In November 2010 I pre-ordered a new Fiat 500 Prima Edizione via the Fiat website. On March 1st 2011, I was contacted by representatives of Fiat (888-242-6342) in regards to delivery of the 500. As I’m spending my winter in South Florida I need to select a “studio” to handle the delivery. Unfortunately at this time only three studios in the USA are open but I was told that delivery could take place in a temporary facility or I could request home delivery at no extra charge. I was informed that FIAT would be paying for transportation and any dealer fees so the MSRP of $19,500 would be intact. I was warned that before I choose a studio to call and ensure that no additional charges would be added. After visiting some future studios here and speaking to the very uninformed sales people, I also wanted to make sure I would choose a studio that had some knowledge and enthusiasm for the cars they were going to be selling. I contacted the following Florida studios:
FIAT OF FT. MYERS
14375 SOUTH TAMIAMI TRAIL
FT. MYERS, FL 33912-1943
I was told they did not think an extra charge would be applied but could not say for sure. The Fiat sales manage; Marzio seemed enthusiastic and fairly knowladgabe.
PLANET FIAT OF WEST MIAMI
9975 NORTHWEST 12TH STREET
MIAMI, FL 331272
This studio has not even broke ground so it could be a long time before they are ready. My visit to them was extremely disappointing and frustrating. The sales people are very aggressive but not very knowledgeable. The mention of Fiat elicited a look of confusion. Not recommended.
ARRIGO FIAT OF SAWGRASS
5901 MADISON AVE.
TAMARAC, FL 33321-6412
ARRIGO FIAT OF PALM BEACH
6500 OKEECHOBEE BLVD
WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33411
Two dealerships with the same owner. The sales people I spoke to were knowledgeable and helpful but were confused about any extra charges on top of MSRP. I was told they always charge a “dealers fee” on top of MSRP and that it would not be fair to the other buyers not to charge me. To be honest it’s not fair to charge any of us with the extra fee on top of MSRP. They said they would have to check and call me back. Upon hearing back from them they did confirm that there is a $595.00 fee to delivery the car added to the MSRP of $19,500. I was told this information came directly from Jim Arrigo, the owner. Not recommended.
SUNSET FIAT OF SARASOTA
7641 SOUTH TAMIAMI TRAIL
SARASOTA, FL 34231
(941) 922-2400
After speaking to the above dealers I was starting to get quite frustrated by extra charges or the lack of knowledge. Tim, at Sunset was a nice surprise! He immediately confirmed that is no extra charge over MSRP and did hear of some “Miami locations” were do so. He agreed with me that this is not a good way to build a strong relationship with a customer. I reminded him that many of the Fiat Prima Edizione customers would be in the market again when Alfa Romeo launches and we would remember who treated us right. He agreed. Knowledgeable, enthusiastic and no extra charges – Highly Recommended.
