Social => Introduce Yourselves! => Topic started by: Paula on September 08, 2009, 09:24:29 am
Title: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on September 08, 2009, 09:24:29 am
Hi Guys,
My name is Paula (obviously) and I bought an A500 yesterday. Been trogging around car dealers all summer getting depressed with the choice on offer and the generally appalling experience that going to car dealers is.
My MX-5 is now 11 years old and last winter was interesting - I work for the health service in the community which means I have to get to clinics, home visits and groups in all weathers on country lanes, A roads and the M42. Rear wheel drive, no abs or stability control and sitting pretty much on the floor with the local 4x4s behind you with their headlights blinding you in the ice and snow after a 10 hour day - lovely.
But most cars with all the safety kit on cost about 20 grand and are boring, boring, boring - not to mention gutless and too big to fit in the tiny last space in the clinic car park when I get there. Really, really didn't want a little girly car though.
I'd been to Research Fiat in Nuneaton to try out a different car and had seen the A500 a few weeks ago. After a depressing experience where I tried to look at a C30 and got ignored in a Volvo garage and got told by a Golf dealer that they couldn't get hold of a new Golf for 5-6 months and if I bought a second hand one I should make sure it was in warrantee (are they that unreliable?) I thought I'd have a go.
Love the high seating position (no more headlight dazzle), performance, grip, engine sound, lots of little gadgets all over the place etc. Bit dubious about whether my iPhone will ever work with it and whether it's gonna get nicked from some places I visit but ah well. . . .
Big smile plastered on my face when I got back probably stuffed any chance of a discount - although I figured there aint much on offer anyhow. Not overly keen on white cars and I do like something that get seen so I've ordered a red one, with the dimming rear view mirror, after market rear parking sensors; and then got all carried away and added 17" 10 spoke alloys and black leather. Can't believe it's only £800 - it's nearly two grand in (the admittedly bigger) Golf. No go faster stripes - did consider getting it debadged for security but it seemed like sacriledge.
Was told about 12 weeks - do hope it's right as I need it befor the worst of the winter sets in really. Happy with the dealer so far - not that it was hard work as he just had to listen to my inane chatter as I bought one and added a load of expensive extras :o)
Savings are for cissies. . .
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Ad on September 08, 2009, 09:49:43 am
Welcome! Congrats with the order. Red is a great choice :thumb: I recently ordered from Research, who did you deal with?
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on September 08, 2009, 10:02:20 am
Ian - as car salesmen go he was pretty pleasant - owns a very nice MG.
Wasn't really a hard sell even for the bits I wasn't originally planning to fork out for. But leather is sooooo nice and those 17" alloys were a good price.
Makes me smile though when he told me how excellent my choices were - I suspect they never tell customers that they are making lousy choices. ;)
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: scuderia sitar on September 08, 2009, 10:12:23 am
Welcome to the forum. Good choices. Got to have the leather :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Ad on September 08, 2009, 10:19:53 am
Yeh I ordered from Ian as well, nice guy (but I guess you can never tell lol) Good call with the leather and the 17"s :thumb:
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Capriwidow on September 08, 2009, 12:57:48 pm
Ordered my red A500 3 weeks ago. The wait is driving me mad! Us girly red owners will have to start our own club!!!!
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: olopboy on September 08, 2009, 12:59:34 pm
Certainly not 'oops' ;D
Good to see more red cars being ordered it seemed a little neglected as a colour choice early on.
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on September 08, 2009, 01:22:13 pm
Was quite surprised when I saw how few red ones there were. I like to be seen when I'm driving so a road coloured car is a no no. I saw the photo of one in the photos section and I think it looks dead smart.
The wait is gonna drive me mad as well.
The guy in the shop seemed to think they were selling 50:50 to girls but I guess we're less likely to join this sort of forum.
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Hozepipe on September 08, 2009, 02:44:13 pm
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Lagerlout on September 08, 2009, 11:00:37 pm
Good one, you'll love it. Great fun to drive and absolutely loads of character!
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: John501 on September 08, 2009, 11:14:25 pm
Good to see another red car in the mix. I was the only red driver at Gaydon Manor :thumbd: It got a lot of attention though :thumb:
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Andrew on September 09, 2009, 12:12:50 am
Congrats on your order and welcome to the forum.
With regards to your bad experience with dealers, personally I think there's a lot of dealerships that need a right good shake up.
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Andrewfuzzy on September 09, 2009, 01:16:35 am
Its not just smaller dealers either ...my other halfs boss went to Jag dealers recently and asked about part exing his 2.5 yr old Jag for another 40k one and salesman wasnt even bothered ....so he said he wouldnt bother and the salesman just walked off :o :D
Welcome by the way ;D
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: SAF on September 09, 2009, 06:22:19 pm
Hi Paula, Welcome!! :wave: from another girl, waiting for a gorgeous 'road' coloured 500a ::) ;D
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on September 09, 2009, 06:50:13 pm
:whistle: One day my Abarth will come. . . :whistle:
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: SAF on September 09, 2009, 07:29:16 pm
Its a good job we're not all driving round in the same colour/spec abarths, with the same taste, ...there'd be far less to talk about ?! :thumb:
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on September 09, 2009, 09:26:15 pm
I suspect it's a car that apppeals to people that like something a bit different. I'm probably the only person who has bought it as a sensible little work car ;D
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: nyssa7 on September 09, 2009, 09:34:09 pm
I suspect it's a car that apppeals to people that like something a bit different. I'm probably the only person who has bought it as a sensible little work car ;D
Paula
No, mine is ordered as daily driver to replace my F500 1.2 POP
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on September 09, 2009, 09:57:43 pm
Ah the old "this car is great but what it really needs is someone to stick a turbocharger and whacking great spoiler on it" ;D
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: nyssa7 on September 10, 2009, 08:19:45 am
Something like that, certainly "this car is great but could be a bit quicker and take corners a bit better" ;D
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on September 10, 2009, 09:39:43 am
:) Probably amounts to the same thing.
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Capriwidow on September 10, 2009, 12:54:34 pm
I suspect it's a car that apppeals to people that like something a bit different. I'm probably the only person who has bought it as a sensible little work car ;D
Paula
Mines going to be a work car too! At the moment my journey to work is very short, but I am looking at other jobs further away because I'll have a great car to commute in! Car ordered - now need to get the new job! Capriwidow
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on September 16, 2009, 08:01:00 pm
I'm so sad that yesterday I bought a die cast model A500 off eBay. Because no-one seems to stock the small 1;43 red ones I managed to get a second hand one (never taken out of the box ;) ).
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: scuderia sitar on September 17, 2009, 03:07:45 pm
Yep, we've all done that whilst waiting for our real cars to arrive :thumb:
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: wampa on September 17, 2009, 04:22:42 pm
I managed to resist, purely because I couldnt find one in the colours I had specced on my car. It would have been a different story had I found one in my colours. ;D
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: SAF on September 17, 2009, 05:01:12 pm
Yesterday felt like the hardest yet, in this waiting game!! Why aren't there any tiny grey A500 models?
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on September 17, 2009, 07:25:55 pm
They do only seem to do white, black and red ones - and only the white ones seem generally for sale in the small size in this country.
Problem is I'm now waiting for two Abarths to arrive!!
I really need to give the dealer of the real one a ring to find out what happens and when I need to chase him. Just been so hideously busy at work.
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on September 19, 2009, 01:51:45 pm
One if my cars arrived. But sadly it's the model one. Problem is it's immaculate and in an official abarth box and I wanted to take it out and make vroom noises.
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Capriwidow on September 19, 2009, 07:05:00 pm
I too was forced to buy a small version - managed to get one from the same dealer as buying the car from - Glyn Hopkins, Romford. The wait is just too long........ November is so far away. Good news is the car port is being built next week - Bartie will have some shelter when he eventually arrives!
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on September 19, 2009, 07:40:02 pm
:) I have a garage but I think I'm keeping my mx-5 so I probably need to garage that.
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: pottygirl on September 24, 2009, 12:35:06 pm
hi Paula congratulations on your latest decision, Red was the first 500 i saw and loved. I desperately wanted the red leather seats though, and thought red & red would be far too much, so have the pearlescent paint instead, which i love, though have to clean constantly. I've just joined the forum too, but have had my A500 since 4th July, and just discovered all you guys on here. Sounds like we are in similar profession. I have worked in the community, but am now a ward staff nurse. I have interesting memories of trying to get out into the 'sticks' in various vehicals to visit clients. Often being held up by herds of cows. I wish you well with your journeying.
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on September 24, 2009, 07:34:13 pm
Hiya,
Community diabetes dietitian of all things here. I also thought red with red might be a little too red (if that is possible) - looked fantastic with the black on the tester though so I imagine it looks good with your paint as well.
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Marcus_B on October 03, 2009, 01:21:18 am
Hi Paula
I had similar experience over in Nuneaton, VW dealer was totally dis-interested until i told him my budget where he perked up a bit, at which point i'd already figured he was a knob! I dealt with Ben at Research who was a top bloke, hope you have the same experience with Ian.
Welcome!!
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 03, 2009, 05:16:44 pm
I think part of the problem was that I knew I needed a new car as the Mx-5 really wasn't cutting it driving a lot in the ice and snow and after dark but I really didn't want to spend the money - so maybe I wasn't coming across as a serious purchaser. I'm also quite immune to sales techniques as the salesmen have been to the same behavioural change training as I have (the psychologists even admit they can moonlight teaching salesmen) - so it just irritates me!
The Abarth was the first car that actually convince me I wanted to part with all my savings!
Ian was very good when I bought the car - although I do seem to be having a little bit of trouble extracting a reciept with what I have ordered from them. In all fairness though it may just be a problem with the postal service.
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Lei Chat on October 03, 2009, 07:03:38 pm
Really can't wait to see your car Paula, if you don't mind sharing pics that is...
I know I'm after the 10" spoke wheels and black leather, just keep swinging on the main body colour. Today's mood has been camp grey, then bossanova white and now reading this thread, maybe red again, doh!
Are you going for side stripe stickers? Body colour mirrors? If your combo isn't already featured (or you have a pic that shows it off better) hoping you'll let me add one to www.leichatcom/abarth500
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Jarmin Von Nitely on October 03, 2009, 07:46:04 pm
fourth Red one along is what mine will lool like ;D
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 04, 2009, 09:56:12 pm
There will be photographs but it's not due for a while yet.
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 07, 2009, 02:21:33 pm
My order form turned up in the post today so I now have tangible evidence that it wasn't all just my imagination! Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: pottygirl on October 07, 2009, 03:25:00 pm
hi paula is that 5 weeks down 7 to go now? i am now waiting for mine again, as i stupidly went and crashed it monday night in the lanes near where i live. i just wrote a new posting about it. any way i am feeling very sick about the whole thing. Sounds like you have already owned sports cars, and probably more used to them than me, i have only driven huge 7 seater, 4 wheel drive jobbies for the last 15 years, so am (obviously) finding the conversion a bit more tricky than expected. Will you get your car before christmas?
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 09, 2009, 03:44:00 pm
I hope so or otherwise it's gonna cost more in vat. Think it's due end of November. At present I'm stuck at home waiting for the side effects of the migraine drugs to wear off so I can drive again (or me to get so peed off I flush the damn things for being ineffective and making me feel rubbish). So I can't drive anything at the mo anyhow. Two weeks off work might sound good, but when you can't drive or use the Internet for more than a quick 5 minutes or watch much tv it gets pretty old pretty quick. Argh gotta gi as my vision is starting to blur.
Sorry to hear about your accident. Sometimes v bad stuff just happens, but turbo powered rollerskates need treating with a certain amount of respect :)
paula.
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Delaney on October 09, 2009, 03:59:25 pm
Paula
Some good news to help you feel better. VAT does not go back up to 17.5% until 1st January 2010 so on the basic car that will mean an increase of £171.09.
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: pottygirl on October 09, 2009, 07:31:21 pm
aaarghh mate migraines are the worst. hope you recover soon :-[. yeh have certainly learnt my lesson. Good description :) :)
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: nyssa7 on October 10, 2009, 10:31:26 am
Some good news to help you feel better. VAT does not go back up to 17.5% until 1st January 2010 so on the basic car that will mean an increase of £171.09.
Basic car is £13600, take off 15%, put back 17.5% and that's an increase of £295
Or in the case of my specced up SS, another £417 to find if mine doesn't arrive before the end of the year ???
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 10, 2009, 08:42:05 pm
Tablets about to be flushed - got tired of the nightmares and being generally rubbish and still having a headache.
I suspect the extra will be on the options as well but I have high hopes of it turning up in time.
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: carolt on October 10, 2009, 10:36:56 pm
Hi Paula,
Congratulations, great choice. You couldn't have done any better. Twin exhausts. Woweee. I have a Grande Punto Abarth which is one year old and perfectly run in, yet I am still thinking of a 500 Abarth to compliment what I have already got, which is a lot ;D
Love Carol
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: pottygirl on October 13, 2009, 12:06:57 am
Tablets about to be flushed - got tired of the nightmares and being generally rubbish and still having a headache.
I suspect the extra will be on the options as well but I have high hopes of it turning up in time.
Paula
what's up with you head? sounds bad. Do you think it is caused by the stress of the long wait?
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 13, 2009, 09:10:27 am
:) yes that must be it! Can't believe I hadn't thought of that explanation!
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 16, 2009, 11:05:59 am
Ok I cracked - it's been pretty much 6 weeks so I left a message for Ian at Reseach to ask if there's any news . . .
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 16, 2009, 11:13:35 am
Status ?16 - should be built this week and he reckons mid -November a little quicker than 12 weeks. Apparently they've just had a load delivered which took about 11 weeks.
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: pottygirl on October 16, 2009, 09:31:22 pm
haha Paula keep calm. mine did arrive one week early if that's any help. it was one of the happiest days of my life - not that i'm shallow or anything :whistle:
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 17, 2009, 09:45:02 am
My MX-5 arrived during some of the worst October weather on record - torrential rain, floods, gales. Not the happiest day of my life - I'd always owned old bangers and I was terrified to drive this expensive, brand new car bought on the never. My husband ended up taking it into work and after a month or so someone hit him from behind and trashed the back end!
Never really did get used to it - after 11 years I'm replacing it to get something with abs, traction/stability control and a decent height of seating position.
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Delaney on October 17, 2009, 05:37:12 pm
Once Ian at Research gives you a status 20 Assigned your car has been produced and is either waiting to go on or on the train from Tychy (the plant in Poland where the A500 is made) to Verreboek Antwerp. It will then wait to go on the boat to Portbury(Bristol). Which boat ? Well it could be Grande Portogallo due in Portbury Mon 2nd Nov, Grand Benelux due in Sat 7th Nov or maybe Grande Napoli Wed 11 Nov. It is then about a week or so after into Research.
Happy waiting
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 17, 2009, 07:35:53 pm
OMG my brain is pouring out of my ear ;D
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Delaney on October 17, 2009, 08:18:01 pm
Really sorry about that Paula
or is that a sudden glycogen release from the astrocytes in all the extiment!!
Maybe a thread on a diet to help calm all those waiting for the new car to arrive!! Chocolate with an intermingaling of fibre rich foods or just bottles of lucozade to prevent hypoglycemia!
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: needsmust on October 17, 2009, 11:23:51 pm
Glucose is the obligatory energy substrate of the brain. In starvation, diabetes or breast-feeding, the brain can utilise ketone bodies such as lactate as a metabolic substrate.
Glycogen as a store of energy is present in astrocytes, but levels are low compared to liver or muscle. During period of intense neural activity, astrocytic glycogen can be degraded to lactate for fuel. This also occurs during hypoglycemia and can extend axon function for 20 min or so.
It is unlikely that even the most intense neural activity would result in the extrusion of astrocytic glycogen from the ear. It may be conceivable however, that in the female stomach there is a direct connection between the separate pudding compartment, via the low action potential astrocyte to the selectively receptive vestibulocochlear nerve and thence to the external auditory meatus.
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 18, 2009, 09:31:38 am
OMG metabolism on a car forum - scary :o You know I didn't actually know that Astrocytes stored glycogen. There you go.
Not sure I'm all that excited at present - somewhat worried about trashing all my savings to be honest!
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: SAF on October 18, 2009, 10:33:14 am
This is not the ("saving is for sissies") Paula we know and love!!! Make yourself a nice cup of coffee, croissant and you tube some A500 films...remind yourself why you have done this!! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: GTMartin on October 18, 2009, 11:02:26 am
Just remember the 80's mantra - Spend now, pay later - or - You will be still be enjoying it well after the price has been forgotten.
Martin
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Moose on October 18, 2009, 02:21:51 pm
OMG metabolism on a car forum - scary :o You know I didn't actually know that Astrocytes stored glycogen. There you go.
Not sure I'm all that excited at present - somewhat worried about trashing all my savings to be honest!
Paula
'Trashing' all you savings?? :-\ Trust me, all the thoughts of 'trashing' will be gone when you finally get to drive your car. Yet again this morning I was surprised by how much I love the whole 'character' of the A500 :thumb:
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: SAF on October 19, 2009, 12:19:21 am
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 19, 2009, 01:38:28 pm
Yes, yes I know. What I probablly need to do is wander into Research and have a look again - it's been 6 weeks!
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 19, 2009, 02:08:50 pm
I found this, admittedly incredibly short, video of a red one with black leather and no stripes - wrong wheels but at least I know what it will look like now.
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: needsmust on October 19, 2009, 02:18:55 pm
Surely those are the right wheels. ;)
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Mike152 on October 19, 2009, 02:20:37 pm
Yup, they look like the right wheels to me too!
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: wampa on October 19, 2009, 02:36:27 pm
nah, those wheels are very wrong... :whistle:
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 19, 2009, 04:06:52 pm
Don't confuse me - I'm very easily confused ???
I meant I think these are the standard 16" and I've ordered 17" 10 spoke alloys.
I was just pleased because I haven't seen a video of a red one without stripes and with the black leather like what I've ordered before. It's nice to see that it (in my opinion) looks really good but not too much like a boy racer mobile as I do have to leave it in some less than salubrious places.
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: needsmust on October 19, 2009, 06:48:29 pm
Then it would seem you've ordered the wrong wheels. ;) (whatever Wampa might think) :deadhorse:
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: wampa on October 20, 2009, 10:10:18 am
Then it would seem you've ordered the wrong wheels. ;) (whatever Wampa might think) :deadhorse:
:bat:
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 20, 2009, 06:17:23 pm
Take it outside boys!
Was driving on nasty slippery roads in the MX-5 today and am looking forwards to traction and stability control. So I think I've resisted the temptation to cancel.
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 24, 2009, 03:25:07 pm
It's apparently in the country and I may be able to pick it up by the end of next week!
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: 500Abarthista on October 25, 2009, 10:00:30 am
Great news paula things suddenly moved quickly for you :thumb: I'm still waiting to hear if mine is here yet.
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: scuderia sitar on October 27, 2009, 10:07:58 am
It's apparently in the country and I may be able to pick it up by the end of next week!
Oooh, bet you're VERY excited !!
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 27, 2009, 11:15:16 am
Sadly I'm stuck at home with a miserable lurg, so excited will have to wait :-\
Still at least it's hopefully coming in time for my week off (well my official week off as opposed to my spluttering and hacking week off).
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: pottygirl on October 27, 2009, 11:27:04 am
aaaggh Paula, so sorry you are still feeling so poorly, hope it's not ruining your A500 experience too much. Have you got a collection date? sincerely hope you are better for your annual leave. :thumb:
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 27, 2009, 04:47:55 pm
If I remember rightly Ian from Research told me it was in the country and due in the shop the beginning of this week. His estimate was the 4th/5th November and he was going to let me know for sure later this week.
It's got to have bip, bips fitted (for those in the know this is the correct technical term for rear parking sensors). My mx-5 has had more new bottoms than Madonna over the last 11 years - although to be fair to myself only two of those involved me actually backing into things and one of those the other person also backed into me. They're from an after market firm but hopefully they'll do a good job - bit nerve wracking - can't see why Fiat/Abarth don't do them as an option. I guess it's not very manly - it's far more manly to stuff your abarth into a hedge!
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: wampa on October 27, 2009, 04:56:09 pm
If I remember rightly Ian from Research told me it was in the country and due in the shop the beginning of this week. His estimate was the 4th/5th November and he was going to let me know for sure later this week.
It's got to have bip, bips fitted (for those in the know this is the correct technical term for rear parking sensors). My mx-5 has had more new bottoms than Madonna over the last 11 years - although to be fair to myself only two of those involved me actually backing into things and one of those the other person also backed into me. They're from an after market firm but hopefully they'll do a good job - bit nerve wracking - can't see why Fiat/Abarth don't do them as an option. I guess it's not very manly - it's far more manly to stuff your abarth into a hedge!
Paula
I know of a 500 that was featured on here that had parking sensors fitted. They were fitted by Vospers, you might want to check with John501 where they were from, wouldnt they bw Fiat ones? If I remember correctly they were White.
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 27, 2009, 06:30:27 pm
These are going to be sprayed the same colour as the bumper (red) and fitted by someone recomended by the dealer. I figure it would be far more trouble than it's worth to recommend someone who didn't do good work.
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Pootle on October 28, 2009, 02:10:17 pm
Mine is awaiting collection, but because i have a personalised number plate dvla and royal mail are holding things up. :'(
AHHHH
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: pottygirl on October 28, 2009, 04:17:41 pm
what you waiting for Pootle? and what plate did you get?
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Pootle on October 28, 2009, 05:43:42 pm
A 500 Abarth, White with red stripes on side, red wing mirrors, red leather seats, 17 inch petal wheels.
"P800 TLE" is the plate ;D
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 28, 2009, 07:48:30 pm
Cool plate ;)
I've spent hours looking but the only one I'd really like is D1 ETY which is best part of a grand so sticking to a standard one.
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: scuderia sitar on October 29, 2009, 10:07:34 am
Pootle with petals....cool!
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Pootle on October 29, 2009, 10:39:30 am
LOL@ Pootle with petals
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: needsmust on October 29, 2009, 07:53:28 pm
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 29, 2009, 08:48:50 pm
;D
Good news is my flu is actually beginning to recede today after 7 days of getting worse. So I may even be fit to pick my car up.
There's an alternative to the £20 test. You know the one - there's a £20 note at the top of the garden, do you go an get it? If the answer's yes you don't have flu.
New Version: Your A500 is at the dealers and ready to be collected - do you go? At the moment the answer for me is I'd ask them to hold onto it, I feel that ill.
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: pottygirl on October 29, 2009, 08:53:07 pm
Glad to hear it ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: scuderia sitar on October 29, 2009, 11:38:07 pm
Good news is my flu is actually beginning to recede today after 7 days of getting worse. So I may even be fit to pick my car up.
There's an alternative to the £20 test. You know the one - there's a £20 note at the top of the garden, do you go an get it? If the answer's yes you don't have flu.
New Version: Your A500 is at the dealers and ready to be collected - do you go? At the moment the answer for me is I'd ask them to hold onto it, I feel that ill.
Paula
Bloody hell, you must be ill ! :'(
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 30, 2009, 04:54:19 am
Oooh look it's a times so utterly hideous that no human should be stirring and I'm up with a nice cup of tea trying to get my breathing good enough to go back to sleep. Booooooooored now, wan my car :thumbd:
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Sawbomartin on October 30, 2009, 09:06:00 am
Best to wait till you're better. It would ruin your collection "experience". Also, when you drive a car for the first time and don't know it, there's a a far higher risk than usual of having a mishap. Add a tad of illness..... If I were you I'd wait till you can get the most pleasure from collecting your car. I put mine off until a Friday when I could take the day off and had a free weekend.
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: scuderia sitar on October 30, 2009, 09:42:58 am
Oooh look it's a times so utterly hideous that no human should be stirring and I'm up with a nice cup of tea trying to get my breathing good enough to go back to sleep. Booooooooored now, wan my car :thumbd:
Paula
If you had your car you could be driving around with a camera looking for a sign with 'ON' on it !!
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 30, 2009, 09:44:58 am
Ben from Research has just called and apparently it's pretty much ready and I can pick it up on Weds/Thurs, by which time I should be well enough :thumb:
Now the scary bit - insuring two cars...
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 30, 2009, 10:03:45 am
It's horrible - the girl couldn't even find Abarth on the system. . . . save meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 30, 2009, 10:11:50 am
"I'm just calling you to tell you that I am going to be taking fifteen grand out of my bank account next week so please don't hit the cloned card panic button " . . . . . :whistle:
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 30, 2009, 10:44:39 am
All done thank god. The Abarth only added £35 onto my existing policy for the rest of the year and a miracle has happened - I managed to insure the MX-5 for £250 in my husband's name as he gets pseudo no-claims for having been named on my policy for years. And it includes business use which means I can drive round clinics with the top down on nice summer days - didn't think I'd be able to afford to do that.
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: olopboy on October 30, 2009, 10:52:54 am
You'll still more than likely have to go through the verfication and the random questions, I've never noticed that informing the bank in advance makes a squat of difference.
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: GTMartin on October 30, 2009, 11:25:03 am
Hi Paula,
I see the insurance is a done deal. I use a broker that for years has done us a great deal on a variety of cars. The boss is a petrol head so he understands what we are like. Let me know if you would like a contact.
I have no affiliation to this company.
Martin
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 30, 2009, 11:34:16 am
I never use a broker - I always insure direct with the company I've used for the last 11 years and have always behaved well.
This is ever since I had an accident and the broker blamed the delay on the insurance company and the insurance company blamed it on the broker. I had friends who had similar experiences.
I do occasionally check that they are competitive but to be honest when you're so old you're paying £200 on whatever group the Abarth is there aint a lot of wriggle room!
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: GTMartin on October 30, 2009, 11:45:14 am
That's fair enough then. and I do see you point re blame.
Touch wood we have never had to claim.
Martin
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: pottygirl on October 30, 2009, 12:13:08 pm
:whistle:
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Ad on October 30, 2009, 12:24:21 pm
Paula I'm picking my car up from Research tomorrow morning so I'll have a look out for yours and let you know how good it looks :thumb:
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Pootle on October 30, 2009, 12:27:58 pm
Look at mine too, its sitting there with its " P00tle" plates on, just need the damn paper work,sodding royal mail strike
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 30, 2009, 12:31:58 pm
Pootle: I really feel for you - hopefully they will turn up soon.
Ad - it's red with black leather. Actually maybe the hubby could drive me up to have a look myself. Pretty sure I'm not infectious any more just feel like a truck has hit me.
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Ad on October 30, 2009, 12:48:57 pm
Haha, i'll have a look for some Pootle plates as well :)
I don't want to get infected so go look at it sometime in the afternoon :P
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 30, 2009, 03:02:56 pm
Right they open at 8:30 so hubbit can drop me off on the way to work on Wednesday.
Right Vrooooooooooooooom, Vrooom, Vrooooooooooom, Vrooooooooooooooom. . . . . nope too much excitement I need a little lie down!
Paula
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: 500Abarthista on October 30, 2009, 04:34:07 pm
Exciting for you Paula have a good ol' vrooooooom for me to please :wave: how exciting can't wait till pickup day
Title: Re: Oops think I just bought an Abarth 500
Post by: Paula on October 31, 2009, 11:45:40 am
Been, seen, photos on the way. Vrooom, vroooooooom, vrooom.........