Aixam 500 SL 479 cc Review

Watch this item
Aixam 500 SL 479 cc
2.9 stars
Average rating for this product is: 2.9 out of 5

From 12 ratings and 5 reviews

Thumb down 40% of users recommend this product

Rate it Now:

Click on the stars above to rate this product:

Tweet This Item


Bertie's Review of Aixam 500 SL 479 cc

26th Jun 2004

Overall Rating

4 stars
  • Value for money
    4 stars
  • Length of ownership
    4 years 6 months.
  • Practicality
    4.5 stars
  • Year Manufactured
    1999
  • Performance
    3 stars
  • Reliability
    5 stars
Good Points

Around 85 MPG around town.

Automatic transmission.

Rustless body and chassis.

Light, positive steering.

Minimal tyre wear.

Easy to park in a restricted space.

Has 4 seats.


Bad Points

Noisy, but later cars have improved sound-proofing.

Despite the fuel pre-heater, can be difficult to start in very cold weather when parked outside.

Drive belt needs replacing at around 10,000 miles but not a very expensive job.


General Comments

The real beauty of the Aixam 500 is that it can be driven on a full motorcycle licence. Maintenance is minimal and a quick wash only is needed to keep the vehicle clean and no polishing is needed.

Due to the size of the engine, the top speed is just over 60 MPH and performance is adequate for non-motorway roads and more than adequate for 'local' runs. This is NOT a motorway cruiser!

On a long run, about 110 MPG can be achieved even when driven foot down. Stiff hills around the 1 in 6 or 7 variety will limit the speed to about 30 to 35 MPH with a passenger aboard.

The rear seats are more suited to children as the leg-room is restricted. The back-rest can be folded forward and the parcel shelf removed to provide a decent luggage space. There isn't much space when the rear seat is in use but is adequate for the average shopping trip.

Plenty of room for the driver and front passenger and the automatic transmission makes for a relaxing drive as does the electrically operated windows. The noise level inside the car is a lot higher than normal but can be counteracted by turning the stereo up!

Treated as an extremely economical local or semi-local runabout that can be driven on a motorbike licence, this car is unbeatable. It probably sealed the fate of the Robin Reliant.

Tweet This Review

On average, people found this review helpful

How helpful did you find this review?


Members' Comments onBertie's Review

  • tucker753 on 6th Aug 2009

    I found this review very helpful because..it pointed me in a direction that otherwise would have escaped me. my wife is partialy disabled and this would allow her to get around much more efficiently. glad to have come across it. will let you know how we get on.