Fiat 500 312 1.2 8V, 69 PS, 5-speed manual, convertible (2009–2015)

Research for this car

• Generation guide Fiat 500 (312, 2007-2024): known problems and buying guide

  Check the Dualogic gearbox first: slow, jerky or stuck shifts. Then the 0.9 TwinAir valve unit and the 1.2 timing belt.

• Engine guide Fiat 1.2 8V petrol engine: problems, costs and what to check

  Belt due at 5 years or 120,000 km. Oil use and Dualogic gearbox faults are reported. Buy with a belt invoice and a gearbox test.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Ask for the oil change records of the TwinAir. Bad result: no records, or oil that is not the approved grade. Old or wrong oil carbonises the valve solenoids.
2. Let the TwinAir idle and listen. Bad result: rough idle, power loss or limp mode.
3. Ask for proof that the 1.2 timing belt, rollers and water pump were changed. Bad result: no record. The job costs 450 to 750 EUR in Germany (year not stated).
4. Ask when the starter was last changed. Bad result: never changed, with more than about 100,000 km. A new starter costs 220 to 340 EUR in Germany (year not stated).
5. On a manual car, ask when the clutch was last changed. Bad result: no record and more than 60,000 km on the clock.

From the engine guide

1. Belt record and engine code (no scanner). Check the code on the engine: 188A4 or 169A4. Ask for a dated invoice with the mileage of the last belt change. Bad: no record, or more than 120,000 km or 5 years since the change.
2. Water pump (no scanner). Check the coolant level when the engine is cold, and look under the car for wet stains near the pump. Bad: low coolant or a wet stain. Ask whether the pump was changed with the belt.
3. Oil level (no scanner). Check the dipstick and ask for the oil top-up history. Bad: the level falls between services.
4. Recall check. Enter the VIN in the official recall check for the car's country. Bad: an open campaign on the car.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions