{"id":21309,"date":"2026-02-17T12:32:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T12:32:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/comparepriceswebsite.co.uk\/?p=21309"},"modified":"2026-04-08T11:28:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T10:28:20","slug":"used-fiat-500","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/comparepriceswebsite.co.uk\/index.php\/2026\/02\/17\/used-fiat-500\/","title":{"rendered":"Used Fiat 500 Review: Which Version to Buy, What to Check, and What It Costs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A city car like the Fiat 500<\/strong> can make life easier. It slips into tight parking bays, feels light in traffic, and usually costs less to run than something bigger. That’s why the Fiat 500, with its charming retro style and heritage tracing back to the Cinquecento, keeps showing up on UK shortlists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re shopping used, the big decision isn’t just colour and trim. It’s powertrain. Do you go for a simple petrol 500, the petrol mild hybrid<\/strong>, or the all-electric 500e? This guide focuses on 2020-onwards cars (including the most recent model years), while still covering the key variants you’ll see on the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Used Fiat 500 Finance<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Fiat 500 range guide, which version fits your life best?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At a glance, the Fiat 500 range looks straightforward. In reality, there are two “families” that happen to share a name. The Fiat 500 Hybrid is based on the older platform. The Fiat 500e<\/strong>, or Nuova 500, is a newer electric car underneath, with a different feel on the road and a more modern cabin layout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll also choose between two main body styles, hatchback or convertible. The hatchback is the most common and the easiest to live with. The convertible (Cabrio) keeps the same small footprint but adds a fabric roof that folds back. It’s great in summer, but it adds extra checks when buying used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Mild hybrid” can sound more serious than it is. In plain terms, it’s still a petrol car. A small motor and battery assist the engine a bit, mainly when pulling away and in stop-start traffic. You don’t plug it in, and it can’t drive on electric power alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a simple way to compare the three main choices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Version<\/th>Best for<\/th>What it feels like<\/th>Biggest watch-outs<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Petrol Fiat 500<\/td>Very short trips, low mileage, simple ownership<\/td>Cheerful and light, but not quick<\/td>Urban wear (clutch, tyres), older-tech feel<\/td><\/tr>
Fiat 500 Hybrid<\/td>City driving with lots of stop-start<\/td>Similar to petrol, a bit smoother off the line<\/td>Don’t expect “EV-like” savings or power<\/td><\/tr>
Fiat 500e (electric)<\/td>Drivers who can charge easily, modern feel<\/td>Quicker response, calmer around town<\/td>Charging costs vary including rapid charging, winter range drops<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The takeaway is simple: pick the powertrain that matches your routine first, then worry about trim and styling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Petrol and mild hybrid Fiat 500 (2020 onwards), what they’re like day to day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For many UK drivers, the petrol and mild hybrid Fiat 500 makes sense because it’s familiar. You fill up anywhere, you don’t need a driveway charger, and the car stays small and easy to place on narrow streets. It suits short commutes, school runs, and city errands, where parking matters more than outright speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mild hybrid system helps most in stop-start traffic. It can smooth the pull-away and reduce fuel use a little when you keep stopping at junctions. Still, it doesn’t turn the 500 into a different car. You’ll notice the same compact feel, the same simple controls, and broadly the same performance level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Power is modest, so expectations matter. The 500 is happiest in town and on A-roads. It will do motorway miles, but it can feel busy at higher speeds, especially if the road is rough or the wind picks up. If you drive long distances every week, a larger supermini may feel more relaxed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose petrol or mild hybrid if you want straightforward ownership and you mainly drive locally. Also, if you live in a flat with no easy charging, petrol is often the calmer choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fiat 500e electric (2020 onwards), who it suits and what to check first<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The 500e fits drivers who want the same cute footprint but prefer a quieter, more modern drive. Around town it feels brisk because electric power arrives instantly. It also feels more “grown up” inside, with a newer design and often stronger tech, depending on trim such as the Icon trim or La Prima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you fall for the styling, check your charging reality. Home charging is usually the easiest and cheapest option, especially overnight. Public charging can work, but costs vary a lot, and rapid chargers can be pricey for regular use. If you rely on public charging only, the maths may not beat petrol in the way you hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Battery size matters too. You’ll commonly see different battery options (the 24kWh battery and 42kWh battery). The larger 42kWh battery tends to suit drivers who do longer trips or can’t charge every night, with improved electric range. The smaller 24kWh battery can still be fine for local use, as long as you treat range as a planning tool, not a promise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cold weather, short trips, and high speeds all reduce EV range, so plan with a buffer and not the brochure figure.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

When viewing a used 500e, look at charging equipment and how it’s been used. A car that comes with the right cables and shows signs of careful ownership is a safer bet than one with missing kit and vague answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to look for when buying a used Fiat 500<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Small city cars live a hard life. They squeeze past bollards, bounce over speed humps, and brush kerbs daily. That’s why condition matters more than badges or fancy wheels. A clean, well-kept used Fiat 500 will feel tight and tidy. A neglected one can feel worn out even at low mileage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start with a slow walkaround, then move inside, then take a proper test drive. Finally, check the paperwork with the same attention you gave the paintwork. The goal is to spot signs of heavy urban use, poor repairs, or missed servicing. The Fiat 500 also offers reassuring safety features and a solid Euro NCAP rating, but always verify the car’s condition to ensure those protections remain effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This table works well as a viewing guide you can keep on your phone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Area<\/th>What to check<\/th>Why it matters<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Tyres and wheels<\/td>Uneven wear, cuts, bulges, heavy kerbing on alloy wheels<\/td>Alignment issues cost money, damaged tyres can fail<\/td><\/tr>
Bodywork and lights<\/td>Stone chips, door dings, colour mismatch, cracked lenses<\/td>Poor repairs can hide bigger damage<\/td><\/tr>
Cabrio roof (if fitted)<\/td>Smooth operation, tight seals, no damp smell<\/td>Roof repairs can be fiddly and expensive<\/td><\/tr>
Interior and tech<\/td>Warning lights, heating, air con, Bluetooth, USB ports, rear parking sensors<\/td>Fixing faults can wipe out “bargain” savings<\/td><\/tr>
Road test<\/td>Straight braking, no knocks, stable at 50 to 70 mph<\/td>Reveals wear in suspension, tyres, and steering<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After you’ve done these basics, you’ll usually know if the car is worth deeper questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick walkaround checks: tyres, wheels, bodywork, roof, and lights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tyres tell the truth. Uneven wear can suggest poor alignment, tired suspension parts, or repeated kerb impacts. Also check that tyre sizes match across each axle, and ideally the brands do too. Mixed tyres aren’t always a deal-breaker, but they can hint at penny-pinching maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wheels on Fiat 500s often show kerbing. A few marks are normal on a city car. However, deep gouges, buckled rims, or vibrations on the test drive suggest harder hits. Look down the side of the car as well, because parking scuffs often sit low on doors and sills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On a Cabrio, take your time. Open and close the fabric roof fully, and listen for strain or hesitation. Then check the seals around the edges, and sniff inside for damp. Misty windows and wet carpets can point to leaks, which can also upset electrics later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interior and tech checks that save you money later<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inside, press every button you’ll use. That means windows, mirrors, the infotainment system with its touchscreen display supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, phone pairing, and the heater and air con. If the car has parking sensors or a reversing camera, test them properly and not just by looking at a screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warning lights should come on with ignition, then go out. If a seller has a story about “it’s always done that”, treat it as a cost. Also look for signs of water ingress, such as musty smells, damp under mats, or condensation that never clears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Short-trip cars can show extra wear in surprising places. Clutches, brakes, and even door hinges can feel tired because the car has lived in stop-start traffic. A low-mileage car isn’t automatically the best one, especially if it’s done endless cold starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Test drive signs to notice: steering feel, brakes, gearbox, and noises<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A good Fiat 500 should feel light and easy, not loose. On a straight road, relax your grip slightly and see if it tracks straight. If it drifts, suspect alignment or tyre issues. Over speed humps, listen for knocks that suggest worn drop links or tired bushes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brakes should feel smooth and consistent. If the car pulls under braking, it could be tyres, brakes, or a sticky caliper. Any grinding noises need a clear explanation, because pads and discs can add up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manual gearboxes should shift cleanly. Pay attention to the clutch bite point. If it bites very high, slips under load, or judders when moving off, budget for work. If you’re looking at an automatic version, it should pull away smoothly and change without harsh jolts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At 50 to 70 mph, vibrations often point to wheel balance, tyre damage, or buckled wheels. Those faults aren’t rare on city cars, but you should price them in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paperwork and history that matter for a Fiat 500<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Paperwork is where good deals become safe deals. You want evidence of routine care, not just a clean valet. Check the service record, and look for a pattern that makes sense with the mileage. Then review the MOT history for repeat advisories, because the same note year after year often means “never fixed”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quick, practical list to verify:<\/p>\n\n\n\n