[TeaMartini57]

Hello all, I recently purchased a 2018 Abarth 6MT via a service similar to Carvana, called Driveway. It’s essentially like carvana, vroom, carmax etc, except it’s owned by Lithia motors, and utilizes Lithia dealer inventories.
Anyway, after 3 weeks of waiting and many hoops to jump through, my car arrived on Monday 3/13 and I am now in my 7 day “test drive period” during which I can return the vehicle. This period may get extended because of several things:

1. First, the dealer that was selling the car was located in Las Vegas, NV, and during their “recon” phase before shipping, found several things needed replacing. A/C condenser, center console top, they did an oil and filter change (more on this in a minute). Upon arrival, I am told that VIN inspection had been done, but emissions test failed 3 times, because they didn’t want to put excessive mileage on vehicle before delivery, but drive cycle may need to be completed. A bit strange, but sure, considering repairs had been done and battery potentially disconnected for a while. So I’m advised to drive 50-100 miles before getting emissions testing (that I will be compensated for). I have now logged approx 50 miles since delivery, EVAP, O2, and gas still showing not ready.
2. Vehicle arrived with from what I can tell is a Top Speed Pro 1 axle-back and a EC V1 intake, neither of which were disclosed by dealer. Now, yes I’m the idiot that bought the vehicle without close ups of the exhaust or even engine bay pics, but I was told it was stock. Regardless, tasteful mods IMO, but still. Clearly not stock, unless they somehow thought the axle-back was a Monza.

3. I wake up today to two approx 6 inch oil spots in my driveway (one from each night while it was parked. Called company “Driveway” and told them it is leaking oil; they are going to put me in contact with their customer satisfaction team, will probably have me go get it checked out by mechanic etc. My brother owns an oil change place with a pit, so we get down there and take off the plate under the oil pan to find out the threads have been stripped on the pan, but plug threads are still good. He says we can put a magnetic plug in there that should stop any leaking. Doesn’t seem like a huge deal, I was expecting something much worse.

Anyway, given what I’ve been through, and I do really like this car, I just wanted to ask for opinions on what the future may hold for servicing, etc. is it really that hard to find independent mechanics for these cars? How often is the dealer absolutely necessary for things like re-programming keys or the computer? I am located in Albuquerque, NM and we lost our Fiat dealers a bit ago, but we still have at least one Dodge/Chrysler dealership that services Fiat. I found an independent that says they work on and somewhat specialize in Fiat 500 repairs for various models.

I am potentially willing to overlook the hurdles thus far, if it means I won’t be in for worse hurdles down the line. As I said, I’m currently in my test drive/return period, and need to make a decision shortly. Anything here you all would recommend? Should I demand the oil pan be replaced? I worry this will put me out of compliance with registration that needs to be done within 30 days per my state.
The car is a 2018 Abarth, with just over 25k. Sorry for the long post!

 

[Arthur]

I suggest you reject the car.

 

[124Scottish Abarth]

After a start like this and dealer lies, you have no idea what that car has been through. I'd send it straight back!

 

[Aldo]

Yes, send the car back if you can.

For the dealer to have admitted all the work they did tells me they found a lot more than they are telling you.

Sounds like that car had a harsh life. If you can get out of the deal, there are plenty of other Abarths out there that haven’t been molested.

Good luck.

 

[EDubbs124]

Take advantage of that 7-day Test Drive. The fact that you felt the need to post these issues should answer your question……….Just saying!

 

[TeaMartini57]

Thanks Gents. I have a independent mechanic who works on fiat going to give an inspection tomorrow. Just to confirm my suspicions. The car is most likely going to be returned.

 

[124Scottish Abarth]

Thanks Gents. I have a independent mechanic who works on fiat going to give an inspection tomorrow. Just to confirm my suspicions. The car is most likely going to be returned.

Wait until you find the right car, not the first one! Some people here took I believe a couple of year s in their search for the car they wanted.

 

[Augerhandle]

Wait until you find the right car, not the first one! Some people here took I believe a couple of year s in their search for the car they wanted.

Yes. I visited the local dealer when they first hit the showroom floor but didn't find what I wanted until 2020. The only issue was that it was the wrong color. I justified it by remembering that Italian sports cars are supposed to be red.

 

[124Scottish Abarth]

I justified it by remembering that Italian sports cars are supposed to be red.

Now, this raises a point for discussion. First Lamborghini was blue metallic. Ferraris correct colour is stated as yellow (it's in the badge) because this is the colour of Modeno. Bugatti was French Racing Blue but Ettore Bugatti liked black and yellow. Italian race cars were generally red due to the history of racing where cars were coloured by the country they were from in racing, regardless of brand, e.g. British Racing Green for British race cars. So, it would make sense that Italian race cars should be red, while production road cars by brand vary in colour.

Discuss...............

 

[Aldo]

I also think Italian = Red.

In Spider’s case, I like Abarths in white or silver with the Veleno package, in red with the heritage stripe, and in that gorgeous lighter blue we never got in North America. I am not fond of black cars in general.

Lussos look especially good in white with the saddle leather. Very classy.

 

[Steele]

talian race cars were generally red due to the history of racing where cars were coloured by the country they were from in racing, regardless of brand, e.g. British Racing Green for British race cars. So, it would make sense that Italian race cars should be red,

Discuss...............

German Sliver/White or bare metal
American White with Blue
Japan White with Red
France Blue
Italian Red
UK British Racing Green

 

[CDPond]

The conversation has gone off the rails, as they often do.

Back to the first post that formed the start of this thread, my serious recommendation is not to even waste time having the vehicle inspected. You've already found more than enough to tell you it's not been treated well. Just return it and look for a more reputable and well maintained version. If you manage to convince yourself to take this car as it is, you're likely going to be headed down a road of misery and regret. Let your brain override your heart and send it back. Sooner, not later...

 

[2018 Fiat 124]

Reject the car immediately. Too may issues. There are plenty of other cars out there to choose from.

 

[Kentsmudger]

You bought a stock car, I assume to reduce the chances of a mis-treated car(?) and you have not got what you were sold.
What you have recieved is a modified car, possibly thrashed, maybe mapped if it is having issues with emissions.

You have no idea of its history and you are two dealers removed from the previous owner. It has already needed remedial work - before it was even delivered - and still has issues!

Reject and return it now before it becomes your problem for good.