For the price of a small new city car you can have fun with a used sports car, still valiant. Focus on the first model of our selection with the Abarth 500 160 available on the second-hand market from €11,500.
With its sporty, specific fittings, this 500 Abarth – once again a brand in its own right – further reinforces its charm, even more so in the convertible version, “C”. And pays a vibrant tribute to the Austrian “sorcerer” Karlo Abarth, who became Carlo!, the equivalent of our national Amédée Gordini.
Launched in a 136 hp version (from €10,000), this micro-sports car – restyled in 2015 – saw its power evolve to 160-165 hp, initially in the form of an “Esse-Esse” kit, and even 180 hp, over its multiple versions and special series.
Its very incisive karting-style chassis increases driving pleasure tenfold, reinforced by the characteristic sound of its exhaust. It remains to deal with a very firm damping, which serves the comfort, and the rigor of which varies significantly from one version to another, a tiny cabin and a light finish. It offers the choice between manual and automated MSQ transmission.
Reliability rating: 4 stars
Despite a number of failures and a few recalls, this Abarth proved to be more reliable than the “standard” 500.
The most frequently encountered problems
- Engine
- power losses (turbo hose coming loose, a classic on small Italian turbos)
- refusal to start (engine computer)
- Clutch
- fragile stopper, which can break
- Air conditioner
- faulty recycling command (recall in October 2008)
- Window regulators and remote control
- Squeaky front seats.
- Fragile paintflaking easily, at the level of the sills in particular
