New To Fiat Spiders/Looking For One + Mechanic in Toronto

[Carye]

Hi, I've just started my infatuation with these beauties and figure I'll be making a purchase soon. I'm seeing a 1980 with original paint, no rust, ready-to-drive and with the entire interior, roof, etc redone.

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle ... Z383963306

I spoke to the owner and his wife--and it seems he's only getting rid of it after 4 years because he bought it for his wife, claims he spent over $6800 fixing it up to be "family-safe" (and quite nice) and his wife just can't adjust to the standard transmission. He's asking $8900--which seems close to fair if it's as restored, solid, safe and drive able as the owner says it is. I believe he will take $8500. I find him to be trustworthy--but I've only spoken to these people once. I'm seeing the car Monday andwill be test driving it. Is $8500 CDN for a top-shape 1980 F.I. Overpaying? I've read that $5k should get a decent one, but the few I've seen point either lack in finish, have much rust or aren't road ready. I just want to avoid being taken. I'm not an engine guy, I will be trusting my mechanic (anybody have a great Fiat mechanic in the greater TORONTO area they can vouch for?). This process is both exhilarating and a little scary...

[RRoller123]

I won't comment on the price because every market and car is different, and you have to look at them in person and up close to be sure, but down here, it takes about $5K to get a really good RUST-FREE one. That, for me was the key deciding factor. Mine was in great mechanical shape but needed a new top and some interior cosmetics. Getting one with an excellent engine/transmission, reasonable original miles, and no rust is more than half the battle.

[narfire]

Buying a rust free spider in Toronto area is like getting a ride on the space shuttle...pretty dang rare in my opinion. I have a 72 originally from TO that has migrated west and it has more rust than sound metal.. going to be a parts car for another project.
$8500.00 is in my opinion fair if you don't have to start replacing brakes, exhaust, wheels, interiors.... and do any body work with a good top and engine that does not have any issues. Some have gone for the lower priced cars (me) and have invested thousands to get it sorted, while some have spent in the neighbourhood of what you might pay for this one and have had many years of relatively trouble free driving, spending $ on routine maintenance only.
If I would do it again, I'd save up and spend the loot up front for a rust free car ready to drive.
I've noticed the prices in TO area appear a bit more than out west.
Just my opinion and good luck with the purchase
Chris

[Carye]

I won't comment on the price because every market and car is different, and you have to look at them in person and up close to be sure, but down here, it takes about $5K to get a really good RUST-FREE one. That, for me was the key deciding factor. Mine was in great mechanical shape but needed a new top and some interior cosmetics. Getting one with an excellent engine/transmission, reasonable original miles, and no rust is more than half the battle.

Thank you!

[Carye]

Buying a rust free spider in Toronto area is like getting a ride on the space shuttle...pretty dang rare in my opinion. I have a 72 originally from TO that has migrated west and it has more rust than sound metal.. going to be a parts car for another project.
$8500.00 is in my opinion fair if you don't have to start replacing brakes, exhaust, wheels, interiors.... and do any body work with a good top and engine that does not have any issues. Some have gone for the lower priced cars (me) and have invested thousands to get it sorted, while some have spent in the neighbourhood of what you might pay for this one and have had many years of relatively trouble free driving, spending $ on routine maintenance only.
If I would do it again, I'd save up and spend the loot up front for a rust free car ready to drive.
I've noticed the prices in TO area appear a bit more than out west.
Just my opinion and good luck with the purchase
Chris

Thanks a ton. This is very helpful!

[courtenay]

I paid $10,000 for a completely rust free 80 Fi about 3 years ago. The car had brand new Rota wheels and tires as well as a new exhaust system. 62,000 mms. Interior and roof were original so a bit scuffed but nothing needing replacement. Other than minor maintenance items (timing belt and water pump while I was there) I have spent very little on the car.
If the car proves to be as good as it sounds, then I think $8500 is a pretty good price. As Chris says, you can pay less, but you're probably going to be in for an expensive run - particularly if there's rust.
You'll find all kinds of examples of people on this forum who have gotten cars for a lot less than $8500 but who have then spent way more than that on repairs etc.
Good luck!!
Bruce

[Carye]

Thanks--you guys really need to know how much this feedback and advice means to neophytes like me.

[thewizard]

Well I checked the NADA book and low retail is around $5250 with average around $9000 and mint around $14K+++.
Again these are retail not buyer to buyer.
I got very lucky finding mine.
'81 2000 FI, 72000 miles.
Amateur 10 year old restoration. Stored last 6 years.
PO just put the following in prior to sale.
New master cylinder, rotors, pads all new brake lines steel ones also.
New exhaust all the way.
It also had a new top and carpet. Boot is fixable but haven't used it yet.
Had corrosion in fusebox but it cleaned up real well and all electrical works as it should.
I paid $2400. But no rust. Runs and shifts like a dream.
The lady I bought it from got it in a lawsuit settlement for $40000 worth advertising services she rendered but never got paid for, told me she never wanted it and had only put about 10 miles on it in last 6 years. She was tired of it taking up space in her garage. I was first within an hour of her ad to look at it.
Since I have bought new tires for $160.
Timing belt, tensioner, shocks, thermostat, all filters, u-joints and flex joint, factory manuals so I am in to car for about $3000.
I think a got a steal on it.
I have put 1000 miles on it in last month, no issues.
I bought the blue '75 parts car for $400, it was setting for 24 years but it also runs and drives beautifully.
I say parts as it had no title, bill of sale only.
I am going to pursue the title though as I think it also has a ton of potential. It is a very solid car.

So your price is right on line with so called book value.
These cars are very fun to drive.
You also have to be comfortable being very conspicuous while driving it as everyday I have more than one person compliment me,"nice car", "you want to sell it?", "I used to have aTR4, MGB, 1958 VW, etc", "Your car is so cute"
People have even taken pics at stop lights with their cell phones.

[Carye]

I read some of your other posts, Wizard. Thanks for looking up the specs! Your red one is a beauty.

[thewizard]

Cary, I too would op for a very nice original or really nice fully restored.
Although parts are fairly reasonable they will add very up fast.
Console, dash, door panels, $1000.
Top $350-600.
Exhaust $300-700.
Paint $1500-5000.
Ru$t Pricele$$
Wheels, tires, brakes, suspension, cooling system, motor, tranny, clutch, steering, fuel system, body work. $$$$$ and more $$$$$.
Oop's forgot the chrome, carpet, new battery, gauges, wiring issues, upholstery, heater core, wiper motor. More $$$$
My '75 is an extremely low mileage solid car but I am planning on just ratting it as the money I would put in
I would never come close to recouping.
I figure it would be at least $12k to make it a $10K retail car should I need to sell it.
That's figuring I do ALL the labor except body and paint.
Probably a couple years to complete 95% as you will never seem to get to the last 5%
Easy for some to loose interest if not a car to be driven.
If you could make money restoring these everyone would be doing it. It's just not there yet, maybe someday.
There are a lot of these cars around in rough and below average condition.
Take your time and find a nice one.
That will be instant gratification at it's best!!
Then if you still want to play with one buy another junker like I did.

[Carye]

Thanks again, Wizard. I'm feeling more confident now about pricing and will know better when I start seeing these if they are worth spending more for. Cary

[Carye]

Update: I test drove her today. It was cold here and overcast. I promised myself I would do my due diligence and yet found myself putting down a deposit after a ten-minute drive. It was amazing. It passed certification today--Friday my Fiat mechanic gets to see her. If she passes, she's mine...

[Carye]

Bought her last Friday and have been too busy driving her to post. Thanks to all for your help. The pleasure derived from a quick drive with the top down...amazing!

[narfire]

Well done, congrats on your new purchase/toy.
Yes the top down drive is great. I love the greater view you get with the top down, especially driving in the mountains.
Post a pic when you have a chance.
Although new to you, did the car have any documentation in regards to the timing belt and the last time changed?
It might be a bit frustrating, but most would recomend a new owner change the timing belt and the rubber flex disc on the driveline, an oil and filter change and now you can start with a known time of change and can schedule accordingly.
Have fun
Chris
(Leafs going to make the play-offs this season )

[Carye]

Chris,
I hope the Leafs get there this year. So frustrating. I'm bringing the car in for timing belt and other fixes (my mirrors are loose and shake when I'm driving, the hood seems a little loose on the corners closest to the front dash, the clutch makes a clicking noise, etc. my mechanic (Vito) says it will be up to spec after I Put in $1000.u kilt I brought it to him with the seller and got the seller to further reduce his price to $8000 (started at $9000, then $8500, then $8000 after my mechanic). I don't know how to post a photo...