Used Fiat 500 for sale near Leicester Forest East

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 38.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 2,100
Average Price: Around £7,000

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 stylish and successful retro-inspired hatchback that has remained popular since its launch. Available as a three-door hatchback or with a retractable canvas roof (500C), it initially offered 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol engines, alongside a 1.3-litre diesel, all eventually gaining stop/start technology. The sporty Abarth versions, introduced in 2009, provided a more powerful 1.4-litre turbocharged engine.

Later, the 900cc TwinAir petrol engine was added, known for its character but needing to be revved hard for performance, impacting its real-world fuel economy. While generally agile and fun in urban settings, its stiff suspension can lead to a choppy ride on country roads, and motorway cruising can be noisy. Practicality is limited by cramped rear seats and a small 185-litre boot. Running costs are generally low for mainstream versions, with good insurance groups and some models offering tax exemption, though real-world fuel economy can differ from official figures, and the Dualogic automatic transmission is best avoided.

Best for: Style-conscious buyers, urban driving, personalisation, and those seeking a cheerful and characterful small car.

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising practicality and space, regular motorway drivers, those needing cutting-edge infotainment, or a reliable automatic transmission.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Fiat 500 if: You're a style-conscious buyer, seek a cheerful urban car, or value personalisation.

Consider alternatives if: You need significant practicality and space, frequently drive on motorways, or require reliable automatic transmission.

Competitive Position: The Fiat 500 (2008-2020) stands out in the small car market for its iconic retro styling and character. While it sacrifices practicality and can be noisy on motorways, its urban agility and wide range of customisation options appeal to buyers looking for something distinctive. Running costs are generally reasonable for mainstream models, making it an attractive choice for those prioritising charm and style over spaciousness or cutting-edge technology.

Read our full Fiat 500 Review

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