new member looking for first Spider

[stilllooking]

Hi; I'm a new member looking for my first Spider. It will be a special gift for my wife. We have both loved Spiders since we first saw one in 1983 (light blue, tan interior). I am looking for a near perfect car that is ready to go. I'm looking online as there are none available locally (Newfoundland, Canada). Any suggested websites or advice?

[baltobernie]

This forum contains a wealth of information on such topics as "model year differences" "buying tips" and so on. You might also look in the index under "Cars Wanted" and see responses to other wannabes inquiries.

The majority of Spiders For Sale are probably going to be found the the US, and you probably have some unique challenges importing an automobile (we sure do).

Autumn is a good time to negotiate a favorable price on any roadster except a "near perfect" (your words) example. Owners of these cars are wringing out every last drop of sunshine before decommissioning.

Decide what features you want, and be prepared to wait until the right car comes along (you've got all Winter!).

[courtenay]

Importing a car to Canada isn't too difficult - especially if it is in good condition. Google "importing cars from US to Canada" to get the process. Cruise Craigslist in various US cities. Your best bet for a rust free car probably lies in the southern climes. There's all kinds of folks on this site who will happily scope out cars for you.
Good luck!!

[Wheel]

Good luck with your search, be patient, the right one will come up. I recently found mine in Calgary.

Here are a few Canadian links I stumbled upon during my search. You may have to contact someone at these links as sometimes the websites are not always current. If you are not familiar with Kijiji, you can change the province to search in.

http://www.autotrader.ca/
http://ontario.kijiji.ca/
http://www.andyspiders.com/
http://www.oceandrivemotors.com/
http://www3.sympatico.ca/marioricambi/
http://www.italmotors.ca/

[MrWampus]

There's also a shop called the Roadster Salon in IL. They apparently buy restore and sell Fiat Spiders. If you are looking for a "near perfect" car, they would probably have it but they are very pricey. In the neighborhood of $13-16K. I just tried to access their website roadstersalon.com but it must be down because I got an error. They come up in a google or yahoo search though.

And if you have never owned a Fiat before, don't expect even a near perfect car to be trouble-free. They definitely have personalities. It's part of their charm.

Happy hunting!

[courtenay]

I know nothing about this outfit, but it is in Toronto and the pics look pretty good. Maybe someone else has dealt with them.
http://www.andyspiders.com

[stilllooking]

Thanks for all the info so far. I have continued my search and hopefully I am getting closer to a purchase. Almost bought an '81 in Montreal online. Luckily I got an independant inspection. It turns out that you can't trust pretty pictures online. http://www.johnscotti.com/en/used/1981- ... a/4147380/ I have located a vehicle locally that I hope to view in the next few days. It was recommended to me by the mechanic who looks after my other car. Its getting late in the year for convertibles so if something doesn't soon work out I'll have to wait until next year.

[narfire]

Almost bought an '81 in Montreal online

Oh be so carefull with cars from Mont. and Toronto. If they have ever been driven as a daily driver year round they will be shot full of rust..
I don't know the price range you're looking at but a decent spider is going to set you back around $5000.00 . That one should not offer too many challenges.
http://www.fiatparts.com/kelly.htm
Andy's spiders offers incredably restored cars but they are expensive (VERY)
Think there is a member here out your way as well.
Chris

[vandor]

It turns out that you can't trust pretty pictures online.

Absolutely true. I am still amazed when I look at local cars at how poor the mechanicals are on some nice looking cars.

I'd recommend that you get a fuel injected Spider, they are smoother and have more power (and economy!) in stock form.

[stilllooking]

Thanks to everyone for their comments. We will soon take delivery of a 1982 spider. Unfortunately winter weather has arrived so now the long wait begins.

[124JOE]

congrats

[4uall]

Welcome and good luck with the pursuit. I sure she will love it.