17 into 500

I am just about to start a new job with a 50-mile daily commute, mainly on dual carriageway. My daughter is also keen to start learning to drive when she is 17 in April, so I am looking for something economical and not too big. She has her eyes on a FIAT 500, which I think I've read you also own, and I like the look of it, but I don't know if it would be suitable. I'd really quite like a fun car (even a 2-seater) but I'm not sure if it would be very economical, particularly for my daughter's insurance purposes. I'm also unsure whether its worth buying new, or should I save a bit of money and buy a 6 month to year old car?

Asked on 19 September 2011 by LW, via email

Answered by Honest John

My 500 is still sweet as a nut and very reliable but hasn't seen much use since April because I've got another car and have been regularly testing yet more cars. It’s still recommended. The 875cc TwinAir is much more fun than the 1.2 petrol, but probably no more economical in the real world and slips into the 30s once you start to have fun in it. Quite a lot of basic FIAT 500 Pops around now that BSM is defleeting them. But would you want an ex BSM car?

Tags: buying learner drivers young drivers first cars

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

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