1994 Fiat Cinquecento S from UK and Ireland - Comments

Hydraulic tappets sometimes stick and are noisy (how I got it cheap, ha-ha!).

Petrol tank replaced 2001 (when someone eventually advised me it was free).

Injector light comes on at 65-70mph.

Front discs and exhaust replaced at 42,000 miles.

Boot lock mechanism broke at 38,000 miles (£18).

The usual annoying knocking sound from the rear suspension!

The Cinquecento is a box on wheels that gets me to where I am going quickly and cheaply. That's all I ask and it delivers accordingly.

I work in the motor industry and my colleagues all drive Mercedes and BMW so I am the butt of a lot of jokes. But I have to travel all over the country and carry a lot of equipment. For this I always have the rear seats down and use the car like a small estate. Once you've done this there is a surprising amount of storage space available. The weight is no problem either, it will pull along on the flat and moderate hills at 75-80 MPH quite easily. Steep hills though, can slow you down a bit.

I keep detailed mileage and fuel records and can easily say that I often get 50mpg, and never below 46mpg.

This car is basic but comfortable even for me and I'm 6'3"! It's nippy around town, easy to park, and very economical.

The only criticism I could make is that apart from 'intermittent' there is only one wiper speed.

I do about 2500 miles a month, not exactly what this car was designed for, but I'm more than happy with it and would buy another.

Hello,

With concern to the fuel injection malfunction light coming on at higher speeds; this could be the lambda sensor. I had the same with my malfunction light, it seems to become more frequent with time. It was discovered at the MOT that the CO2 level was 9.9, when the max is supposed to 0.9 (I think). By simply fitting a new sensor (located on the exhaust down pipe) it cured the problem. The only problem left was the scar of £72 (Fiat main dealer only) leaving my bank account. GOOD-LUCK!

I have recently bought a fiat cinquecento myself. however, in just the first week I am already experiencing problems. the car keeps jumping and cutting out and after being advised to replace the lamber sensor and doing so, the problem continues. I have been advised to take the car back to fiat to replace the petrol tank (which is supposedly free). not sure if this is correct, or if this is the problem?

Hi, I have recently brought a cinq I am 18 and this is my first car. it's a great little car and you will never stop finding little extras that you never knew could exist on such a basic little car. mine is also known as the cheeky cinq and I make sure most people know this as I go by as there is a big sign in my back window that says "CHEEKY!"

NOT HAD ANY TROUBLE WITH IT YET APART FROM HAND BRAKE.

I am 70 yrs old and bought my yellow Cinq sporting secondhand a year ago 96000 miles on the clock. I have a few cars, but gosh this really is the most fun. It had been modified four branch exhaust KN filters, performance exhaust uprated brakes and lowered 40 mm. My grandchildren voted me coolest grandfather in town and christened it Bumble. By some chance I have not made any points on my driving licence so decided to fit a turbo. Whew now that's performance tuned on a rolling road 96 BHP and 101 torque. This car drives like a dream and holds the road like a go-kart and its real fun as you take off and leave that BM. I've had no trouble with the car just serviced it regularly now has 104000 miles on the clock unbelievable reliability and no oil used between servicing which is now every 3000 miles for an oil change with this performance. I did fit a decent horn on it as I used to get abused by other road users at round abouts etc think they can get away with murder against a small car. Not mine any more!!!

I have had my little Cinq for 18mnth and learnt to drive in it. Its been a reliable little babe! It's an ideal first car. My only complaint is that very recently it has started to bunny hop down the road occasionally and refuses to pick up speed. this is usually on a morning, is it just tired?

I've had a cinq for 3 months and have had more problems than I can count, the hand brake went after a week the radiator went the next week, the exhaust needs to be replaced, the gear box rarely works properly, the bumper is loose, I can't take any more please help.

I have had my cinq since I passed my test when I was 17 2 years ago. It is now making a loud noise that is rele embarresing. Have been told its the tappets! Has anyone else had this problem?

Iv just had one to smoke around.

The tappets sound like a typewriter and are non adjustable from what I make of it, the car cuts out after a good thrashing when the revs drop (when changing down a gear)

This is annoying trying to restart the car whilst going round islands.

How do you adjust the timing on these things? theres no dizzy.

Very pleased on the whole with my sporty red Cinquecento! Love it! A note of caution to all other owners, though - make sure the crankshaft sensor is in A1 condition as this 1 part can leave you stranded - as it did me yesterday, on the M6 - if worn or damaged...

Was just wondering whether anyone has the same prob with their Cinquecento?

When I switch my lights on, my side lights and dipped beam come on. I've changed the switch, but with no effect.

Ideas plz???

I have a red Cinquecento, old lady, 'N' Reg but super little car. But... I have a knocking noise coming from the drivers side to the back of the car, underneath? Any answers anyone, please?