Oppo, I've Fallen in Love With a Quirky Italian.

"SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O)" (sammauri) 04/15/2014 at 18:30 • Filed to: None

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I test drove the Fiat 500 Abarth pictured above about half an hour ago, and I'm smitten. As some of you know, I've been having Jeep problems and am looking for a trade-in... I think I've just found one. The seating position was my main concern as many don't seem to like it, but found it less odd than the position in my 2002 (plus the steering wheel in the '02 is slightly off-centered... wtf) and far more comfortable than I expected. Acceleration was good and responsive. Sure, its not as quick as our JCW Cooper S, but I don't care about a fraction of a second to 60 in a car that is as fun as the Abarth.

Truly, the Abarth is one of the top 5 most fun car I have ever driven after a 1974 Porsche Carrera RS and a Ferrari F430, and either just behind or tied with the 2002. I loved it, which is why (drumroll please) I've decided to buy one.

Now, there are some issues. I can't purchase the one I test drove now, which was absolutely mint and only had 5,000 miles on it because I need my dad present. The Jeep is in his name for insurance purposes, so I can't trade it in without him there. But, because the Jeep needs brake work, which might cost more than his plane ticket to South Carolina (where I am this year for college), I might be able to convince him to come for a weekend, hang out on the beach, and sign over the car. If that doesn't work, I'll have to find another one and get it this summer. Either way, in the next few weeks/months I will likely be the owner of a black 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth, preferably without all the red give-me-a-speeding-ticket bits, but thats not important.

Also, I saw a Pontiac G8 GT on my test drive, which was a treat, and my transfer application was accepted by Boston University this morning. Today is awesome!

I would also like to thank Oppo and Ferrero1911 for answering a bunch of my questions in the last few days.

Have some more Abarth goodness, and a 2002 for good measure.

jkm7680 > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/15/2014 at 18:34

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And a very fine woman to fall for. Do it!

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/15/2014 at 18:35

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Also, they sound incredible.

If you plan to park in Boston, the Fiat is a much better choice than any Jeep. (Winter driving, not quite so much.)

For Sweden > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/15/2014 at 18:36

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What is the asking price for the used example? New models are selling right now for well over $5000 off.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/15/2014 at 18:38

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at least she has got big headlights for a girl her size http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/fiat-500-turbo…

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > For Sweden 04/15/2014 at 18:38

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The one I drove was $17,000. I'll definitely look into that though. Any idea why the price cut?

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S 04/15/2014 at 18:43

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Oh, I know. The startup sound must've done something weird to my face, because the saleswoman started laughing at me. I am a little concerned about winter driving, but I figure that I drove our Mini for part of last winter and didn't die. If it was too snowy, all of my friends have SUVs and one of them would usually be able to pick me up if I bought them coffee on the way or something. The Jeep really was a tank in the snow though, but not as good as my old Nissan xTerra. That thing was literally unstoppable until everything broke at once (at well above 200k miles)

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > jkm7680 04/15/2014 at 18:44

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I'm excited. I spoke to my dad and he said he was all for it. He was concerned about safety, but the Jeep and the BMW aren't exactly Volvos either. Now I just have to figure out when I can actually do the trade-in.

For Sweden > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/15/2014 at 18:46

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The price cut is because no one is buying them.

This one in Toledo is the cheapest one in the nation according to Cars.com. It's selling for $17,158.

Also, you might consider giving Automatch a call. He's another mod on here, and this is a shameless plug, but this is one example where spending a few hundred dollars might result in a few thousand dollars in savings.

GreenN_Gold > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/15/2014 at 18:50

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"The start up sound does something weird to your face."

Perfect ad tagline for the 500 Abarth.

I've ridden in my buddy's a few times, much fun.

jkm7680 > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/15/2014 at 18:50

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Awesome! My parents would never have let me have the kind of power.

Nor could I afford that kind of power, Haha.

I've got a 2.0T A4, and a super slow Suzuki Thingy.

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > For Sweden 04/15/2014 at 18:51

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Well, that's good news for me.

I love the grigio, so I'll definitely look into that one. But, actually, I haven't thought about Automatch. I've seen Automatch Tom posting around Oppo here and there, but never really knew what Automatch was. I'll look into that too. Thanks!

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 04/15/2014 at 18:54

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Ahaha. Small girls have a lot going for them. They're fun to play around with and this one makes some great sounds.
I actually read that post when I was first looking into the Abarth. Great write up, by the way!

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/15/2014 at 18:57

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oh thanks it was my first one that means a lot to me

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > GreenN_Gold 04/15/2014 at 18:57

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Call up Fiat. Tell them I have a new marketing idea. Ahaha.

It really was a blast, and luckily the saleswoman was very into it. When we started the drive she said "Okay, now this is your test drive so it's your ticket, but have fun!"

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > jkm7680 04/15/2014 at 19:04

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My mom was a little skeptical at first, but when I pointed out that it has less power than her car (she drives the JCW), has 7 airbags compared to the Jeeps 2 and lack of a roof/real doors, and that it gets 35mpg highway, she warmed up to the idea a bit.

Do people assume that you have money because you have an Audi? My buddy has an old Benz and everyone assumes he's rich, but he got it for $1500. It's that weird old luxury car thing that someone wrote about a few weeks ago. And is the Suzuki Thingy based off of the VW Thing? Ahaha... Wait, that actually sounds like it would be awesome. Someone do that!

jkm7680 > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/15/2014 at 19:21

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Haha, People do.

I was talking with a "Long time- No see" buddy. He saw the Audi, "What do you do for a living, that's a nice car?"
Me: "Uhm, (Insert Job Here)

Buddy: "Oh, Uh. Yeah, that's. Yeah"

Oh, and the Suzuki thingy is a Gw250. I can't even hit 88 Mph (Catch the Back To The Future refference?)

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > jkm7680 04/15/2014 at 19:27

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Ahahaha. Yeah, I get the same thing with the BMW. I've been asked if I was a "trust fund baby" at a car show (which, first of all, is rude as hell) and my response was something along the lines of "Seriously? Your wheels cost more than this car."

Well, find a big hill and see if you can travel in time. Maybe you would be able to go back to when Suzuki was designing it and convince them to make it faster. But I would love a bike, even a slow one. Actually, I'd probably prefer a slow one so I wouldn't kill myself.

jkm7680 > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/15/2014 at 19:39

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That's why I ride a 250, Haha.

I'll die when I get a Supersport. That's fine though.

GreenN_Gold > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/15/2014 at 19:47

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That's great when the salesperson is laid back, and especially if they even encourage you to step on it a bit.

GoliathRex > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/15/2014 at 20:08

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The Abarth had a similar effect on me. I first went into a dealership because my lady friend wanted to ogle the cute cars. All it took was hearing the Abarth startup and I was hooked. Holy hell is it shockingly fun. All the touch points are lovely, great noise. My only real initial complaint is the shifter mechanism. I am told they can be greatly improved with aftermarket shifter mods ~$200.

I ended up with a Civic Si which I love- but I cringe a little every time I see/hear an Abarth. I think a used one is in my future.

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > GoliathRex 04/15/2014 at 20:33

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Yeah, I noticed that the shifts didn't feel quite as good as the JCW but I've read that a short shifter and an ECU upgrade does wonders for this car. I had heard that a lot of people thought it felt rather cheap, but for $17k I was super impressed. Everything I touched felt great.

tehGnomeArmy > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/15/2014 at 20:39

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Awesome car, love seeing them on the road, always gets a thumbs up from me.

Tom McParland > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/15/2014 at 20:47

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Hey man, drop me a line anytime if you have questions.

Automatchconsulting@gmail.com

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > jkm7680 04/15/2014 at 21:34

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I had considered an RD "rapid-death" 350 for a while, but decided I could use a few more years before I become, as my girlfriend's mom calls them, a "temporary citizen."

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > GreenN_Gold 04/15/2014 at 21:40

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She actually pointed out a "nice, fun" stretch of road. Speed limit? What speed limit?

More salespeople need to take note. Today, at CarMax, was the best experience I've ever had at a dealership of any kind and it made me want to buy the car right then and there.

jkm7680 > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/15/2014 at 21:45

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Nice! I love old Yams. a Hayabusa or Gsxr or any liter bike is a serious want currently, along with some sort of classic bike.

GoliathRex > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/15/2014 at 22:07

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Yeah- some parts of the car feel cheap- because it is cheap. All the important bits feel good though. I wish more cars would cheap out on the non-critical interior components. Less cost/weight.

For the record- The mini's shifter is a low standard. To set the bar go test drive a Civic SI or FRS.

Burrito de EJ25 > For Sweden 04/16/2014 at 01:03

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*picks up jaw from the floor*

Are you kidding me? $17k for a new Fiat 500 Abarth? That's such a no-brainer!

Ferrero1911 > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/16/2014 at 01:38

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I'm just now seeing this. I'm so glad you liked it. The guy who said that they are deeply discounted is absolutely right. After the initial rush dealers got stuck with a bunch of them, so the deals now are ridiculous. I wouldn't be surprised if you could find a brand new one for the same price as the one you test drove.

Congrats on BU! I went to college there and I loved it. Once you live in Boston you'll want to find a way to stay. So if you have any questions about that I can answer those too. Parking in Boston is nearly impossible, even in a small car, so I'd strongly consider not bringing a car at all, unless you get an apartment with a space. Or are you originally from Boston and well aware of all of this? Anyways, congrats on BU!

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > Ferrero1911 04/16/2014 at 02:04

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I did some more research tonight and found out that some of them are dirt cheap. I found one with 12 miles for about 18.5k, which is still in my price range. Unfortunately, finding the right one will be a little tricky. The one I drove today was almost exactly how I would've spec'd it out. Black, with the 17" wheels, black leather interior, and the Beats by Dre sound system. I was thinking about the option of a sunroof, but I'm 6'2" and I'm not sure how much headroom that eats up. I would love to take the one from today and put a black or dark grey Abarth sticker along the side. I think it would look great, but still subtle enough. I swear, I'm to particular for my own good when it comes to cars...

And thanks! I've only heard good things about BU, and I have one of my good friends from high school there. I'm still waiting to hear back from NYU to make the decision much harder (or very easy), but I'm extremely excited. I'm originally from Connecticut, but I'm relatively familiar with Boston traffic and the lack of parking. I think I'd probably leave the car in CT next year or until I get an apartment and then take it up with me if I have a spot. That way my mom can drive it around every once and a while and keep it and the '02 from just sitting. Thanks for your help though! Do you know if theres a way to direct message or something similar on Kinja? If not, I guess my main question as far as academics would be about the dual degree program. Did you do it? If so, was the extra load tolerable?

Oh, and are there any bars close to campus that don't card? Ahahaha

Ferrero1911 > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/16/2014 at 02:15

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No way to direct message, but you can find me on twitter @Ferrero1911 I almost never tweet, but I do check it. I didn't do the dual degree program, I was a film major with a minor in history. What are you majoring in? NYU is also an awesome school. My sister went to grad school there and loved it (she went for public policy).

Sounds like you have realistic expectations of Boston traffic. I'm sure your mom won't mind those car choices.

As far as bars that don't card in Boston, they don't exist. There are so many students there that they're really good at spotting fakes too. Many liquor stores have displays of all the fakes they've confiscated. Tufts and Harvard have the best parties IMHO.

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > Ferrero1911 04/16/2014 at 02:46

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Awesome! I just followed you. Mine is @SmoresTM, just so you know what random person is messaging you. Ahaha. That's a bunch of coincidences all in one. I'm undecided as of now, but was considering public policy and writing, possibly journalism or something along those lines, and then possibly going to law school after I graduate. Its all still pretty up in the air. If I decide to go that route, the dual degree program could be really interesting. I am a little worried that it would be too much of a work load though.

But thats good to know. Similar story in Charleston, but they tend not to care. If your fake is passable, that's good enough for most bouncers and bar tenders. Still, no hope of getting in without something to give them.

Fed(oo=[][]=oo)uken > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/17/2014 at 13:47

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What in the name of all that is holy is this beauty?

quarterlifecrisis > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/17/2014 at 14:25

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I've read nothing but good things about these cars. I'm not in the market for one, nor are they something I would consider buying...but I REALLY want to drive one.

I occasionally drive dealership transfers for a VW/Nissan dealer right next to a FIAT dearler...might have to pay them a visit one of these days.

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > Fed(oo=[][]=oo)uken 04/17/2014 at 15:49

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That stunning piece of twin turbo art is an Abarth 750 GT Zagato BiTurbo. Its surprisingly cute from the front.

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > quarterlifecrisis 04/17/2014 at 15:52

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Definitely test drive one. I literally fell in love right away... Actually, maybe don't drive one because you might fall in love with it and then you'll want one. I'm super excited about eventually getting one. I just have to figure out the title issue and, if this one sells before I can get it all sorted out, find another one. Unfortunately, I'm way too particular when it comes to most things so that might take some time.

Fed(oo=[][]=oo)uken > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/17/2014 at 17:23

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AwwwwwWWWW! Totes dorbs, yo. Probably sounds like a demon.

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > Fed(oo=[][]=oo)uken 04/17/2014 at 17:27

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It sounds meaner than it looks, but its not quite as soul-devouringly demonic as I had hoped

quarterlifecrisis > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/17/2014 at 22:58

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Actually got a call to drive Saturday morning. So I think my day will go - drive C6 down twisty backroads to get to the dealership, drive manual TDI Jetta 3 hours, drive manual GTI 3 hours back...maybe do another drive, then stop at Fiat dealership (in C6 to buy some credibility...). Yay driving!

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > quarterlifecrisis 04/17/2014 at 23:32

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Wow! That sounds like an awesome day. If you think about it, let me know what how you like the Abarth. And don't forget to press the race car button!

quarterlifecrisis > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/18/2014 at 08:17

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I'm hoping it will be. Depending on how timing all works out I should have time to stop by and hopefully give it a look over. I think it'd be interesting to go from the little buzzy car back to mine with mountains o torque back to back too.

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > quarterlifecrisis 04/18/2014 at 11:07

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Ahaha. That would be quite thee transition. I went from the Abarth to driving my Jeep back home... Needless to day, I had more fun on the test drive.

quarterlifecrisis > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/18/2014 at 11:21

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Actually turns out my Abarth experience may have to wait for another day. Now my day is TDI -> GTI -> Altima...CVTs suck -> 370Z Roadster. So I may actually be able to do a back-to-back between the 370Z and my car. Which I'm ok with.