THE cheeky little Fiat 500 marked the company's return to what it does best - iconic small cars - and it has sold like hot cakes ever since it came out.

It has a combination of retro feel and modern engines, plus top safety and much improved reliability, but what's it like to buy secondhand?

It is really only a three seater if we are talking about adults or big children, but what it lacks in practicality, it more than makes up for in style and driving fun.

The sub-1.0 litre TwinAir has a turbo twin cylinder petrol engine with 85bhp. Then come four cylinder 1.2 and 1.4-litres with 69 and 100bhp.

Diesels are 75 and 95bhp versions of the same 1.3 Multijet unit used in other Fiat small cars.

Even in the base 1.2-litre, performance feels great because the car is so small and light and, of course, economy in all models is very good.

The ride is a little bouncy in the way of most small cars but the handling is safe, sure and fun, with excellent grip and road holding.

The 1.2 Lounge is the best buy because it's cheap to insure and reasonably well equipped.

Body coloured touches around the cabin, a rev counter mounted inside the large speedo, and white for the rest of the dash and steering wheel really make the inside feel special. Check the brakes and dampers and make sure all the electrics work as they should.