00:00 - SHOW OPEN - Your Daily Serving of Spicy Italian

If you’re looking for passion, fun and value in a daily driver, today’s Better Than New vehicle - a 2-door turbocharged hatchback from that country shaped like a boot - definitely serves up copious amounts of all three.  And I'll tell you what this car is and why you might want one in just a moment. So hop in, buckle up, and let's go for a drive.

01:35 - INTRO - The 2012-2019 FIAT 500 Abarth

Italian’s have a reputation for speaking loudly, dressing stylishly and driving quickly from point A to point B, and today’s Better Than New used car - the Fiat 500 Abarth, sold in the US from 2012 to 2019 - is no different.  It’s a car that speaks loudly (in a good way through its fantastic unmuffled exhaust), it’s stylish and it can quickly whisk you from point A to point B with minimal fuss and maximum fun. 

04:00 - What is an Abarth?

If you’re not familiar with name Abarth, it’s the in-house tuning company for Fiat.  It was founded in 1949 by Carlo Abarth, a former car racer turned tuner and designer – and for more than 70-years, the company has been in the business of pumping up performance on many memorable Italian cars, including the Fiat 500. 

04:35 - You Might Want a FIAT 500 Abarth If...

• You love the sound of a perfect exhaust note as you run up and down through the gears
• You need some Italian passion in your life, but you can’t afford a Ferrari or a Lamborghini
• You like cars that are practical, yet fun to drive
• You don’t want to drive a car that’s like everything else

06:40 - FIAT 500 Abarth - Details, Performance & Styling

• Engine
• Transmission
• Suspension & Handling
• Performance
• Style, Inside & Out

12:50 - Possible Problem Areas on the FIAT 500 Abarth

• Inconsistent build quality between vehicles
• Potential HVAC blower motor failure
• Boost and vacuum leaks over time
• Excessive oil consumption on some examples
• Excessive interior rattles over time
• Don't forget to change the timing belt
• Occasional parts availability issues from the dealer

17:45 - What Should You Expect to Pay for a FIAT 500 Abarth?

• $6000 to $8000 - An Abarth in this range will likely have issues.  Either they will have damage, or a rebuilt title, very high mileage or some other issues that keep the price low.  Occasionally can find a decent example within this range, but it will be rare.
• $9000 to $11,000 - Things get interesting in this price range.  There is good value here and occasionally great value, but it may take more time to find the best examples in this range.  
• $12,000 to $14,000 - This is the sweet spot and I think you will find your best values in this range.
• $15,000 to $18,000 - This is a no-brainer price range. If you have the money, you should easily find a newer (2016+) Abarth in this range with only one or two owners, very low miles, no accidents and in excellent condition.
• $18,000 to $22,000 (or more!) - There are many examples around the US posted for sale in this range, and if you have money to burn, be my guest. But I think you can find something great for much less money, unless you're looking for that perfect, one-of-a-kind, zero-mile Fiat 500 Abarth for your museum collection. Good luck!

21:35 - WRAP-UP

The Fiat 500 Abarth is one of my favorites, and could become one of yours too if you spend a little time behind the wheel, so go check one out and at least take a test drive to hear that unmuffled exhaust hit a high note at redline, like Luciano Pavarotti (may he RIP) nailing the high notes in Nessun Dorma, one of my favorite arias.  I put a links to both in the show notes (below), so click & listen… Your inner Italian will love you for it.

LINKS:

Short, but sweet – A Fiat 500 Abarth exhaust sound sample:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-RWcJ6RsVA

Long, but sweet - Luciano Pavarotti sings "Nessun dorma" from Turandot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWc7vYjgnTs

Here's the FIAT 500 Abarth US Launch commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjGSzSyHqMU&t=58s

And don't forget this Abarth commercial with Charlie Sheen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjGSzSyHqMU&t=58s