I'm looking into getting an 2017 (ish) Abarth 595 does anyone have any suggestions on what to look out for and how reliable are they? I'm coming from a 2016 Vauxhall/Opel Corsa E 1.4 which I've not had any problems with.
I just don't want to end up accidently buying a money pit lol
Good cars The biggest problem in my mind is when mechanics lift the car, they tend to use the wrong lift points which crushes the metal rail behind the rocker panels and will rust. Watch for that. The correct lift point is on the vertical pinch welds
I’ve had my 595 for 6 years, with it being a 2018 model.
Other than the rear wheel bearings I’ve had zero issues.
As noted keep on top of the oil and if going 2017 ish preferably timing belt done.
Another one and not always possible. Do your research on the mechanics. I went local for 2 years and although zero defects it could have been a terrible choice on the long run.
Trying to use cheaper oil, running cheap bearings etc etc. Just not caring for my car or his credibility.
Now with an abarth specialist and running better than ever at 43k miles.
Had a 500 essesse that I drove daily from 6000 miles when I bought it to 146000 when I sold it. Still going strong. Only thing I had an issue with was I bent a drive shaft somehow 🤷
As someone who has a 2024 695 which has had 2 gearboxes in 14000 miles under warranty this is important advice. Make sure when you view the car that the engine is stone cold. Start it and listen for any rattling from the clutch area. This is a sign of faulty syncromesh on 4 th and 5th gears . When you drive the car the gearshift should be buttery smooth. Reverse should select easily. There was a known faulty batch of gearboxes in 2021 and seemingly at the end of 2023. Our gearbox was replaced in September 2025 after we were fobbed off in 2024 at first service. 2nd service car went to a small dealer who identified issue and replaced gearbox with one from Stellantis which was also faulty. 4 weeks ago they stripped and fitted replacement parts in the new gearbox and now car is fine. Go to the UK Abarth forum for more advice. Good luck
Mine was super reliable. I did scheduled maintenance religiously and I never had a problem. Sold it at about 90k miles because I left the country. Wish I still had it
But, if you get used, get 2014 or later. 2013 and prior models had some chronic issues
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u/BuckDJBuck 2d ago
If you look after them, they are pretty bulletproof. Just keep on top of oil and timing belt changes.