Used Fiat 500 for sale nearColchester

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 2,000
Average Price: Around £6,400

Fiat 500 (2008-2020) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Cute and cheerful retro styling	Cramped for people and luggage
Lively to drive around town	Unreliable dual-clutch auto transmission
Wide range of colours, upholsteries and finishes	Noisy on the motorway

Quick Summary

The Fiat 500 (2008-2020) is a charming urban runabout that prioritises style and personality over practicality. Its iconic retro design has proven enduringly popular, with the car remaining in production for over a decade. The 500 is agile and fun to drive in town environments, with a quirky interior featuring body-coloured panels, big buttons, and colourful fabrics. However, rear legroom is severely limited, and the 185-litre boot is tiny, making it unsuitable for families needing space. The suspension is stiffly sprung, resulting in a choppy ride on country roads, whilst the light steering offers minimal feedback.

Engine options include 1.2-litre and 1.3-litre diesel units, plus various petrol engines including the characterful but noisy TwinAir two-cylinder. The sporty Abarth variant offers up to 178bhp for those seeking more performance. Real-world fuel consumption is considerably lower than official figures, with the TwinAir achieving around 52.3mpg under newer testing protocols. Servicing costs are reasonable at independent specialists, though the timing belt requires replacement every five years or 60,000 miles. The Dualogic automatic transmission is best avoided due to reliability concerns. As a used car, the 500 offers excellent value for style-conscious buyers seeking an affordable, characterful urban commuter.

Best for: Style-conscious buyers, urban commuters, those seeking a fun and quirky city car, and buyers wanting an affordable retro-styled hatchback.

Not ideal for: Families needing space, those requiring a practical boot, drivers prioritising motorway comfort, or buyers seeking cutting-edge technology and infotainment systems.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the 500 if: You're style-conscious, seeking an affordable urban commuter, wanting a fun and quirky city car, or prioritising retro charm over practicality.

Consider alternatives if: You need space for passengers and luggage, require motorway comfort, seek cutting-edge technology, or prioritise reliability in automatic transmissions.

Competitive Position: The Fiat 500 (2008-2020) is a distinctive choice in the budget city car segment, offering unmatched retro styling and character. Whilst the MINI provides superior driving dynamics and the Volkswagen Up offers better practicality, the 500 excels in personality and affordability. It's less practical than rivals but more charming, making it ideal for style-conscious urban buyers who value emotional appeal over functionality. The 500 represents excellent value for those seeking a characterful, affordable, and fun city car with genuine individuality.

Read our full Fiat 500 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.