been ushered into the front four carriages as my train will be shortened.
The new carriage is more of a shunted with 1970’ s green seats in a 3/2 formation. I can’t find any toilet yet alone the swish aircraft ones of the previous carriage.
My travelling companions for this leg of my journey are two yoot who are both wearing box fresh vans with added ‘chequered flag’ effect’. I am listing to Spotify which has chosen to offer up Royal Blood which is a good thing so feel at one with my companions.
Garage emailed and lift arranged, one stop to go once they shorten the train.
cornishboy1970 said:
Drive back will be fun as it will involve M6 down to Birmingham followed by the M5 as far as Bristol.
Looking forward to pictures.
to put this into context - I went from a Mini Mayfair (that had been shunted so that the front wing would pull away through quick corners)
to a Lancia Delta......1.4 only i'm afraid - but it felt like I won the lottery.
This was over 20 years ago now, and the Lancia was my fathers actual car. He gave it to me. I was 21 and leaving home forever having returned from University.
At no point did I truly appreciate what a kindness it was for a man to give me a car when his job was 12 hour night shifts in a factory for nearly 30 years. He had no money, and the little F reg red delta was his pride and joy.
As a man now, I have ensured he knows that I now understand.
He is a fine man.
Fantastic you can enjoy this (not literal) journey with your son.
to a Lancia Delta......1.4 only i'm afraid - but it felt like I won the lottery.
This was over 20 years ago now, and the Lancia was my fathers actual car. He gave it to me. I was 21 and leaving home forever having returned from University.
At no point did I truly appreciate what a kindness it was for a man to give me a car when his job was 12 hour night shifts in a factory for nearly 30 years. He had no money, and the little F reg red delta was his pride and joy.
As a man now, I have ensured he knows that I now understand.
He is a fine man.
Fantastic you can enjoy this (not literal) journey with your son.
An excellent choice, we all did it, money to burn at 18 and wanting a car is a dangerous (if somewhat satisfying) mix!
As an owner of the more recent 595 Comp I am biased but he has good taste, so as a parent you can be proud of his first foray into hot hatch territory. Also there are endless bits and shiny/carbon things available for them, if nothing else should keepyou him occupied.
As an owner of the more recent 595 Comp I am biased but he has good taste, so as a parent you can be proud of his first foray into hot hatch territory. Also there are endless bits and shiny/carbon things available for them, if nothing else should keep
cornishboy1970 said:
Car is a 2015 Abarth 500 135 with 13k on the clock so pretty much new. It is in metallic dark grey with red stripes and mirrors. The interior was designed by Mario Llewelyn Bowen in a nice shade of Red Cow skin. Drives well and was really well presented by a Ford dealer with fresh MOT and service etc.
The grey is one of the colours which suits the graphics best IMO. Looking forward to pictures as well! Quick update as sat in frankley services due to being closer to 50 than 30 and needing to use the facilities.
Pickup was faultless and the dealer who sell ford cars in Winsford Cheshire were brilliant. They have presented the car well and attended to everything on the list I had following the test drive.
So the m6 was a pain with all the roadworks and it is good to see that they have sectioned off miles of carriageway for no real reason. I saw about three workers actually doing something - rant over. I am now in the familiar m5 so all good.
Car is going well and I quite like it as like my mini it has character and that is something that appeals to me. I will post some pictures of the car up later in all her glory for the world to marvel at the loverly red cow skin interior.
Sent plenty of pictures to my son, who is at work to taunt him which is all part of being a parent and payback for things he did as a child to annoy me.
So, if you see a grey Abarth on the M5 heading towards the south west, give me a wave.
Pickup was faultless and the dealer who sell ford cars in Winsford Cheshire were brilliant. They have presented the car well and attended to everything on the list I had following the test drive.
So the m6 was a pain with all the roadworks and it is good to see that they have sectioned off miles of carriageway for no real reason. I saw about three workers actually doing something - rant over. I am now in the familiar m5 so all good.
Car is going well and I quite like it as like my mini it has character and that is something that appeals to me. I will post some pictures of the car up later in all her glory for the world to marvel at the loverly red cow skin interior.
Sent plenty of pictures to my son, who is at work to taunt him which is all part of being a parent and payback for things he did as a child to annoy me.
So, if you see a grey Abarth on the M5 heading towards the south west, give me a wave.
So, I am home at last...
After fighting the M6 and experiencing Frankly Services I have managed to navigate the M5 back to a sunny Bristol.
The car has behaved well and I am actually impressed with it and the way that it drives both in and out of SPORT mode. It was much better than I thought on the Motorway and given all the reports I have read about high seating position and rock hard suspension I must admit that it is much better than I expected.
Given the ridiculously low mileage, the car runs and drives live new and as mentioned previously was prepared so well by a Ford dealer based in Winsford, Cheshire. The red cow skin looks and feels like new and the car is immaculate both in and outside which given that I have OCD when it comes to marks on cars is a good thing. So I am now sat on the sofa with a well deserved coffee gathering my thoughts on my day. I have read many accounts of road trips to pickup cars and often wondered what it would be like and I must admit that I have thought that it would be fun. I have totally enjoyed my day and the whole experience and is something that I would recommend.
So what are the Good/Bad points of my day and the Abarth 500?
Good
- Ford Dealer in Winsford Cheshire - overall a really good experience with friendly staff and a well prepared car. If you need a Ford then go and see these guys and ask for Ollie.
- Abarth 500's are good cars - they have character and design that is often missing from cars these days. I had an S3 a couple of years ago which was very quick but had no soul so it didn't last long. I think my son will like it and the 'scene' that comes with it as from the forums/facetube things he has showed me everyone seems nice.
- I like road trips
- Craig Charles is a very good replacement for Steve Wright and plays good music
- Trains sometimes run on time
Bad
- Smooth FM plays really bad music
- The M6 improvements are ridiculous with mile after mile of 50MPH, cones with no workers. Dear Highways Agency, cone off the bits you are working on....
- Metal 'race' pedals on the Abarth look nice and sporty but don't work well with Clarks 'old man' desert boots
- Red Cow Skin - not a fan
- Frankly Services - Quite a bad place to be
- Abarth Sun visors - as pointless as the ones in my MINI
So the only thing left to do is to get an ad on Gumtree for a nice 2009 SEAT IBIZA 3dr Sport Coupe (PM me if you are interested) and try to share some pics:
After fighting the M6 and experiencing Frankly Services I have managed to navigate the M5 back to a sunny Bristol.
The car has behaved well and I am actually impressed with it and the way that it drives both in and out of SPORT mode. It was much better than I thought on the Motorway and given all the reports I have read about high seating position and rock hard suspension I must admit that it is much better than I expected.
Given the ridiculously low mileage, the car runs and drives live new and as mentioned previously was prepared so well by a Ford dealer based in Winsford, Cheshire. The red cow skin looks and feels like new and the car is immaculate both in and outside which given that I have OCD when it comes to marks on cars is a good thing. So I am now sat on the sofa with a well deserved coffee gathering my thoughts on my day. I have read many accounts of road trips to pickup cars and often wondered what it would be like and I must admit that I have thought that it would be fun. I have totally enjoyed my day and the whole experience and is something that I would recommend.
So what are the Good/Bad points of my day and the Abarth 500?
Good
- Ford Dealer in Winsford Cheshire - overall a really good experience with friendly staff and a well prepared car. If you need a Ford then go and see these guys and ask for Ollie.
- Abarth 500's are good cars - they have character and design that is often missing from cars these days. I had an S3 a couple of years ago which was very quick but had no soul so it didn't last long. I think my son will like it and the 'scene' that comes with it as from the forums/facetube things he has showed me everyone seems nice.
- I like road trips
- Craig Charles is a very good replacement for Steve Wright and plays good music
- Trains sometimes run on time
Bad
- Smooth FM plays really bad music
- The M6 improvements are ridiculous with mile after mile of 50MPH, cones with no workers. Dear Highways Agency, cone off the bits you are working on....
- Metal 'race' pedals on the Abarth look nice and sporty but don't work well with Clarks 'old man' desert boots
- Red Cow Skin - not a fan
- Frankly Services - Quite a bad place to be
- Abarth Sun visors - as pointless as the ones in my MINI
So the only thing left to do is to get an ad on Gumtree for a nice 2009 SEAT IBIZA 3dr Sport Coupe (PM me if you are interested) and try to share some pics:
Birmingham new street is a much nicer place now following the revamp, Crewe.... did you see the APT as you left ? Some of the London Midland trains - or whatever they are know as were a bit hit or miss. Glad you enyoed the trip though, I spent near on 2 year on trains going to view and buy cars.
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