Fiat Spider: NPoCP?

"Just Jeepin'" (macintux)
02/09/2019 at 00:05 • Filed to: None

There are only two Spiders I can find on Indy CL, and one is a 2018 Carvana offering. Screw that.

This one, however, is intriguing. I genuinely know squat about Fiats, but it’s a manual convertible which means I’m interested. $5k.

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DISCUSSION (16)

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Just Jeepin'
02/09/2019 at 00:33

I was looking at them last summer. Pricing is all over the place. Most in this shape were $ 3-4K near me but with higher miles. I’d say if you can get it below $4k NP. Asking price is about right on. Nobody likes to buy or sell roadsters in the dead of winter. So you might be able to negotiate well but that also explains the lack of inventory - when I was looking over the summer there were 7 on my CL now there’s just one or two.

Just Jeepin' > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
02/09/2019 at 00:38

My nephew would probably wonder why I’d buy this but wasn’t willing to buy his NA Miata for much less.

Thanks for the insight. It’s a couple of hours away, but maybe I’ll make a trip this weekend.

Future Heap Owner > Just Jeepin'
02/09/2019 at 00:42

Personally, this would be right in my fun/dollar sweetspot (assuming they’re as fun or more than the current vintage, which I do). But I d unno the market for these.

I suppose t here may be the age to consider, but on a car this old and simple, it can’t be hard to wrench on. As long as the parts are plentiful enough, what could go so wrong?

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Just Jeepin'
02/09/2019 at 00:48

do it!

Just Jeepin' > Future Heap Owner
02/09/2019 at 00:49

Sadly, any meaningful wrenching isn’t really an option for me at the moment for a wide variety of reasons , but someday perhaps.

I’m not sure about parts availability for old Fiats.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Just Jeepin'
02/09/2019 at 00:51

Objectively the NA is a better car. But these have that Italian flair that the Miata ju st doesn’t. Before making the drive I’d see if you can get any more pictures/info from the seller and see if you can find a classic 124 owners forum to get advice from people who’ve lived with a 124.

InFierority Complex > Just Jeepin'
02/09/2019 at 01:07

Parts availability is no i ssue at all. There are a few great Fiat specialists from Midwest Bayless, Auto Ricambi, and Vick autosports so pretty much any part you would want is readily available.

Th e Lampredi twincam is a great little engine.

Future Heap Owner > Just Jeepin'
02/09/2019 at 01:54

Well then, you should probably talk to people who’ve actually owned these, and if they don’t scare you off it, do it!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Just Jeepin'
02/09/2019 at 07:39

Other than rust, they are mechanically simple, parts are easy to get and they’re not hard to wrench on. I’d say go for it! :)

RacinBob > Just Jeepin'
02/09/2019 at 08:36

Oh. it’s probably been well kept but hardly driven in the last 20 years. These are simple reliable cars. The parts are available at international auto parts https://www.midwest-bayless.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp-mykOKu4AIVV57ACh0SBA_EEAAYASAAEgJXg_D_BwE

Plan on changing all the brake parts because 40 year old stuff needs it.

Just Jeepin' > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
02/09/2019 at 08:55

Thoughts on the challenge of adding power steering? My back probably can’t handle it without.

InFierority Complex > Just Jeepin'
02/09/2019 at 10:43

Not seeing much from a cursory search, there are some ideas thrown about on a forum but doesn’t seem concrete. They are pretty light cars, though, so I can’t imagine steering being incredibly difficult aside from dead stops.

SpeedSix > Just Jeepin'
02/09/2019 at 12:43

Maybe this’ll be of use.

Just Jeepin' > SpeedSix
02/09/2019 at 13:43

Interesting read, useful comments, thanks!

I do wonder whether I’m mentally prepared for a classic car. My Wrangler is unreliable enough that I worry about it constantly. Something 30 years older than that may not be a wise choice.

Just Jeepin' > InFierority Complex
02/09/2019 at 13:44

I saw someone on YT who owned one saying she had only parallel parked once and it was tough . If I’m going to buy it, I have a place to store it but it would require some careful maneuvering, unfortunately.

I suspect this will turn out to be something I pass on.

InFierority Complex > Just Jeepin'
02/10/2019 at 07:38

That’s understandable. I thin k later Alfa Spiders have power steering if you still wanted something Italian that was easier to maneuver.