New member

[dougo01]

I am a new member living in south Western Ontario about halfway between Detroit and Toronto. I am looking to buy a Spider and would like some advice. Which year(s) are considered the best in terms of power/reliability/rust/parts availability?
It's been 30 years since my last Fiat so I'm out of the loop (1969 Spider and before that a 1960 2 seat convertible, not sure of the model it was registered as a spider).
If anyone out there can give me some guidance that would be great.
Thanks Dougo01

[narfire]

Weclome Doug.

Which year(s) are considered the best in terms of power/reliability/rust/parts availability?

You are kinda opening a potential discussion here on that topic. Many love the older style with the early bumpers and potential for some upgades to the engine,while others love the smooth power of the fuel injected models.(ME)
All have the potental of rust issues and if not from the dryer climates down south,you are likely to find some on the 30+ year old car. Perhaps you might come accross a totally restored car and all has been delt with,but of course the price would reflect that.(check Andy's Spiders) If you are handy,having fiats in the past I'd suspect so, a few issues you can deal with while driving it might be the way to go.
I have a 72 here that was from back east and it needs serious rust repair,doable but extensive. I'd guess 5 grand or more before she would be ready for inspection.
Parts are available from several excellent vendors down south, just have the parts mailed as ups are not very accommodating when comming accross the line,huge markups,brokerage fees ect.or have a mail drop on the US side.
My druthers so far are the fuel injected models,(I have two 80 FI's)but I won't really be able to compare to a carb'd car till the spring.
Chris

[salspaugh1]

Congratulations, I feels you are ready to purchase one of the most overlooked fun cars to drive. I'm partial to the 1980 and above fuel injected Spiders. They are not that much faster than the older ones, but I feel they are a little more reliable. I do agree that the earlier bumpers are better looking than the government dictated double tube ones on the 1975 and up. I feel that these cars are far above anything as far as style and you have to look at the fact that when other cars were using drum brakes, the Spider was running 4 wheel disc and a 5-speed transmission. These are great driving cars. You have to realize, like any other sports car, there will be problems. They are fixable and parts are available. I own a 1981 Spider 2000, and back in 1972 purchased a new Spider. Had a "dumb attack" and traded it in for a Chevelle. Good luck on finding the right Fiat.




Steve Alspaugh
1981 Spider 2000

[baltobernie]

Hello, and Welcome! This topic has indeed sparked a lot a discussion among members. There are several threads like this one:
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... =best+Year

One of the things I suggest to potential owners is to check their local safety and emissions regulations beforehand. Some areas have multiple options for vehicle registration, such as antique or collector car. Sometimes these loopholes, while advantageous with respect to inspections, render the car unusable for anything other than parades, etc.

Once you know what year Spider you can own, then we can bludgeon you with advice on what you should own.

[dougo01]

Thanks guys. I appreciate your input. Going to start my search and I'll let you know how I make out.
Thanks Dougo01

[narfire]

Good luck on the "quest"
If you were out this way I have one of the 80 FI's for sale(second one). Drives real nice and very suitable for a rolling restoration.

[kilrwail]

Welcome to the forum and good luck in your quest! For a good car, be prepared to pay more here than you would in the U.S. - the cars seem to enjoy more appeal in Canada. Maybe Tango will chime in, since he lives in Chatham (as I recall) and spent a lot of time looking before he made a choice about a year ago. I believe he came across a few good examples in your area. I can put you in touch with him if necessary.