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Phil C September 5, 2008 3:02 AM

I had a similar experience with a Fiat dealer. I was counting down the days until the 500 arrived, went for a test drive (I phoned them, didn't use tinterweb), loved the car and wanted to buy one. I was informed by the salesman that I should wait for the RS Turbo version. I guess he meant the Abarth, but it's worrying I knew more about the car despite him explaining he had been on a 500 training programme. Trying to persuade me out of a car I was ready to buy seemed crazy, but then he also declined to give me a price for my car. He had a look around, spoke to his superiors, but then asked if he could call me with the offer the following day. The call never came and I my enthusiasm for the car has dulled a little. I was also noticing a lack of 500s on the nation's roads, little wonder.

PhilM4000 September 5, 2008 9:48 AM

Where do I start.  The fiat 500 is a panda, just styled better, and priced massively higher.  It is completely a style over anything else purchase.  People with £10k in their pocket can buy a Mazda2, and soon the new Jazz.  Both cars offer a genuinely useful big car package.  The Fiat 500 seems to offer great style but you have to sacrifice space, pace and probably resale value.  Even if the dealers were great I just don't believe it is in the class it is priced in.  It is an expensive Aygo/Panda/Smart competitor.  It should be priced 1 -2 k lower then you would see a few.

glorfindel September 5, 2008 11:28 AM

Well...

Where do I start

The Audi TT is just a Golf. Just styled better, and priced massively

higher. And with just two seats.

I don't think you are right, PhilM4000. With £10k you can buy a Jazz (great car) if you need it. You buy a 500 if you want it.

I think that the problem is in the dealer network, cause the car is

really great.

glorfindel September 5, 2008 11:33 AM

PS: this comment text box has a lot of bug on a Mac, with different browser... The right side of the text box seems to be "open", with words going hidden under an edge that doesn't exist...

It's so difficult to write: is it possible to made it works?

coolGav September 5, 2008 11:43 AM

It's very sad when dealers don't make the effort. Last year when I changed cars it was really only Renault and Audi who took an active interest, where as Ford and VW never bothered to engage in conversation at all. Vauxhall were little better, with the salesman not wanting to show me a car, just handing out a brochure. Alfa gave a quick response that the few 156 diesel estates they get sell fast - ie you have to wait and pay more. I know my local Fiat dealer (effectively the same company as Alfa and Vauxhall) wouldn't be great, but the other dealerships I had my old Punto serviced at gave the impression they wanted my custom.

It might be that with all the super-sites selling nearly new cars at great prices, the dealerships are used to gather information, and not generate sales. So in return perhaps they're stopping giving correct information?!? Not everyone is savvy enough to use the web to determine a short list of cars to try, and then visit the dealers to make a choice. A dealer who provides first class service from the moment you walk through the door has to be more likely to sell a car - it works with me!

I see a few 500s each week, and would be tempted (done the homework: a 1.2 lounge) if I didn't have to drive "the big car".

PhilM4000 September 5, 2008 2:12 PM

Hi Glorfindel, maybe I didn't illustrate my point well enough.  Most of these new small cars will be purchased on finance, probably a PCP deal.  I just went on a online PCP site giving quotes on just about anything.  

Panda 1.3D                £138 per month

500 1.3D Lounge       £228 per month

Mazda 2 D TS2 5dr    £194 per month

Mini Cooper D            £228 per month

Its pretty clear the finance guys behind this site don't hold a lot of hope of the 500 holding on to its value as these rates hang on GFV of the vehicle.  In a straight fight I think the Cooper D is a better car on every level and it wont cost anything to service.  The dealers may not help the issue but the 500 is not competitively priced

TegTypeR September 5, 2008 5:38 PM

The problem isn't with Fiat per se, its with dealers (and not just Fiat) in general.  The people who work there are sales persons, who have no interest in the vehicles they are selling.  I know I could go in to most show rooms in the UK and without training, knock the majority of their sale people for six, because I have an interest.

Personally, I think its going to be better to wait for the mechanically similar Ford KA.  Hopefully better handling, cheaper and more economical to run.  You never know, the dealers may be better too!

Bruce Wayne September 5, 2008 5:55 PM

And dealers wonder why they can't sell a cars ! They are bloody useless !

You have a girlfriend ?

imadesigner September 6, 2008 4:05 PM

I think its a great shame that Fiat's dealer network seems to be in such a mess.  I recently was at a local Fiat garage and even just the look of the place did not do the product range any justice, it simply looked run down and dated in comparison to the Citroen and Vauxhall forecourts either side.

Fiat's model range has made a massive leap over the last 4 years or so, the ever talented Panda, loveable 500, Grande Punto and the new Bravo are all returning they company to what it had always done best, Italian chic at affordable cost.  Their cars have even turned around Fiat's quality and safety woes! They now need to invest in the dealer network before they can truly shift more metal.  They've got the product right! Come on Fiat!!!

Alpina 500 September 8, 2008 10:11 AM

Despite the indifferent dealer, I bought a 500 in April (a 1.4 Lounge) and found it well-made and fault-free.  It suffers from 3 weaknesses in my opinion : it is too low-geared, the steering is far too light and after owning several new Minis, I find it very dull to drive.

When I collected my car, I was surprised to see 3 Minis in the showroom which had been part-exchanged for 500s, including a Cooper S and a Cooper convertible. I wonder if like me, the owners have regretted their purchases. I am now returning to the Mini fold - they are more expensive but much more entertaining.

Incidentally, I wanted an alarm fitted to my 500, but the dealer told me that no-one in their workshop was qualified to fit one!    

Latebreaker September 11, 2008 9:01 AM

After buying a brand new Punto in 01 I wouldnt but anyone again.

Not sure if the build quality has improved,i doubt it! but id say work a bit harder and get a mini instead.

Or get a 500 if its comes with a 7 year warranty.