Fiat Cinquecento 1998 User Manual

Car test

U9867

November 1998

USED CAR

SURVEY

Fiat Cinquecento

If you’re thinking of buying a used
Cinquecento, we can help. We’ve delved into
our breakdown, warranty and vehicle
inspection service statistics covering the last
few years and come up with what you need to
know if you’re planning to become the second
owner.

IAT’S CHEEKY LITTLE CINQUECENTO
could be regarded as spawning the trendy,
sub-Fiesta-sized cars we’re seeing a whole rash

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of lately. Offering at least a partial panacea for our ever
more traffic-blighted city centres, they’re nippy to
drive, economical and easy to park. They also have
ample space for the shopping, yet aren’t over-taxed by a
few trips farther afield. It’s easy to forget, though, that
Sir Alec Issigonis got there nearly 40 years earlier with
the Mini – a timeless classic still on sale to this day.

Either way, the Cinquecento (along with its roomier
Punto sibling) effectively replaced the Uno and Panda,
as well as the square, sloth-like Fiat 126, finally
dispatched from its lethargic misery in 1992. The newer
duo provide an effective choice between a titchy
tearaway for mainly town-bound use, or a bigger, more
practical supermini for more family-oriented needs.

Launched in May 1993, this latter-day 500 (but
doesn’t Cinquecento sound more exciting?), offers just

a single, three-door body style, powered by a
Lilliputian, but not too limp-wristed, 900cc engine.
Initially, two versions were offered: a base model
(redubbed S around mid-1995) and the SX – spruced up
by a sunroof, electric windows and central locking. Fiat
bolted more vigour under the bonnetat the start of 1995,
introducing the aptly named Sporting, which boasts a
more powerful, 54bhp 1.1-litre engine, a rev counter
and smart alloy wheels, decked out with sports seats and
a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob.

The main points to look for...

Engine and cooling system

A straight choice between a cooking Cinquecento or the
Sporting keeps things simple on the decision-making
front. The 900cc engine emits an enthusiastic enough
rasp, but in reality, the paltry 41bhp propulsion takes
over 20sec to reach 60mph and will barely top 80mph
flat out. This makes the Sporting’s 54bhp 1.1-litre
engine (pinched from the Punto) a far more enticing
proposition, as it’s not only better suited to longer or
motorway trips, but doles out hugely bigger slices of
fun, too. Under the bonnet, we haven’t unearthed too
much cause for concern, although the tiddler’s
hydraulic tappets aren’t always as quiet as they should
be. We found a small but not-unexpected crop of blown
head gaskets, minor oil and water leaks and a few ropey
radiators. Catalytic convertors can prove an expensive

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“distress purchase”, too – a distinct possibility, given
that lambda sensors are quite prone to going on the
blink.

Transmission

Gearshift quality provides another big plus for picking a
Sporting over the standard version. Both offer five
ratios to keep things on the boil, but the 900’s ’box can
be obstructive and sticky, such that you’re sometimes
left wondering whether the lever has selected the slot
you want. Take it from us, the Sporting’s lighter, more
positive action is much less quarrelsome. This apart,
transmission tantrums are fairly few and far between,
but make sure the cogs themselves select smoothly and
silently and theclutch isn’t on itslast legs; it’s also worth
a quick look underneath to make sure the driveshaft
gaiters are still grease-tight.

Suspension, steering and brakes

Even in its punier-powered form, the Cinquecento
offers loads of fun, with nimble, alert cornering, yet a
thoroughly respectable small-car ride, although it rolls a
bit and the steering becomes a little ungainly as more
lock and speed are applied. The Sporting’s tauter, more
roll-free set-up brings crisper, still-more agile
bend-swinging, but at the expense of a weightier helm
and a jiggly, rather restless ride, although neither is
unacceptable. There are few pit-falls to report here,
apart from an above-average appetite for shock
absorbers, but keep a look-out for the occasional rear
wheel cylinder or brake servo problems we’ve come
across.

Electrics and instruments

The Cinquecento’s clear all-round vision proves a
distinct asset – both in and out of town – but its wipers
tend to be both noisy and frenetic. Judging by our
survey, they’re quite often troublesome, too, so give
them a thorough investigation. In other respects, the
alternator is the next most common delinquent,
followed by a few problems with the heater blower fan
and the speedometer head or its drive cable. Apart from
central locking playing up occasionally, that’s about the
sum of serious snags here, but as ever, it pays to give all
electrical ancillaries and accessories a thorough
going-over. The switchgear wasn’t illuminated on early
cars, incidentally, so aim for one built from early 1994
onwards, unless you enjoy fumbling about inthe dark to
locate the minor controls.

Bodywork

The well-built galvanised body, together with sensible
full-depth bumpers (although the Sporting and more
recent SX models’ are painted) look reassuring, and
don’t assume the little Fiat’s Polish origin implies a
low-tech, “garden-shed” approach. Many used
examples will have led town-based existences or have
been over-worked courtesy hacks, so look out for a rash
of minor blemishes– a legacyof a few too manyscuffles

on the weekly Sainsburys trip or school run. Wheel
trims or alloy wheels, in particular, often bear unsightly
testimony to brushes with the kerb, as well. Lighter,
metallic colours are more popular and preferable come
resale time. You can have a Sporting in any colour you
like, as longas it’s black, redor a yawn-stifling yellow.

Costs and servicing

Furious, foot-to-the-floor overtaking, or ear-to-ear grin
enjoyment of theSporting, won’t – itneed hardly be said
– do fuel economy many favours. Still, this latter-day
Topolino offers easy 40 to 50mpg (or better) economy
for those who care to exploit it, though a fewbigger (and
brisker) hatchbacks can match or even better this sort of
parsimony at the pumps. Servicing isn’t arduous, and
parts prices are reasonably competitive, while even the
Sporting’s group 5 insurance rating shouldn’t break the
bank. The standard model’s group 2 rating makes it a
particularly suitable mount for young, newly qualified
drivers, allowing them to build up their experience and,
hopefully, some no-claims bonus, too. A small number
of 1996- and 1997-built cars were recalled due to the
risk of a steering column weld fracture and a potential
loss of brake servo assistance; confirm that any car of
this vintage you’re looking at has been attended to.

So to sum up...

Pint-sized, pocket-money motoring doesn’t come much
better than this. This fun-packed Fiat won’t cost a
fortune to buy, fuel or fix, and nips among traffic and
parking slots with ease, yet it still offers surprisingly
roomy accommodation for four people or the shopping,
but not necessarily both at the same time. Like the
Punto, here’s another Fiat laying the old “rust-laden and
unreliable” spectre to rest, while comparative scarcity
early in its life, and the inevitable buoyancy this has on
used-car values, haveboth eased considerably bynow.

Pick the Sporting, as long as you can locate a tidy, well
cared-for example, for its easier gears, if no other
reason. We’ll leave the colour choice up to you, though.
The standard version offers plenty of frivolous fun, too,
and makes an excellent beginner’s choice. But make

We can’t tell you which model to choose,
but once you’ve found a car you like, we
can provide reassurance by arranging a
comprehensive check anywhere in the
country by one of the Vehicle Inspection
Engineers. Call 0345 500 610 for details
of fees or to arrange an inspection. For
longer term peace of mind we can also
offer mechanical breakdown insurance.
For further information, call AA
Warranty Services on 0800 269 798.

© The Automobile Association 1998