Some history and basic information
The Fiat 500C is a convertible based on the classic “500,” which went on sale in 2009, two years after the hardtop version. Its design references historical models with a fixed-profile convertible body, such as the original 1957 Fiat 500 or the Citroën 2CV. Unlike traditional convertibles, the 500C retains side pillars and full-frame doors, which improve body rigidity and safety but do not offer a fully open driving experience. For me, this puts it on the thin line of being a convertible—somewhere near a targa top, just rotated 90 degrees.
The unique, three-stage electrically operated roof with a glass rear window allows driving with both partially and fully open settings. The opening mechanism works at speeds of up to 60 km/h (80 km/h for the initial stages). Compared to the hatchback, the 500C is 40 kg heavier and has a smaller trunk, but it compensates with a stylish appearance and additional structural reinforcements.
In 2010, the Abarth 500C was introduced—a sportier convertible version with an increased power output of 140 HP, a top speed of 205 km/h, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds. Today, the 500C remains one of the most affordable convertibles on the market, easily within reach with a budget of €10,000.
Pricing of FIAT 500C
The starting price for a Fiat 500C is around €3,500, mainly for the 1.2 petrol 69 HP version or the 1.3 JTD diesel with the same power. While the petrol version will be slow and fuel-hungry, the diesel will also be slow but, if well-maintained, will consume significantly less fuel. On the other end of the spectrum, brand-new models—currently available only as EVs—cost around €40,000.
Focusing on a €10,000 budget
The most common options in this price range are the 1.2 petrol versions, which make up well over half of the available listings. However, I consider this engine a mere substitute for a real powertrain. When combined with the automatic transmission (which is actually a single-clutch automated manual), it remains one of the worst cars I have ever driven—I do not recommend it at all.
There are also a few well-maintained and highly priced 1.3 diesel models. Diesel versions with 75 and 95 HP provide decent dynamics, and fuel consumption below 5L/100 km is easily achievable. For two people, the diesel-powered 500C can be a surprisingly good companion for long trips. I was personally impressed by how comfortable this tiny car is for two passengers—of course, within its size limitations.
Another interesting choice within this budget is the 500C with the two-cylinder turbocharged TwinAir engine. It has a unique, original engine sound, especially at higher RPMs, and offers excellent fuel efficiency. The 105 HP version can realistically accelerate from 0-100 km/h in under 10 seconds, with an official figure of 10.0 seconds. For me, this is the most interesting non-Abarth version of the 500C, and if I had to choose a Fiat 500C within a €10,000 budget, TwinAir would be my pick—unless I managed to find…
Pricing of Abarth 500C
At around €10,000, the sportier Fiat Abarth 500C starts to appear—though “FIAT” often disappears from the name. What does this budget get you? A 2011-2012 Abarth 1.4 T-Jet 16v with 140 HP. This means 0-100 km/h in under 8 seconds, making it feel like a little go-kart. The most expensive offers feature the 180 HP versions from the newest model years (2024), which can exceed €30,000.
So, within this budget, we are at the lower end of the Abarth market, but we are still in. The cheapest Abarth 500C models start at €8,000, while those approaching €10,000 offer 135-140 HP. And it’s good option and alternative to “standard” 500C with 10 grands
Common Issues
Roof Mechanism – Prone to jamming or creaking (€70-100 for adjustment, €220-550 for actuator replacement, up to €1,800 for a new roof).
Dualogic Transmission – Jerky shifts and delays (€70-130 for calibration, €550-900 for a hydraulic pump, €1,100-1,600 for a full rebuild).
Suspension & Steering – Bushings (€130-220), stabilizer links (€20-70 each), and steering rack (€350-650).
Electrical Issues – Climate control (€70-180), radio resets (€220-550), and instrument cluster failures (€110-330).
Engines – The 1.2 Fire burns oil (up to 1L/1,000 km). TwinAir suffers from strong vibrations and turbo failures (€650-1,300).
Conclusion
For me, the only viable 500C option would be an Abarth, ideally the 140 HP turbocharged 1.4 with a manual gearbox. If Abarth models were unavailable, I would opt for the TwinAir version for its character. However, given the €10,000 budget and the car’s limited convertible experience, I would definitely look at the next option on my list—the Mini Cooper Cabrio by BMW.
Available Versions and Specifications
| Version | Start | End | Fuel Type | Power (HP) | Top Speed (km/h) | 0-100 km/h (s) | Torque (Nm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiat 500C 1.0 TwinAir | 2011 | 2015 | Petrol | 60 | 160 | 15.0 | 145 |
| Fiat 500C 1.0 Hybrid | 2020 | 2024 | MHEV | 69 | 160 | 12.9 | 92 |
| Fiat 500C 1.2 8v 69 | 2015 | 2019 | Petrol | 68 | 160 | 12.9 | 102 |
| Fiat 500C 1.3 Multijet 16v 75 | 2009 | 2011 | Diesel | 74 | 165 | 12.5 | 145 |
| Fiat 500C 0.9 TwinAir | 2011 | 2015 | Petrol | 84 | 173 | 11.0 | 145 |
| Fiat 500C 0.9 8v TwinAir S/S 86 | 2015 | 2019 | Petrol | 85 | 173 | 11.0 | 145 |
| Fiat 500C 1.3 Multijet 16v 95 | 2010 | 2014 | Diesel | 94 | 180 | 10.7 | 200 |
| Fiat 500C 1.4 16v 100 | 2009 | 2013 | Petrol | 99 | 182 | 10.5 | 131 |
| Fiat 500C 0.9 8v TwinAir S/S 105 | 2013 | 2019 | Petrol | 104 | 188 | 10.0 | 145 |
| Fiat 500Ce Long Range | 2020 | Still | EV | 116 | 150 | 9.0 | 220 |
| Fiat Abarth 595C | 2016 | 2019 | Petrol | 143 | 205 | 7.8 | 206 |
| Fiat 500C Abarth 1.4 T-Jet 16v | 2012 | 2014 | Petrol | 133 | 205 | 7.9 | 206 |
| Fiat 595C Abarth | 2012 | 2016 | Petrol | 158 | 210 | 7.4 | 230 |
| Fiat Abarth 595C Trofeo | 2017 | 2019 | Petrol | 158 | 210 | 7.5 | 230 |
| Fiat Abarth 695C XSR Yamaha | 2017 | 2019 | Petrol | 163 | 218 | 7.3 | 230 |
| Fiat Abarth 595C Turismo | 2016 | 2019 | Petrol | 163 | 218 | 7.3 | 230 |
| Fiat Abarth 500Ce | 2023 | Still | EV | 152 | 155 | 7.0 | 235 |
| Fiat Abarth 695 Rivale | 2017 | 2019 | Petrol | 178 | 225 | 6.7 | 250 |
| Fiat Abarth 595C Competizione | 2016 | 2019 | Petrol | 178 | 225 | 6.7 | 250 |
