1996 Fiat Cinquecento Sporting 1.1 FIRE from Chile

Summary:

Nice looking, cheap and fun to run

Faults:

The car had a minor problem with the injection system when I bought it and some other details I fixed.

The only problem I have now is a small leakage in the heater system.

General Comments:

I had a trip recently. About 1000 kms in a row without problems. The second 500 kms were with the car heavy loaded. It took more time to reach 100 kmh, but my Cinquecento did it.

After fixing some problems from the previous owner, I can now say that I trust my car.

And an important thing: this car can make people turn their heads to see it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th December, 2000

1996 Fiat Cinquecento Sporting 1.1 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cheap and cheerful runabout

Faults:

Fan belt gone.

Electric window failed.

Door leaked (badly).

Rattles underneath the car.

Keeps stalling (fuel tank problem).

General Comments:

I did love this car to bits at the start, but after being so unreliable I can't wait to get rid of it.

It's only good for shopping trips as well due to the amazingly cramped legroom.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 20th December, 2000

1996 Fiat Cinquecento Sporting 1.1 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Electric window broke, but quickly fixed.

Condensation on sunroof annoys.

Biggest problem was middle and back pieces of exhaust disintegrating at same time, 36K, (Fiat wanted £200+!! Janspeed only needed £150).

Radio pinched, needed whole new dash, door repair, £1100 repair bill (thank God for insurance).

General Comments:

When pushed really hard, loads of fun in the dry but tricky in the wet. Needs bigger wheel arches (I am surprised that 195,45,15s have been fitted). Engine sweet and willing but under-powered (rectified with K&N air filter and Janspeed exhaust). 2nd hand values may be dropping but more custom parts are now available which makes up for it.

Top little car that is affordable to run and makes you smile every time you drive it.

Anyone want to join an owners club? Email me at theultimatecarnivore@yahoo.com

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st February, 1999

1996 Fiat Cinquecento Sporting 1.1i petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

24,000 miles up; no breakdowns, just a couple of small things:

Passenger door won't lock properly unless locked manually, possibly a duff C/L motor.

Engine started to idle eratically at 600 miles but cleared itself before I got it checked out.

Flexible exhaust section just before it enters the Cat failed at 20K.

A few rattles have surfaced lately from around dash & sunroof.

General Comments:

Super car to drive; performance & handling way above most other hatches; entices one to drive harder which is probably the reason I only got 19K from the tyres, loads of Italian character (engine sounds much bigger than it actually is). Nothing to touch it at the price.

Quality/lack of electrical problems are a welcome change from Fiats of old; watch for dints on panels; can occur quite easily. I am looking at a Punto Sporting as a replacement.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd August, 1998

1996 Fiat Cinquecento Sporting 1.1 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Door check strap passenger side snapped completely, damn squeak from wheels (still not solved).

General Comments:

When will someone get round to making tyres for this car, other than Pirelli?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 1998

17th Jan 2001, 16:29

I won't say it again, Nankang make the tyres. They're cheap and nasty but they stick out more than the Pirelli's so therefore protect your rim. You all need to stop listening to the conmen at ATS.