I'm curious about your experience with your Fiat cars. As a brand Fiat has been knocked for a lack of reliability. Have you had more than the usual number of problems?
My 2012 500 lost an engine at around 30,000 miles. as I understand it, there was a problem with some of the 2012 500's where the starter was grounding and arcing through the main bearings. Fiat replaced it under warranty without any problems. They also replaced the A/C switch under warranty. Other than that, the car has been completely reliable. It has a 5 speed and is a blast to drive! I still look forward to driving it. My only complaint is that the cupholders suck. I am a sea kayaker, and I carry my 18' sea kayak on the roof of my 500 all over the Northeast Coast. I included a photo for your amusement. I have about 60,000 miles on the 500
The 2014 500L has the DCT and it is fully optioned. We have had no problems with anything and there has been no need for any warranty repairs. Fiat stopped using the DCT for the 2015+ model years. The typical American consumer couldn't figure out a DCT. Its too bad, I am really impressed with the DCT, the lightning fast shifts and the great fuel economy. DCT's can feel a little funny if you do something the computer isn't expecting, especially if you combine it with turbo lag. an example would be lifting off the throttle suddenly while accelerating, then immediately getting back on the throttle. You also cannot crawl in traffic with a DCT or you will burn up the clutches. If the 124 came with a DCT, I would seriously consider it. Ferrari, McLaren, and Lamborghini have all switched to DCT's exclusively. My only complaint about the 500L is the cupholders, it seems Fiat couldn't design good cupholders if their lives depended on it! we have about 14,000 miles on the 500L
We live in a world where cars are nothing but "4 wheel transportation appliances" so boring, uninspiring, and gray usually wins. The Automotive talking heads seem to dislike cars that are different, fun, funky, and stylish. I also think that the old "Fix It Again Tony" reputation plays a part as does the influence of Consumer Reports with the press.
I was a Consumer Reports Subscriber for many years before I finally canceled it because I hardly ever agreed with their reviews. Consumer Reports surveys their members about their cars for their ratings. So... The cars are being rated by people who are so anal, boring, and unimaginative that they won't even buy toilet paper without checking Consumer Reports first! I also think that their demographic is mostly older, white, and somewhat affluent. It really is no surprise to me that the soulless, uninspiring Toyota Camery and similar cars are their favorites...
My experience with Fiat cars and Fiat Studios has been completely positive... Which explains why I just ordered another one.
By the way, I am an Industrial Mechanic who works in the Power Generation industry. I don't work for Fiat and I don't work for a Fiat Studio.
