The engine is beautiful looks bran new, starts like a dream. The only con to the car is it looks like it was left in the rain with the top down... since about 1980... Well it looks bad inside anyway. The center consol is ruined, seats could be redone. But other than that beautiful car! The dealer wants $3,500 for it, but I think I can talk him down (the cars been sitting there for around 6 months now). I just wanted to know what you guys think of your fiats, and do you think this would be a good purchase? I know its going to be biased when I ask here, but what are the pros and cons of these cars?Hello
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Tybersk8er
Hello
Hi, my name is Tyler and I've been looking into getining a 1980 fiat spider to go along with my aprilia rs50 (italian theme). The engine is beautiful looks bran new, starts like a dream. The only con to the car is it looks like it was left in the rain with the top down... since about 1980... Well it looks bad inside anyway. The center consol is ruined, seats could be redone. But other than that beautiful car! The dealer wants $3,500 for it, but I think I can talk him down (the cars been sitting there for around 6 months now). I just wanted to know what you guys think of your fiats, and do you think this would be a good purchase? I know its going to be biased when I ask here, but what are the pros and cons of these cars?
The engine is beautiful looks bran new, starts like a dream. The only con to the car is it looks like it was left in the rain with the top down... since about 1980... Well it looks bad inside anyway. The center consol is ruined, seats could be redone. But other than that beautiful car! The dealer wants $3,500 for it, but I think I can talk him down (the cars been sitting there for around 6 months now). I just wanted to know what you guys think of your fiats, and do you think this would be a good purchase? I know its going to be biased when I ask here, but what are the pros and cons of these cars?-
lauritize
From one newbie to another....Heyya Tyler, I'm Laurie. I got my Spider a year ago and LOVE it. It's my daily driver except when there is snow. I'd say, if the guts are good, go for it. One can make it pretty in due time. (I just had mine painted, finally,and the interior waits patiently) For me, the cons have been rebuilding the carb....twice. Now I have an intermittant nasty backfiring issue. Off to the mechanic this week. Speaking of the mechanic, find yourself the local Fiat God. Mine has been amazing and I've learned so much not only from him but these boards too.
Keep in mind that mechanical issues are a given with any older car. The added bonus with Fiat is it's particularly fun to drive! Oh yeah, parts are readily available.
Good luck!
Keep in mind that mechanical issues are a given with any older car. The added bonus with Fiat is it's particularly fun to drive! Oh yeah, parts are readily available.
Good luck!
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mbouse
Hello, and welcome. Laurie is correct. Mechanical issues can become a pain if they are not detected and price adjusted for.
You are on the right track by starting negotiations with the consideration that your interior will have to be completely redone. IF the car was stored in the rain frequently with the top down or torn, make sure you check under the carpet and look underneath for rust. If the floorpan is rotted out, you have a substantial issue.
Everything mentioned can be replaced, for a price. A quality vinyl top can be done by you and your buddy in an afternoon for around $300. New seat upholstery and new carpet can be purchased from our standard vendors, as can the center console, door panels, dash and radio console. However, these all come at a price.
I just bought a cherry Spider for $4,000. Once the clutch was replaced,there was and is nothing I NEED to do to it for the rest of the driving season. NEW paint, NEW upholstery, NEW carpet, NEW visors.....get the picture? IMHO $3,500 is too high.
You mention dealer. is it in a car lot? A strictly used lot, or does this guy have a brand dealership? Makes a difference if he is able to stand behind any warranty he will offer you. Prepare yourself with actual delivered and installed costs for your major interior items, and present those costs to him.....then start to dicker. If he does not come down quickly and drastically, walk away. You can (with patience) find a better deal on this and other Fiat forums.
Send me an email, and I will give you the web address of three parts suppliers so you can do your window shopping.
You are on the right track by starting negotiations with the consideration that your interior will have to be completely redone. IF the car was stored in the rain frequently with the top down or torn, make sure you check under the carpet and look underneath for rust. If the floorpan is rotted out, you have a substantial issue.
Everything mentioned can be replaced, for a price. A quality vinyl top can be done by you and your buddy in an afternoon for around $300. New seat upholstery and new carpet can be purchased from our standard vendors, as can the center console, door panels, dash and radio console. However, these all come at a price.
I just bought a cherry Spider for $4,000. Once the clutch was replaced,there was and is nothing I NEED to do to it for the rest of the driving season. NEW paint, NEW upholstery, NEW carpet, NEW visors.....get the picture? IMHO $3,500 is too high.
You mention dealer. is it in a car lot? A strictly used lot, or does this guy have a brand dealership? Makes a difference if he is able to stand behind any warranty he will offer you. Prepare yourself with actual delivered and installed costs for your major interior items, and present those costs to him.....then start to dicker. If he does not come down quickly and drastically, walk away. You can (with patience) find a better deal on this and other Fiat forums.
Send me an email, and I will give you the web address of three parts suppliers so you can do your window shopping.