New member from Ohio

[frogger929rr]

Hello my name is Josh and i am in the process of buying a 77 Spider. I was wondering if you guys could help me out. What should the price be for a 77 Spider in perfect condition. I also have a 66 Triumph Spitfire, but i am looking for alittle more speed and fun and i think i will find that in a fiat.

[mbouse]

ack.... i used to own a '69 Spitwad... best day of my life was the day i sold it.

you will love the Spider! what part of ohio are you from? we have lots of Fiat friends in Ohio.

[frogger929rr]

I am from Fort Loramie, about 1 hour north of Dayton.

[2ndwind]

Josh,

Welcome to the forum I am a new owner too. I had my very-good-condition 1982 spider for 4 hrs after I bought it and it has been in the shop since (7 wks ago). Some mis-communication with the guy rebuilding the $500 MAS. Other work was completed 5 wks ago.

The price you should pay for a "77 spider in excellent condition is as little as you can get it for. Some people want $14,000 for one. Some just want it out of their garage for $2500. If I were you, I'd find out why they are selling and how quickly they want it sold. Maybe they need holiday money.

I have bought many, many used cars in my time and have yet to find one I didn't have to spend money on. Unless, of course, you count the junkers I refused to spend money on. Figure on a minimum of $500 you'll have to spend right after you get it. If it turns out I'm wrong, you just saved yourself $500 bucks. If I'm right, at least you have $500 figured toward the issue.

Steve

[frogger929rr]

Well if this one is as nice as he says it is then i guess he's not to high, guess we'll just have to wait and see.

[kristoj]

Welcome to the forum! I'm in North Canton, about an hour south of Cleveland. A true "perfect" Spider is going to cost $7k to $10k. You know the olde quote "God is in the details." If the car looks brand new, without a spec of dirt anywhere, including the engine bay, then it will be closer to the high end. You can find a really nice running Spider in great condition for a lot less, though, if you don't mind a little patina. I say if you are going to drive it and enjoy it, get a less perfect one for half the cost.

[Exit98]

Hi Frogger,

Well I've been looking for about four months now, and from what I can see, they are never as nice as they say.

But hey, that's OK, part of the fun is supposed to be the journey right?

Anyway, mechanically things can be fixed (with money, sweat or both) but the rust is a nightmare.

So let us know what you find, and I'll let you know how my search is going.

Good Luck.

Doug

[baltobernie]

This may help:
http://www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/200 ... uide1.html
The article is a few years old, but Spiders don't seem to appreciate much.

Be aware that unlike the Triumph, there are certain items, particularly trim and electrical, that are exorbitant unless from salvage. We've seen a number of new owners that said, "Wow, this car is a bargain ... it only needs a license plate lamp ($100), hazard switch ($70) etc.

Maybe look online at catalogs of the popular Fiat parts vendors to see what incidentals can cost.

Don't forget to take a magnet along with you to check for Bondo. "No visible rust" is not the same as "No rust". While you're at it, look closely at the seller, not just the car. If he's got recent injuries from, say, a 7-iron, you may be able to get a great deal. Like Steve says, pricing is all about motivation.

[frogger929rr]

Thanks for the advice, checking it out this weekend. If all goes well i will be a new fiat owner before sunday.

[rlux4]

Hi Frogger, welcome to the forum.
Good luck with your purchase, hope it works out well for you.
For what it's worth, There are a lot of very good Spiders out there in the $3,000 range. You can get an excellent one for around $5,000. All it takes is a little patience and be ready to jump when a good one pops up.
Ron