My time as an Abarth owner is coming to an end.....

We had our first Abarth, it was Legends Blue (135 BHP )with white petals & stripes exactly six years ago after our 500 TwinAir was written off.

Two years later, we had another Legends Blue one, with the TFT dash and 140 BHP, which got driven in to in a car park (they drove off) and it was cheaper to trade in than fix it, so we had a Podium Blue Tricolore.

Then in July we got the last one, a red series 4, this was cheaper monthly and we always knew it would be the last. The little irritations had grown over the years.

I've loved all the Abarths and still do, we're gutted, but is the only car we have and it is difficult at times to transport stuff and people, because its so small.

The irritations are sometimes what makes it fun. Its so lively and fun to drive, but you have to drive all the time, no time to relax. The tiddly fuel tank is also annoying. You can't put much in without dropping the rear seats.

Other things are just general really, but the final thing was trying to get my 80 odd year old mother in law out of the back when she'd just come out of hospital, we knew it was the beginning of the end for our Abarth. and almost the end for her!
 
I spoke to the dealer by phone and he said there were deals on 18 plate pre-reg Tipos with 10 miles on the clock, we went and tried one and I signed the papers.

So from Friday we'll be driving round in a black Tipo 1.6 Multijet (120 BHP) Easy Plus, its going to be a hell of a change, especially as its a diesel as well, but the deal was very good, £7k off list and so the finance works out pretty much the same as the Abarth.

I'll miss the car and the community around it, I'll always have a soft spot for those little terriers!

No one will stare and point at a Tipo, but we probably will be pointing at you guys!

I'll still lurk here and stick my oar in

Its been fun, thanks guys