I want to buy a used abarth 500, anyone an expert?
Discussion
Self proclaimed novice in the world of motoring here.
I want to buy a used abarth 500, wanting to spend in and around 5 to 6k. this kind of money puts me in and around the earliest models, usually 09 or 10 plates.
Im just wondering if there are any abarth experts (if such a thing exists) out there who could guide me through what to look for on a car of this age. How many miles is too many and what are the usual faults I should look out for.
If anyone has any guidance or experience with buying Cat D vehicles that would be appreciated too. Ive found a newer 2012 example with 40,000 miles on the clock for 5k - I contacted the seller for details on the insurance write off but they didn't have any details only that they bought the car already repaired and that it had been owned for the last year. I'm not very bothered about resell values as I intend to run this car into the ground.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I want to buy a used abarth 500, wanting to spend in and around 5 to 6k. this kind of money puts me in and around the earliest models, usually 09 or 10 plates.
Im just wondering if there are any abarth experts (if such a thing exists) out there who could guide me through what to look for on a car of this age. How many miles is too many and what are the usual faults I should look out for.
If anyone has any guidance or experience with buying Cat D vehicles that would be appreciated too. Ive found a newer 2012 example with 40,000 miles on the clock for 5k - I contacted the seller for details on the insurance write off but they didn't have any details only that they bought the car already repaired and that it had been owned for the last year. I'm not very bothered about resell values as I intend to run this car into the ground.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Edited by fredd97 on Wednesday 1st May 14:18
Not an expert by any stretch but there are some well documented issues to be aware of:
At some point the door handle(s) will break. Either the retaining clip on the door handle that locates it against the door skin snaps (leaving the handle hanging off the door) and the door trim needs stripping off to replace a 50p part.
OR
The door handle itself will snap, near to the clip, but requiring a new handle. Circa £100.
The brake sensor fails. Shows by random messages popping up in the MFD, saying things like “esp failure”. £10 part. Located under dash in passenger footwell. 30 second job to unclip and replace.
Monza exhaust: the one with 4 tips. Has butterfly valves that open at a certain rev range. They get stuck (sometimes free off with a wiggle and wd 40) or the spring itself snaps. Not sure if that’s fixable.
In any case the exhaust full stop isn’t very robust and is expensive to replace with OEM (around 700) so many will have an aftermarket back box on.
Runs better (so the general consensus of opinion is) on the specific Selinia oil. Certainly using this I’ve never had to top up between services. So, a main dealer or specialist history is good as a general garage would probably just put in an oil of the right viscosity.
Non xenon headlamps not great, worth seeking as an upgrade.
Blu and me (their version of blu-tooth) is rubbish and doesn’t connect very well to modern smart phones. A 60 adapter allows better connection and retains the steering wheel control.
Essessse cars have a number of mods (increase to 160 bhp, bigger, vented brakes, 17’ multi spoke wheels, uprated shocks and springs, and a reusable air filter.)
These cars can command a small premium 2nd hand (on what was a 3k dealer fit option) so check it is what it is if paying for it, as you can just buy the badge to stick on!
The ride is really, really hard so some cars with the the kit have reverted to standard suspension.
also bear in mind whilst it does have the 160bhp over the standard 140 that is relatively cheaply obtained on an “ordinary” car as the turbo is the same.
All in all mine has been cheap to run, been very reliable and a hoot to drive.
Holds its value pretty well and I’d definitely recommend all round.
At some point the door handle(s) will break. Either the retaining clip on the door handle that locates it against the door skin snaps (leaving the handle hanging off the door) and the door trim needs stripping off to replace a 50p part.
OR
The door handle itself will snap, near to the clip, but requiring a new handle. Circa £100.
The brake sensor fails. Shows by random messages popping up in the MFD, saying things like “esp failure”. £10 part. Located under dash in passenger footwell. 30 second job to unclip and replace.
Monza exhaust: the one with 4 tips. Has butterfly valves that open at a certain rev range. They get stuck (sometimes free off with a wiggle and wd 40) or the spring itself snaps. Not sure if that’s fixable.
In any case the exhaust full stop isn’t very robust and is expensive to replace with OEM (around 700) so many will have an aftermarket back box on.
Runs better (so the general consensus of opinion is) on the specific Selinia oil. Certainly using this I’ve never had to top up between services. So, a main dealer or specialist history is good as a general garage would probably just put in an oil of the right viscosity.
Non xenon headlamps not great, worth seeking as an upgrade.
Blu and me (their version of blu-tooth) is rubbish and doesn’t connect very well to modern smart phones. A 60 adapter allows better connection and retains the steering wheel control.
Essessse cars have a number of mods (increase to 160 bhp, bigger, vented brakes, 17’ multi spoke wheels, uprated shocks and springs, and a reusable air filter.)
These cars can command a small premium 2nd hand (on what was a 3k dealer fit option) so check it is what it is if paying for it, as you can just buy the badge to stick on!
The ride is really, really hard so some cars with the the kit have reverted to standard suspension.
also bear in mind whilst it does have the 160bhp over the standard 140 that is relatively cheaply obtained on an “ordinary” car as the turbo is the same.
All in all mine has been cheap to run, been very reliable and a hoot to drive.
Holds its value pretty well and I’d definitely recommend all round.
Edited by Gmlgml on Wednesday 1st May 16:15
Have you checked insurance a quick check of the owners club shows people of your age paying between £1000-3000pa for insurance (assuming price difference reflects years driving?)
£5k is putting you at the bottom end of the market with high mileage cars so definitely worth setting aside money for maintenance/MOT.
£5k is putting you at the bottom end of the market with high mileage cars so definitely worth setting aside money for maintenance/MOT.
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