2013 Fiat 500 Abarth: California Dreamin’ with a Turbocharged Twist
Once a sun-kissed dream on the Californian roads, this 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth found love in the Golden State, passed hands in 2015, and now seeks its next admirer. Beneath its attractive exterior lies a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-four engine, eagerly waiting to spring to life with the help of a recently replaced five-speed manual transaxle. Dressed in Nero (that’s Italian for black, darling) with a bold splash of Rosso and Nero leather inside, it’s a statement on wheels.
Key Features
- Comfort and Convenience Package
- Sunroof
- Abarth Graphics
- Rear Spoiler
- 16″ V-spoke Wheels
- Beats Sound System
- Heated Front Seats
- Navigation
- Automatic Climate Control
And don’t worry, this beauty hasn’t been sitting pretty without some mileage—it’s clocked 70,000 miles. It comes to you without reserve, with service records, and a squeaky clean California title resting comfortably in the seller’s hands.
Bumps, Bruises, and a Bit of Make-up
Alright, let’s not beat around the bush—this Abarth flaunts its upgraded bumper covers and rocker extensions with the kind of confidence only a Californian native could manage. Its Nero exterior plays up its Italian roots, complemented by red mirror caps and, of course, those darling Abarth graphics.
Has life been perfect? Of course not! The Carfax report does show a bit of rear-end damage back in April 2017. But fear not, the seller assures us the rear bumper cover was replaced after a little mishap.
The Rolling Stock
A car’s stance is its swagger, and this Fiat doesn’t disappoint. Perched on 16″ V-spoke alloy wheels wrapped with Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires, sized at a meticulous 195/45, it promises both comfort and grip. A sport suspension keeps things tight, while stopping duties are handled by red calipers over ventilated front and solid rear discs.
Interior Comfort Meets Italian Style
Step inside, and it’s all about blending luxury with functionality. Those high-back heated bucket seats, trimmed in Rosso and Nero, snugly embrace you, while the body-color dashboard fascia adds a pop of personality.
- Beats Sound System
- Navigation
- CD Stereo
- Cruise Control
- Aluminum Pedal Covers
- Automatic Climate Control
A quick note though—the driver’s seat belt is apparently feeling a touch lazy and doesn’t always retract as it should when not in use.
The Steering Suite
The leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel keeps you in control with a suite of gauges to inform: a 160-mph speedometer, an inset tachometer stretching to a daring 6,500-rpm, alongside coolant temperature and fuel level indicators. Plus, there’s a turbo boost gauge with a shift indicator—because who doesn’t love a little boost?
Power Package: The Heart and Soul
Revving up the excitement is a turbocharged 1.4-liter powerhouse, originally pumped to deliver 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque alongside its manual transaxle. A new transaxle was added in December 2015, with the engine’s wiring harness getting a refresh in 2018.
More recently, in August 2024, it got pampered with a new battery and an oil change. Yet, there’s a slight hiccup—some attention is needed for the oxygen sensors. Nothing major, just a little TLC required!
The (Not-So) Fine Print
While everything sounds peachy, there’s a slight catch. The Carfax report does shadow this story with its noted damage. And be warned, due to emissions hiccups, selling this beauty to a Californian private party isn’t on the cards.
But for those willing to look beyond a few quirks, this 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth presents a wonderful blend of Italian charm and modern-day conveniences, just waiting for its next adventure. Are you ready to take the wheel?