1993 Fiat Cinquecento L 850cc
Summary:
VERY frugal but noisy and unrefined, like driving a classic car without the looks, performance
Faults:
Passenger side electric window motor failed.
Oil leak somewhere but never traced!!!
Pipe to expansion tank split (£2.50 to fix).
General Comments:
Very thin metal used throughout so noisy and weak.
As a result of above they are VERY light so use hardly any fuel... :)
The 850cc engine is harsh and noisy, but VERY frugal (mine used almost as much oil as it did fuel - it was like running a 2-stroke by the time I sold it).
Don't expect lively performance (85mph downhill is possible - although this depends on the gradient of the hill).
Interior is basic but functional, and is surprisingly comfortable.
Handling is VERY soft - not helped by tall, thin body and skinny tyres.
Great car if economy and simple mechanics are at the top of your list.
Not so great if you want performance or handling.
Come in some horrible colour combinations (mine was Kermit green - not the official Fiat name for the colour - with a blue and grey interior).
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 10th December, 2012
23rd Oct 2009, 17:44
In 2001, I bought a 1993 Cinquecento, with 75000 km on the clock. It soon needed an engine transplant, due to a crack in the cylinder head. Two years later, the new engine blew the head gasket after only 60000 km. That was my final Fiat...