Passion Built Into Every Drop

A few days ago I found this photo put on my car with a short note inscribed on the back ...

(The note reads:  Hope you enjoy your FIAT 500 as much as I did all those years ago!! - August 1963)


It was left by one of my neighbors ... which neighbor of mine I don't know.


Clearly he (or she) had taken the time to hunt down a black and white family photo, scan it, print out a copy, and hand write me a note and quietly leave it on the hood of my car in the morning before the sun came up.


A delightful surprise to say the least and it pointed something out to me ... something I had intellectually understood all along but didn't quite grasp until the photo was placed on the hood of my car.


The FIAT brand is a brand many are passionate about.  Many.Even years after they have owned or driven a FIAT.  (see http://www.fiatclubamerica.com/)

For many FIAT has been that brand who’s cars people have built or created fond memories with.

For many it's has been the level of passion that went into the artistic design of their cars both in previous years and in more recent years that has set them apart from the pack.


For many it has been their attention to detail and going the extra mile to find out what's on the drivers mind and cater to those needs that has differentiated them.


This is part of what FIAT is about.


It's this attention to detail and design and consideration for the consumer's tastes that make it stand out,  that make people "ooh" and "ahhh" whenever they see one on the road, that make people leave photos of their vintage fiat on a new one such as my own (www.facebook.com/criswellfiat) or maybe one day one of your own!  


Saluti Cordiale;


Tony Goicochea - FIAT Specialist
Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg

FIAT 500 Pink Edition is now here!

Great news everyone;  the rare and beautiful FIAT 500 Pink Edition is here!

What makes the FIAT 500 Pink Edition so special?

Simple … not only is it very rare (only 250 have been made) and exclusive … FIAT will donate a part of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation too.

The FIAT 500 Pink Edition also contains the following extra goodies:

Limited Edition Pink Ribbon Decal Body Stripe
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel with Pink Accent Stitching
Heated Luxury Leather Seats with Pink Accent Stitching  (Auto Dimming Mirror and Backup Sensors also included)
Floor Mats with Pink Accent Stitching
15” Aluminum Five Oval Spoke Painted Wheels
Pink Ribbon Key Fob Case (Sent directly to Customer as a Thank You)

Want to see more?

Check out our latest video over at  http://youtu.be/FAhyUZ74br4

Or contact us at 301.212.4433

Tony Goicochea - Fiat Specialist
Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg

Can you beat 53.4 average MPG on your FIAT 500?

A few months ago one of our clients had contacted us stating  "you'll never believe this but I'm getting in the low 50's for mpg on the highway."

I didn't think much of it.  Must be be luck I guess.

A few days later another client in an e-mail group had contacted me saying he was also getting in the low 50's for miles per gallon for fuel economy.

And then one of my own clients on a recent road trip told me had gotten about 51 plus miles per gallon on the highway.

Early adopter buzz I thought.

But I couldn't leave it alone.  It was all a very curious.  Besides, I couldn't recall anyone telling me they had gotten 50 or more miles per gallon on a car ... ever.

How were these people getting over 50 miles per gallon for fuel economy?

It was a mystery to me.

Had they overinflated their tires?  Nope.
Did they put additives to improve the fuel economy.  Nope.

What was it?

Puzzled, I decided to investigate further and discover what the real secret was.

And on a warm and sunny Wednesday afternoon I decided to find out once and for all.

I walked over to my own FIAT 500 and thought to simply perform a baseline test.  It was hard to imagine
over 50 mpg for average highway fuel economy.

I had to go to a business meeting downtown and decided to check out my mpg on the highway on my way down there.

I hopped into my white FIAT 500 Sport, started up, put it in gear and right before I entered onto the highway I would reset my trip settings.

After sometime driving on the highway I decided "I'll have to check up on those trip settings."

Once on the highway I sailed along smoothly and a while into driving I decided to just to simply check my mpg stats.
I looked down at my display and checked the trip settings.

What I saw blew my mind.

At first I thought I had to see the eye doctor again.  Was that 23.4?  28.4?  I blinked my eyes a couple of times, squinted and cautiously leaned a little closer.

I couldn't believe my eyes.

53.4 Miles Per Gallon!


I couldn't believe it.  Startled, surprised, and in sheer awe ... I quickly hunted down my iPhone
and snapped this picture.

Think you can beat 53.4 miles per gallon average highway fuel economy on your FIAT 500?

Check out our contest on our Facebook page  www.facebook.com/criswellfiatofgaithersburg


Tony Goicochea - FIAT Specialist
Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg

2012 FIAT 500 awarded Top Safety Pick by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)!

Just announced ... IIHS awards the 2012 FIAT 500 with coveted Top Safety Pick rating!

Check out the article over at Motor Trend here!  http://bit.ly/mZBYLz 

Not surprising considering that it was also the first car in its segment
to win a 5 star rating from EuroNCAP (Europe's crash test rating agency).

Yet another one of many reasons to love the FIAT 500!

Ciao!

Tony Goicochea - FIAT Specialist
Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg

Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg's very own Tony Goicochea on WTTG Fox 5 News

Early monday morning Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg’s very own FIAT Specialist, Tony Goicochea, went down to Casa Italiana on 3rd and F Street NW to meet with WTTG Fox 5’s Holly Morris to discuss the beautiful new FIAT 500.


Check out the clip here below (He appears at about 01:58 into the clip).

Holly Morris - Italian Street Festival: MyFoxDC.com

Tony Goicochea - FIAT Specialist
Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg

FIAT 500 Gets Top Marks on Edmunds.com Fuel Sipper Smackdown 4! (#1 for Non-Hybrid / Non-Diesel per Edmunds.com testing)

Ahhhhh music to our ears!

Here's a sample of what the folks over at Edmunds had to say about the new 2012 FIAT 500

"Edmunds.com’s editors said that the biggest surprise of the pack was the 2012 Fiat 500. The Fiat was the only vehicle Edmunds tested that either met or exceeded its EPA mpg estimates on every leg of the test. With its tiny engine and manual transmission, the cost to run the small car was just 22 cents more expensive than the Volt." [Emphasis mine]

Check out the full article below!

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110919006671/en/Chevy-Volt-Fiat-500-Highlight-Results-Edmunds.com%E2%80%99s


Your favorite FIAT Specialist,

Tony Goicochea - FIAT Specialist
Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg

You asked for it you got it: Compact Spare Tire Kit and BFXenon HID Aftermarket Kit Now Available for the FIAT 500

Today most American consumers have a clear preference for Xenon / HID lights;
I know myself as a Specialist for one FIAT's top Studios in the country I am asked this question often: "Are HID lights / Xenon lights (High Intensity Discharge) an option on the FIAT 500?"


While this may one day may be a factory installed option it isn't yet.  Fortunately the forward thinking folks at BFXenon realized a popular car such as the FIAT 500 will definitely have significant demand for certain aftermarket accessories and have announced the release of Xenon / HID Lights available for the FIAT 500.


Read all about it here:  http://www.fiat500usa.com/2011/09/fiat-500-accessories-installing-bfxenon.html
or here:
http://www.bfxenon.com/Fiat_500_USA_HID_lights_s/56.htm


Also due to increasing demand MOPAR will also start offering the FIAT Compact Spare Tire Kit.

This Kit includes the compact spare tire, jack, and carrying case.  The Compact Spare Tire Kit is priced at $275 before installation*


To many miles of driving pleasure.

Your favorite FIAT Specialist,

Tony Goicochea - FIAT Specialist
Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg301.212.4433
*Pricing subject to change at any time.

Have You Seen Jennifer Lopez and her FIAT 500 Cabrio?

Check out JLo racing, dancing and singing her new hit "Papi" in her FIAT 500 Cabrio. Did the message of the commercial come thorugh? Like the Car - Go online. Like JLo - Get in line. Love it? Hate it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVeSL1AMc5k

It’s Cabrio Season at Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg

Convertible season is upon us here in the US and what better way to enjoy the summer than to ride around in a 500 Cabrio.

With it’s unique design, personality, and flair the FIAT 500 Cabrio is perfect for enjoying warm summer days and it’s available here at Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg.

The 500 Cabrio - 500C for short - allows for an enthused driving experience by allowing you to open the top with the push of a button at speeds up to 60 miles per hour.

The 500C has been the choice new FIAT for many of our clients here and you’ll quickly see why … loaded with features and options and a personality like none other, the FIAT 500C allows our clients to get more out of their driving experience; a veritable living and breathing work of art that owners get to experience and feel a part of.

The FIAT 500C is a breath of fresh air and is sure to please.

Be sure to check out our inventory of 500 and 500 Cabrio’s;  the largest and best inventory in the region.

Stay tuned for our YouTube Video (www.youtube.com/FIATofGaithersburg)

Tony Goicochea - FIAT Specialist
Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg
P.S.  Still available on Hatchback models for a limited time only:  1.9% APR and lease specials
as low as $199 per month.  Contact us for more information.

Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg #1 Volume Dealer 5th Month In a Row in the Mid-Atlantic Region for FIAT USA

August 2nd 2011

Yet again Criswell FIAT has proven themselves over and over again.

High levels of client satisfaction have again shown not only high ratings across various automotive dealership ratings websites but also in sales.

For the 5th month in a row Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg has been the #1 volume dealer in the entire Mid-Atlantic region.

It should come as no surprise given it’s stellar reputation with clients along with its history.

On March 10th 2011, Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg was the very first FIAT dealership to open and sell the very first FIAT - a FIAT 500 Prima Edizione - after the brand’s 27 plus year absence from the United States.

The first FIAT was reserved and purchased by none other than marquis FIAT collector Shaun Folkerts of Pennsylvania, who boasts a 130 plus vintage car collection cozily stored in a warehouse aptly dubbed “Garage Mahal”

Since then Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg has proven itself over and over again not only in client satisfaction and sales but also in setting the standard that other FIAT Studios and in some cases other dealerships look up to including their use of social media.

Want to be a part of the excitement and join the growing family of FIAT owners?  It’s never been easier with $1900 in savings on select FIAT 500’s in inventory and with lease specials as low as $199 per month and 1.9% APR available through the end of August.  Contact us for more information.

Tony Goicochea - FIAT Specialist
Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg

FIAT FREAKOUT attendee fedback

Just home from a 1700 mile round trip journey to FIAT FreakOut 2011. Thanks to FIAT for making it an awesome event. I managed 40.7 mpg on the entire mixed driving trip. The car ran beautiful and the auto climate control was a savior! Time to clean things up!

FIAT owner Michael Dinovi feedback:

The first day has been great. Smooth and steady ride in the high winds and almost as good gas milage as the Smart I replaced. Working with Tony and Giles was a pleasure. Im glad i didn't want a Prima! (what is a Prima?). Mine is named LaBianca ( macchina, the Italian word for car, is feminine).

FIAT owner Richard Blank talks:

Just took a small road trip in "Sophie" my FIAT, and averaged 39.5 MPG, far better than I EVER got in my MINI. Love my FIAT!

Annual FIAT FREAKOUT

FIAT Brand Sponsors 28th Annual ‘FIAT FreakOut’ Enthusiast Event

• As this year’s presenting sponsor, FIAT Brand celebrates its return to North America with aficionados at FIAT-Lancia Unlimited (FLU) club’s annual FIAT FreakOut (FFO) event

FIAT ANNOUNCES NEW INCENTIVES!

Effective today FIAT announces $199 month lease for 39 months with $1,999 down and 1.9/ 2.9/ 3.9/ 5.9% APR on ALL 500 hatchback models

New FIAT owner Letter to Laura Soave, Head of FIAT in North America

Laura,

 

I just wanted to drop you a note since I've taken delivery of my vehicle to let you know how well it went, and to offer once more my compliments to Giles Bibic.

 

His attention to detail, great attitude, and patience (especially considering my difficulties) was exceptional.  The car gets a lot of comments and questions from people who see it and I always direct them to Fiat of Gaithersburg.  I even gave Giles a bottle of Limoncello (his first) as a token of my appreciation.

 

I am involved quite a bit with the Italian Embassy and the Italian Community here around DC and will share with Giles any marketing opportunities I see in the area.

 

Anyway, my thanks to your team for taking care of me during this process, and I hope to meet you sometime if you are ever in the area.  Attached is a photo of my new Cinquecento.  BTW, my VA plates are: FORZA IT.

 

Grazie mille e buona fortuna alla sua societa'.

 

Saluti,  Joe

 

Joseph L. Ingignoli

COL, AV, USA

Deputy Director, Army Reserve G-3/5/7

Wonderful Staff and Great Environment!

Our time spent at the dealership was always pleasant the times we were there.Tony Goicochea, Alan, and Giles were incredible.They always were friendly and courteous.They listened, and directed me to the cars that I would be interested in, and helped me get the car I wanted. This dealership is definitely committed to its customer , and instead of leaving feeling like a mere number, we left feeling like we were "old friends". It was a most unique experience. Would I recommend Tony and FIAT Of Gaithersburg? YES!
http://www.edmunds.com//dealerships/Maryland/Gaithersburg/FIATofGaithersburg/fullsales-138169384.html

Loved the experience

Loved the experience from start to finish, no pressure on any of the visits and the sales person {Alan Hanel}was extremely helpful with additional questions I had regarding the options, highly recommend this dealership as well as the finance manager{Jackie Wells}. there was a great welcome from the start and enjoyed getting to know all of the staff {Giles & Tony}, already looking forward to another fiat purchase…
http://www.edmunds.com//dealerships/Maryland/Gaithersburg/FIATofGaithersburg/fullsales-372126163.html

Hospitality at its finest.

First off I just want to say WOW. I LOVE my Fiat 500. She's red and delicious and spectacular in every way. In fact, she's even better than I ever imagined she would be. I picked her up just a few days ago from the Criswell Fiat of Gaithersburg, MD. This dealership is not only the best dealership, I would also consider them "friends".
http://www.edmunds.com//dealerships/Maryland/Gaithersburg/FIATofGaithersburg/fullsales-374514010.html

Save Up to $2,400 on select FIAT models!

Save Up to $2,400 on select models!
http://youtu.be/40jJy8kYHAI

Thank You!

Thanks for all of the New FIAT 500 owners who made Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg the largest FIAT dealer in the Mid-Atlantic for June 2011!
http://www.fiatusaofgaithersburg.com/index.htm

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to the new Criswell FIAT of Gaithersburg blog!