As the title says, I think I inadvertently talked my friend out of buying a MINI and into a Fiat 500.
He was looking at a used 09 justa and I told them they have a lot of issues and that knowing him, he would wind up taking a hammer to the car and beating the crap out of it. Then he looked at an S, but it had really been used, and the price was a bit higher. I told him it would be a bit better, but it would still be a problem and aggravate him. He was looking at the local Chevy dealer, and I tried to talk him into looking at the MINI dealer.
Well, he sent me a text last night telling me he bought a ..................................... FIAT!!
I dunno man........
This guy started life as a Jag mechanic. He gave that up after a couple years because he realized he hated working on cars............ It pisses him off to the point where he starts ranting and raving and beating on things with big hammers.
From what I hear, I dont think this Fiat is not going to be a good car for him..........

 

It might work out. When things turn south for him remind him he could'a bought a Smart Fortwo.

 

I always give people the honest low down on owning a first gen MINI.* There's a lot of people who like to sugar coat **** on these cars.


* When I sell this car it's the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned beating out my Toyota truck, Honda Civic and Honda Accord.

 

The early 2nd gen S has a lot more issues than a base non-turbo.

 

To boil it down to where the problem lies, the 1st Gen W11 lump is near bullet proof. Then, along came the 2nd Gen N14 'Prince'. They let the French get mixed up in that operation and we all know where that led, nuttin' but trouble. Things have gotten better with the later version N18. So, had your friend been looking at a different set of circumstances he could have found happiness.

 

I forgot to mention the S was a 2010.But like I mentioned, it was really used...............
I told him I was looking at a 2013 BaysWater with less miles and warranty for only 3 grand more, and it was in MUCH better shape.
But from what I hear the Fiats are no better.

 

Gotta admit I really dig those Abarths. They are fun, sound FANTASTIC, and they tank on resale so it's nice for buyers of slightly used ones