500 Abarth Towbar

[Catherinej]

Ok firstly this is a serious question.

We currently have a Clio 197 but next year we are going to start going camping. We have so much kit we need to get a trailer, however the Clio is unable to tow so we have been looking at the obvious choices of tow car.

However we would still like to have something that offers the fun factor and is a bit zippy. Also with the credit crunch we are looking for something cheaper to run than the very costly Clio.

So our thoughts turned to the 500.

Now I know that a standard 500 can physically tow - indeed it can tow around 800 kgs - which is perfect.

Can anyone tell or find out if the 500 Abarth can be fitted with a towbar.

[Il Presidente]

Originally Posted by Catherinej

Ok firstly this is a serious question.

We currently have a Clio 197 but next year we are going to start going camping. We have so much kit we need to get a trailer, however the Clio is unable to tow so we have been looking at the obvious choices of tow car.

However we would still like to have something that offers the fun factor and is a bit zippy. Also with the credit crunch we are looking for something cheaper to run than the very costly Clio.

So our thoughts turned to the 500.

Now I know that a standard 500 can physically tow - indeed it can tow around 800 kgs - which is perfect.

Can anyone tell or find out if the 500 Abarth can be fitted with a towbar.

will not be suitable, just hire a suitable car for when you need it, which will work out much cheaper than fitting a tow bar...

[Tino]

Have to agree with "Il Presidente" Rob. Depending on how often you actually need to tow something, you could either buy the right car for the job i.e. you tow a lot, or if it's infrequent, hire a car or buy a cheap second car .. maybe a £1000 diesel or something to do your towing. The money you will save by not ruining the resale of value of your Abarth by fitting a tow bar (if indeed it is possible without hacking the rear spoiler/ diffuser) will pay for the hire car / second car.

Abarths weren't meant to tow ... you need to let them off their leash and have fun

[Catherinej]

Oh would have only done it if it was actually approved for towing and a detachable kit was available for it.

Buying a 3rd car is not an option as there is no where to put it.

A hire could be an option that I hadn't thought of, which would mean we keep the 197 for another 4 years.

[Dr.Not The 9 O'clock News]

That's a great pity Catherine - that you dont have room for a another car as I will shortly be selling my 2000 Volvo V70 Classic Diesel. Comes fully loaded with full service history leather and every extra. Would be ideal with the seats down to stay in when bears eat your tent
- even got heated seats. I only have to sell to part fund my Abarth purchase. I'd be keeping otherwise as it costs pennies to run and can haul loads of kit in the back.

Doc