1993 Fiat Cinquecento SX review from UK and Ireland

Thermostat failed.

Radiator replaced.

Top and bottom hoses replaced.

Cylinder head gasket failed after about 12000 miles of ownership unbelievably it now needs replacing again and I have lost all faith in this vehicle.

Handbrake needs constant adjustment and has had replacement cable at least once.

Central locking has failed on drivers door, but luckily can still be activated from the passenger side.

Gearbox-enjoy angling? You will with this gearbox as you have to "fish" for every gear in the box and the whole thing is very notchy.

The car is seriously underpowered with the 899cc engine linked to the aforementioned 5 speed notchy gearbox.

I bought this car for my wife as she loved its "dinky" looks. The car is fine for pottering around and using as a shopping trolley, but anything else and it struggles.

The trim and switchgear is fragile and although it has had lots of overheating problems the car is quite fun to drive. Akin to a go kart. Thing is it is basically a very thin tin box and you don't feel very protected when driving it.

It also has no glove box just a shelf to put stuff on which consequently slides all over the place whilst your driving.

The biggest plus point of the car for a FIAT is the bodywork. In years past any FIAT car in the British climate soon started to rust (almost immediately in fact).This particular vehicle is very sound with only a couple of stone chips needing a touch up.