Calling all FIAT fans & owners (1 Viewer)

[dennis63]

CALLING ALL FIAT FANS & OWNERS
A discussion thread for chip enthusiasts who drive or love the ubiquitous Italian brand​

About four years ago, when my old, reliable pickup truck began to visit the shop a little too often, I decided to buy a little Fiat 500 as a "spare" car to get around while my mechanic was at work on the truck.

I found a "Fiat 500 Pop," Italy's even-smaller answer to the VW Beetle, at a local dealer. I think it cost around $49.95, and I had a $50 bill on me, so I decided to give it a test drive.

I was shocked -- and hooked. It's really fun to drive, like that go cart you wished for when you were 12, but never got. It's quick, and handles well. The small size means you can park anywhere, and it qualifies as carry-on luggage at the airport.

Mine is the sport version with the "throwback" interior -- the old-style gauges and dash look, and a sunroof that slides back with the touch of a button. It's not the "manly muscle car" envisioned by my high school self, but I must admit, I love this little car. I decided to buy it the same day.

I eventually bought a new truck, but kept the Fiat 500. I've used this car as my "weekend ride" for a few years now, and still love it as much as day one. And with gas hovering over $4 a gallon these days, I love that it gets every bit of 35 mpg. I'm not sure I'd want to drive cross-country in one, but when you need to run to the coffee shop, park in the city or pick up takeout at a skinny drive-through, it's perfect.

I occasionally get funny looks from people who see me pull up and get out of it. I'm an old guy, so according to the Viagra commercials, I'm supposed to be driving a Corvette. I just tell myself they wish they had their own Fiat 500 so we could race.

As I'm sure there are others here who like their Fiats -- the 500s, the 124 Spiders (my next weekend ride), and others, I invite you to comment, share photos and stories of your own.

 

[k9dr]

My first FIAT - 1981 Spyder

 

[k9dr]

My FIAT Abarth

 

[dennis63]

My first FIAT - 1981 Spyder

View attachment 959975View attachment 959976

DIBS! Stand by for the PM. (You are selling me that car, right?)

What a classic! Tell me you still have it.

(Reminds me of the old Sunbeam driven by Don Adams in "Get Smart.")

 

[k9dr]

DIBS! Stand by for the PM. (You are selling me that car, right?)

What a classic! Tell me you still have it.

(Reminds me of the old Sunbeam driven by Don Adams in "Get Smart.")

Sorry, I sold it a few years ago

 

[k9dr]

Actually, the Spyder was my 2nd FIAT. My very first car was a 1972 FIAT 128.

 

[pltrgyst]

Ha! My first was a new '72 124 Spyder ($3600), that same red, with a black interior, but without those dog-awful bumpers. It replaced the '70/'69 silver Alfa 1750 ($4169) I bought when I came home from Nam.

The Fiat was by far the more reliable car, and didn't need its rotors replaced until 90K miles (in three years!). After a year, it became my wife's car, replacing her Alfa Giulia Ti, while I moved on to a '73 Pantera and a '74 Lotus Europa.

Sadly, no original pix survive...

We did enjoy driving this Fiat 500 all over France in early 2019 -- that's my wife* managing the luggage here, in Sarlat. It was an excellent autobahn cruiser, and pretty nimble for its size.

* Second wife, both named Nancy. The first one didn't make it to 100K miles...

 

[Pinkdan]

 

[dennis63]

We became a two-FIAT family this weekend with the addition of this 2017 124 Spider convertible. I've been looking for one for more than a year. I went to the dealership thinking, "I'm not buying. I just want to test drive it." Then I saw it...

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[pltrgyst]

We became a two-FIAT family this weekend with the addition of this 2017 124 Spider convertible. I've been looking for one for more than a year. I went to the dealership thinking, "I'm not buying. I just want to test drive it." Then I saw it...

Beautiful! Welcome to the MX-5 owner's club!

 

[TX_Golf_N_Poker]

We became a two-FIAT family this weekend with the addition of this 2017 124 Spider convertible. I've been looking for one for more than a year. I went to the dealership thinking, "I'm not buying. I just want to test drive it." Then I saw it...

View attachment 963122 View attachment 963123
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Hopefully that Spider has a stick! Soon as I move to a place with a bigger garage, I'm going to get another sporty car. Be interested to hear how you like this. The Fiat & Miata are on my list along with a Z car and a few others. Haven't had a true sports car since I sold my 1979 Alfa Spyder (distant cousin to the Fiat) many years ago. My last two vehicles have been automatics and I'm itching to get back into something with a third pedal.

 

[T_Chan]

I joined the Fiat family about 2 months ago. Driving my 5.7L Hemi Ram 1500 wasn't super econimical with gas prices around my parts nearing $6/Gal.

I picked up this 2012 500 with 109k kms on it (68k miles) for $5,000. I think not bad considering today's car market. Manual transmission, base model and it's been a pleasure to drive. The car is so light which gives it los of spunk. I agree with the feel that it's like a go-kart. It feels like I'm driving at warp speed all of the time compared to my Ram though, but at least that keeps my speed in check. This is my new daily driver until my reservation for my next truck comes through which isn't for a couple more years due to the backlog.

And of course, people keep telling me that the FIAT is a "Fix it again Tony", so who better to buy one than me? Already did the first oil change myself.

In a couple of weeks I plan on adding a gold racing stripe off to one side. Probably one fat with 2 small thinner lines on each side. Maybe something down the side as well if I'm feeling adventurous.

 

[pltrgyst]

Hopefully that Spider has a stick! Soon as I move to a place with a bigger garage, I'm going to get another sporty car. Be interested to hear how you like this. The Fiat & Miata are on my list along with a Z car and a few others. Haven't had a true sports car since I sold my 1979 Alfa Spyder (distant cousin to the Fiat) many years ago. My last two vehicles have been automatics and I'm itching to get back into something with a third pedal.

There aren't many manuals these days. That same itch made me turn in my Alfa at the end of its lease last year and replace it with a VW GTI Autobahn. Nothing exotic, but a blast to drive (and autocross). Luckily, my wife also enjoys driving sticks...

 

[legend672]

It’s so funny how are you young guys probably never heard Fix It Again Tony

 

[dennis63]

I think we've all heard the "Fix It Again, Tony" misnomer for Fiat. I've found it to be completely false. In my lifetime before this month, I've owned one Fiat and 11 other vehicles, and the Fiat has been, by far, the most reliable and has had the lowest need of repairs. After driving it for more than two years, I've have never had to do anything but fill it up and change the oil.

 

[k9dr]

My Spyder had its problems but was mostly reliable. My Abarth was a great car until the engine blew at 62K miles - just out of warranty. I replaced the engine and drove it straight to CarMax and sold it. I rolled my '72 Fiat and was lucky to survive - landed upside down with no seatbelt on.

 

[T_Chan]

Yeah I have only heard it second hand, so far I've only had to do an oil change and it's running fine. I have a minor oil leak somewhere but don't know where. I'll get that checked out soon enough but it doesn't affect the performance AFAIK. I'm hoping it runs well without many issues since I only plan on owning it for a couple of years, then again I might keep it as a secondary vehicle since it is pretty fun to drive.

From the reviews I watched on youtube about the vehicle, it seems to be pretty dependable with just a some minor things which tend to wear out or need fixing. The armrest is falling apart which is apparently very common for this model. The previous owner tried to use some sort of nasty glue to put it back together but it comes apart if I bump it too hard.

 

[TX_Golf_N_Poker]

I think we've all heard the "Fix It Again, Tony" misnomer for Fiat. I've found it to be completely false. In my lifetime before this month, I've owned one Fiat and 11 other vehicles, and the Fiat has been, by far, the most reliable and has had the lowest need of repairs. After driving it for more than two years, I've have never had to do anything but fill it up and change the oil.

I suspect most of these sayings get made up by drivers of other makes, just to ride their friends. I'm sure Found On Road Dead was made up by GM owners. I've owned several Fords and never had a major issue with any of them. I typically drive all my vehicles until they have well over 100K miles, and take very good care of them. My current F-150 has nearly 160K and I have no plans of selling it for quite a while. I'll bet that Alfa owners probably invented Fix It Again Tony. It's just cute and funny, especially with Tony being an Italian name.

 

[k9dr]

The other saying I frequently heard was “Futile Italian Attempt at Transportation”

 

[T_Chan]

Anyone drive theirs in sport mode more than regular? Or is that just me?

 

[Old State]

Not mine but my Dads 2019 124. He actually just put it up for sale as he wants a truck to drive on the beach. He keeps all his cars showroom clean like this. When I was a kid he and my uncles would go to my grandparents house several times a year that had a big driveway. They would spend the entire day cleaning their Fiats, Alfa, Cameros, etc! My Grandfather even got in on the game. Drove a red Alfa spider on the weekends until he was 86 or 87 years old!
My Dad owned a 1985 Pantera that was my favorite….but sold that back in the late 1990’s

 

[Old State]

Found a pic of the old Alfa my Dad had when I was a child. He also briefly had a white one but sold it quickly