Which used Fiat 500C should you buy?

The Fiat 500C is one of the smallest convertibles available and a rival to cars like the DS 3 Cabrio and MINI Convertible. It’s also one of the most affordable soft-tops.

It’s been around a long time, though, first going on sale in 2009. In 2015, it received a light makeover, with subtle tweaks to the styling, a new digital media display and improved upholstery, while hybrid variants were introduced after that.

There’s also been a regular stream of special editions.

As the Fiat 500C has been on sale for so many years, the equipment featured on specific used cars is likely to vary significantly depending upon when the car was made, which means it’s a good idea to double check that any car you’re considering has the essential kit you’re after.

The excellent 0.9-litre TwinAir turbo is the engine to go for. This petrol unit offers terrific performance, a sporty soundtrack and excellent fuel economy if you drive it gently.

Read our Fiat 500 review

What used Fiat 500C trim levels are available?

As you would expect, there’s been a huge variety of trim levels on offer over the past 15 years. Read on for our assessment of eight of the most popular.

It’s worth noting that the Fiat 500C has always come with a host of optional extras, many of which will add little to the cost of used versions. Among the most desirable are a full leather interior, automatic climate control and metallic paint.

Fiat 500C Pop

For the car in its simplest form, look no further than the Fiat 500C Pop edition. It’s pretty basic – you don’t even get air-conditioning or alloy wheels. However, who needs air-conditioning when you can cool down the cabin by simply sliding back the roof? You get the same electrically folding roof and chic styling as a more lavishly-equipped model, but at a lower cost.

• LED daytime running lights
• Digital radio
• USB port
• Steering wheel audio controls

Fiat 500C Connect

The Fiat 500C Connect was a mid-range trim level launched in 2021. It cost £1,500 more than the entry-level Pop trim when new, but it feels like you’re getting so much more for your money. Equipment highlights included:

• Seven-inch touchscreen media system
• Bluetooth
• USB port
• Digital radio
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Air-conditioning
• Cruise control
• Rear parking sensors
• Automatic windscreen wipers
• Automatic headlights
• Height-adjustable driver’s seat
• Leather steering wheel
• 15-inch alloy wheels
• Sporty bodykit

Fiat 500C Lounge

Until 2021, the Fiat 500C Lounge trim was the second rung on the trim ladder. It was like the Fiat 500C Connect trim, but with a different name, so you’ll find much of the kit is very similar, as detailed below.

• Seven-inch touchscreen media system
• Bluetooth
• USB port
• Digital radio
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Air-conditioning
• Cruise control
• 15-inch alloy wheels
• Height-adjustable driver’s seat
• Rear parking sensors
• Steering wheel audio controls

Fiat 500C Sport

Opting for the Fiat 500C Sport trim feels like a significant upgrade, but the spec you can expect depends on when the car was registered. Put simply, Fiat 500C Sport trim has shifted from mid-range to top spec over the years, so later models come with more kit. A car registered prior to the 2021 update should feature everything on the Fiat 500C Lounge model, plus the equipment below.

• Sport steering wheel 
• 15-inch graphite colour alloy wheels
• Graphite exterior detailing
• Chrome exhaust
• Dark tinted rear windows (later models)
• Sports seats (later models)
• 16-inch alloy wheels (later models)
• Sat-nav (later models)
• Full bodykit (later models)

Fiat 500C Star

The Fiat 500C Star offers a great blend of price and equipment, making it one of the most appealing models. It sat in the middle of the range until it was discontinued in 2021. 

• Seven-inch touchscreen media system
• Seven-inch digital instrument panel
• 3D sat-nav
• Leather steering wheel

Fiat 500C Rockstar

Aside from the many special editions rolled out over the years, the Fiat 500C Rockstar was the model at its most lavish. It’s essentially a Fiat 500C Star trim with some added glamour, in the shape of the equipment below.

• Sports bodykit
• Dark tinted rear windows
• Additional satin trim

Fiat 500C Hey Google

The Fiat 500C Hey Google is a special edition from 2021 powered by a 1.0-litre mild hybrid engine, and as the name suggests, the emphasis is on Google connectivity by voice control via smartphone or a Google Nest Hub, the latter of which came with the car (so it’s worth making sure this is included when picking up a used model).

• ‘Hey Google’ voice control system
• Black fabric seats with Google-themed inserts
• Google exterior badges

Fiat 500C Dolcevita

The Fiat 500C Dolcevita was initially a special edition that became part of the core range, so the specification depends on when the car was registered. Initial models included the kit below, while later cars became more of a mid-range model, more like a Fiat 500C Connect with a less sporty appearance. A Fiat Dolcevita Plus was added in 2021.

• Automatic climate control
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Wooden trim on dashboard
• Striped roof
• Red exterior stripe
• Red leather seats
• Seven-inch digital instrument panel (Plus models)
• 3D sat-nav (Plus models)
• 16-inch alloy wheels (Plus models)

Is a used Fiat 500C a good buy?

Despite being on sale for such a long time, the chic styling and retro vibes combine to give the soft-top Fiat 500C a timeless appeal. 

It offers all of the best bits of the standard Fiat 500, but with the benefit of a sliding fabric roof. Press a button, and the roof concertinas back electronically to bathe the car’s occupants in sunlight.

And as it operates at speeds of up to 37mph, there’s no need to panic if you get caught in a shower while on the move.

As you’d expect from such a small car, the Fiat 500C is great fun to drive in the city, with the light steering making parking a doddle. It’s also small enough to fit through the tightest gaps, while the peppy engines deliver good acceleration.