Dmathews
Abarth Wannabe
Posts: 9
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« on: August 27, 2010, 10:45:24 PM » |
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Hi all!
I have to say I am very jealous of all you official abarthisti. I have briefly tested 500 and love everything about the car and the ride, unfortunately I have to wait as the better-half is dragging me on a round the world trip first!
So thanks for havin me. Just wanted to ask if there are any drawbacks? I hear driving position is on the high side which takes from the feel? Also, is esseesse essential?
D
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SJH
S2000 Member
S2000 Member
Posts: 5337
Allegedly wise.... because I'm repelled by MARMITE
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« Reply #1 on: August 27, 2010, 10:50:46 PM » |
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Depends on your height and choice of seats. Esseesse or TMC with suspension upgrade essential in my view.
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He's here, he's here, he's here....... :-)
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Dmathews
Abarth Wannabe
Posts: 9
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« Reply #2 on: August 27, 2010, 11:22:23 PM » |
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Only 5'7". Thinking of standard black leather, or would the recaro/s's be a better bet?
Also, what's the verdict on panoramic roof?
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Mohogg
Esseesse Member
Posts: 112
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« Reply #3 on: August 28, 2010, 09:58:31 AM » |
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I've got the Sunroof option on my baby, personally i think it's a must  (i'm only 5'7" too)  |
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I love to Drive!!
A500-Campovolo Grey-Red Stripes & Mirrors-Sunroof-Bonnet Scorpion-Climate-Petals-Red Leather.
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libebcnof23
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« Reply #4 on: August 28, 2010, 05:15:19 PM » |
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I've got the Sunroof option on my baby, personally i think it's a must (i'm only 5'7" too) 5'7" you tall people going on about yer massive height all the time |
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AGP Black ,red stripe ,titanium alloys ,sky dome roof
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colin
500 Board Moderator
Global Moderator
S2000 Member
Posts: 735
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« Reply #5 on: August 28, 2010, 09:01:10 PM » |
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I'm about the same height as you..... and in fact am reasonably long in the body (and correspondingly very short in the leg!), so headroom can be an issue in some cars. Although you do sit quite high in the A500, it is not a problem. I do have a sunroof in mine, but that was because I like sunroofs rather than any need for headroom. You should not have a problem.
Other than that, there is little to warn you about, apart from the fact that these cars are infectious...... if you test one, you will absolutely fall for its charms and want one. That's what happened to me, and good many more people on this forum!
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Dmathews
Abarth Wannabe
Posts: 9
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« Reply #6 on: August 28, 2010, 10:34:02 PM » |
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Thanks for all your info and advice. Just tested both and while liked the extra power in esseesse, the ride seemed more 'bouncy'!?!
Agree tho, very infectious and pretty-much all I can think of now! Just a matter of:
1 - can I get over the fact I may be wasting a great machine on a dull 70mile round-trip commute each day ? (or is this just a bonus!?!)
2 - pains me to pay full-price on a car but the dealer in Glasgow is not for budging
3 - do I have the guts to risk the warranty to get it tuned up a few up hp?
Prob gonna place order before we go on trip so it's ready for the return
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Paula
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« Reply #7 on: August 29, 2010, 05:50:40 PM » |
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I don't think "bouncy" is quite the word for it  I would say that the harsh ride is probably the only downside of a wonderful car, but you just have to keep a close eye out for potholes and take it very easy with speed humps. In my opinion the leather seats are great and well worth the upgrade cost. You don't have to go for esseesse - the standard car is huge fun. Before going for esseesse or particularly TMC check the insurance costs as well as the warrantee - many companies won't touch tune ups although most will insure the esseesse for extra. I also use my car for work and it makes my day a little more fun so definately not wasted on your commute. It's rock solid on the motorway, nippy in town and huge fun around the country lanes. No dealer will budge on the the price - anyone telling you they got a discount is being creative e.g. they got slightly more than they expected for their part-ex or some mats thrown in. Paula |
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Red A500, 17" 10 Spoke Alloys and Black Leather: It's very red and it goes vroooooom.
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Silly Old Hector
Assetto Member
Posts: 71
Use the Force
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« Reply #8 on: August 29, 2010, 05:59:18 PM » |
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I'm also 5'7" = it's a perfect fit for my part Italian frame (short legs / long body) - no shortage of headroom  I use mine for my 6 mile daily commute  and some weekend duty - but it will be put to more use |
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A500 - Darth Vader spec
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crazykez
Esseesse Member
Posts: 149
youve been tiggered
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« Reply #9 on: August 29, 2010, 08:02:13 PM » |
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hi smiles all round people do a double take when u pull alongside at 50 then blast off leaving them wondering what the hell was that or when joining a motorway the car pulls out at 60 to let u join whilst he overtakes u no chance pull away at 70ish !! and leave them behind |
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jax
Abarth Dealer
Esseesse Member
Posts: 136
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« Reply #10 on: August 30, 2010, 01:02:07 PM » |
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I thought you were waiting till december Damien?!?!?  |
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Arnold Clark, Springburn
All change: A500, White, 10 spokes, Red stripes and Mirrors, Xenons
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Dmathews
Abarth Wannabe
Posts: 9
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« Reply #11 on: August 30, 2010, 09:27:14 PM » |
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Thanks for all the help everyone! Think i have my mind made up!
Hey Jax, yep, Dec will be D-day, but with sortin the wedding between now and then and travellin with work I won't have a chance to think! (partly why I came to the well-informed guys of the forum!)
Dee
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gorrie
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« Reply #12 on: August 31, 2010, 07:16:30 AM » |
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Welcome to the mad house.... BTW, just for completeness... I'm 6'3" and have no probs with the seat height. |
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BN White, Red leather, Climate, 17" 10-spokes, BMC Filter & Ragazzon Exhaust |
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thefamoushoops
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« Reply #13 on: August 31, 2010, 07:23:51 AM » |
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Welcome! The Scottish contingent seems to be growing weekly . |
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Falkirk, Scotland
Abarth 500, Pasadoble Red, White Stripes & Mirrors, Climate Control, Black Leather, 17" Petal Wheels, BMC Filter
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Wessex Garages, proud supporters of Abarthisti