New member in Bellevue WA

[retnug]

I am joining to do some research. Had a girlfriend a long time ago that had a Spider and it was fun to drive.

I am trying to figure out if it would be crazy for me to get into this. Reading around to see if I can determine what prices are like on these cars and what to look for in what years. I am more familiar with Porsches than Fiats. What are the problem area that I need to check with these guys? I am sure some of them are the same areas as 911's. Are there any years I need to steer clear of?

I guess I need to start looking at some cars to familiarize myself.

Thanks in advance for any information.

[rlux4]

Hiya retnug, welcome to the forum. How are things up in my home state?
The Spider is known as an affordable sports car. With a little patience and research a good one can be found for under $2000. $3 to $4,000 can get you a very good one. Probably the main issue to be aware of is rust. Being on the west side of your state, if a local one was left outside it would be a contender for major rust issues. The shocks mount in "towers" and these, if rusted, are very difficult to repair. They're unibody, so major under body rust is structural. The cars from the desert states are usually found to be in very good shape. Lots of cases there where owners report "no rust". I'll bet the central part of Washington would fit in this category.
They are relatively inexpensive to maintain, and parts are readily available at a number of vendors.
Good luck, and keep us posted if you make the plunge.
Ron

[retnug]

Ron,

Thanks... that's just the kind of info I was looking for. Any other words of wisdom appreciated from this group.

[wachuko]

Hope this helps:

Hemmings - FIAT Spider Buyers Guide

Mirafiori - FIAT Spider Buyers Guide

Item to check:

Tool kit
Spare tire
Rust around wheel arches
Rust in trunk and hood lids
Rust in floor, uniframe, shock towers
Door hinges cracked (at the door, seldom are the actual hinges cracked... it is the door that cracks)
Firewall near clutch area for distortion
Undercarriage anchoring points
Cross-member (this is the big bracket under the engine)
Engine block crack (Auxiliary Shaft broken) - you can see this from either up or under the car right behind the alternator )
Doors close right
Wheel bearings
Engine oil pan for dents
Engine for oil leaks
Engine compression
Engine for recent service (belt,plugs,etc.)
Engine for plugged lines
Engine for coolant in oil dipstick
Engine for oil in coolant tank
Engine cooling – 190C
Engine cooling fan
Transmission – gear popping out
Drive-train for whining and vibrations
Brake for pads
Brake for rotors
Brake for lines
Emergency brake
Wheels
Tires
Suspension for control arm cracks
Steering for stiffness
Lights and gauges
Dashboard for cracks
Kick panels with map pockets
Center console for cracks
Seats for tilting towards center
Wiper motor and washer pump
Top
Top Boot
Battery Box
Battery Condition
Exhaust system

I have collected a few useful links and documented the search for my car... have fun! The links you give you an idea of what to look for, what to expect, some problems, etc. Here are the links:

Search for my first Fiat Spider
Recommendations on Links, Books, Tools, and Spare parts
Auxiliary Shaft? Why is so important to align it correctly during timing belt change...
My First Fiat - The Parts Car (lots of photos)
My Second Fiat - The Runner (lots of photos)

Worst enemy is rust, if you find a good/solid body the rest of the mechanical stuff can be fixed fairly easy. Overall these are simple cars to work, very little that can go wrong, beautiful and sexy lines. Enjoy the search and do post a few photos of the process or when you get it.

[retnug]

Thanks Wachuko,

You are giving me plenty to read. I had already found and read through your link on your hunt. I will look though your other links also.

retnug.