We often review brand-new cars, gleaming and fresh off the production line. However, the reality for most car owners is that those first few thousand miles fly by, and then the real test of a vehicle begins as wear and tear starts to take its toll. A car can transform from a perfectly tuned machine into something far less desirable as daily life throws its challenges at it. Back in the autumn of 2011, I purchased a brand new 2012 Fiat 500 Sport. Now, having clocked 65,000 miles in this little red car, I thought it was time to share my long-term ownership experience. Like many, when considering an Italian car, the old adage “Fix It Again Tony” lingered in the back of my mind. If you’re considering a Fiat 500 Sport, let me reassure you that “Tony” might just be looking for a new job.
Alt text: Front three quarter view of a red Fiat 500 Sport parked on a paved surface showcasing its sporty design.
Surprisingly Solid Maintenance
As a self-confessed auto enthusiast with a penchant for Italian cars, I half-expected owning a Fiat 500 Sport to be a bit of an adventure – perhaps even a playful battle against potential Italian car stereotypes. I braced myself for some mechanical hiccups or the occasional visit to the repair shop to iron out those infamous “quirks” that might have slipped through quality control at the factory. However, my experience has been quite the opposite. This car has been remarkably free of issues. In fact, my first and only trip to the dealership for repairs was a simple fix: replacing the seat latch to allow passengers into the back seat of the Fiat 500 Sport. Additionally, the rear hatch Fiat logo showed some water damage, a minor cosmetic issue due to moisture seepage. The dealership, to their credit, offered to replace it free of charge. Beyond these two very minor points, my maintenance has been limited to routine wear and tear items – replacing tires and brake pads once.
Alt text: Close up of the Fiat badge on the rear hatch of a red Fiat 500 Sport, highlighting the car’s branding and design detail.
Regardless of the make or model, neglecting maintenance will inevitably lead to problems. However, my Italian stallion, the Fiat 500 Sport, has defied the stereotypical image of a temperamental Italian car. It’s been a surprisingly smooth ride, punctuated only by endearing quirks rather than frustrating mechanical breakdowns. The dealership’s responsiveness to even these minor concerns has further cemented my positive impression of Italian automotive engineering in the Fiat 500 Sport.
Electronics and Tech Quirks
The Fiat 500 Sport I chose thankfully came equipped with the optional Bose stereo system, and it continues to deliver a fantastic audio experience, far superior to the Dre Beats systems found in later 500 models. The Bluetooth system, however, is a bit dated as it lacks Bluetooth audio streaming. Thankfully, a cheap and simple workaround is available – a USB Bluetooth Audio Receiver with AUX output. Despite this small omission, phone call clarity is excellent, and navigating the system menus is straightforward and intuitive. With a daily commute that often involves two hours behind the wheel, the steering wheel controls and the overall multimedia system in the Fiat 500 Sport have been consistently reliable, rarely presenting any glitches.
Alt text: Interior view of the Fiat 500 Sport dashboard, focusing on the Bose sound system and the car’s retro-inspired gauges.
One peculiar “Italian charm” I’ve noticed in some 2012 Fiat 500 Sport models is a tendency for the clock to run slow. I find myself resetting it every couple of months as it gradually falls about 10 minutes behind. While dealers were addressing this issue, I opted to live with it rather than have the dashboard disassembled to replace the gauge cluster. Another minor electronic issue has been headlight bulb replacements. These bulbs are somewhat “unique,” leading dealers to quote inflated prices, but they can be sourced online for a significantly more reasonable cost, highlighting a potential area for savings when maintaining your Fiat 500 Sport.
Alt text: Close up of the Fiat 500 Sport steering wheel and dashboard controls, emphasizing the ergonomic design for city driving.
Performance and Driving Experience
The 1.4L engine in the Fiat 500 Sport isn’t going to win any drag races, but it provides ample power for everyday driving situations. Even after 65,000 miles, it still runs as smoothly as it did when new. My primary concern with this car was the complexity of the MultiAir valve system, but it has proven to be completely reliable, with no issues whatsoever. Around 25,000 miles into ownership, I installed a Mopar Cold Air Intake system. The immediate improvements in sound and a perceived performance boost were impressive. However, about a year later, the rubber elbows connecting crucial parts of the intake deteriorated and cracked. The build quality of this aftermarket part was disappointing, especially considering its premium price tag.
Alt text: Side profile of a red Fiat 500 Sport in motion, showcasing its compact size and sporty stance on the road.
The clutch has endured some of the worst traffic conditions imaginable and remains in excellent working order, with minimal to no grinding or change in pedal feel. The handling, noise insulation, and ride quality of the Fiat 500 Sport are superior to other small cars I’ve driven in this segment. The seats and suspension have made my daily commute bearable, even enjoyable. Only recently, around the 55,000-mile mark, has the steering started to feel slightly looser. This likely requires a simple alignment check, especially as I opted for slightly larger and heavier tires at the 50,000-mile mark to improve ride comfort and save some money compared to the limited stock tire options.
Alt text: Angled shot of the Fiat 500 Sport alloy wheels and tires, highlighting the sporty wheel design and tire profile.
Overall Verdict: Still Loving the Fiat 500 Sport
After nearly two years and countless hours spent commuting, the Fiat 500 Sport continues to impress. I consistently achieve around 34-36 mpg in mixed to heavy Los Angeles traffic, a testament to its fuel efficiency. The car still attracts positive attention, garnering compliments and smiles from gas station attendants and passersby alike. While my freeway driving style might be considered conservative (maintaining large gaps, engine braking), I thoroughly enjoy pushing the Fiat 500 Sport to its limits in city driving and whenever I find an open stretch of road. I’ve been known to exploit the 5-speed manual transmission and rev the engine high, yet the little red car just keeps going, always eager and responsive.
The leather interior shows only minor wear, and the plastics and trim pieces look remarkably new. I’ve yet to encounter a situation where passengers or cargo couldn’t fit, and many friends are surprised by the spaciousness of the back seat once inside. The Fiat 500 Sport has proven to be the ideal urban runabout, and I genuinely look forward to driving it, even after spending a week testing a more luxurious Audi sedan. There’s an undeniable charm to a light, agile, four-cylinder hatchback with a good manual transmission that simply makes driving enjoyable. The Fiat 500 Sport delivers on that charm in spades.
