Hello from Marietta, Ga

[Brick427]

New to the group, doing do research on 2000 spider, what year is best ? Saw a semi-basket case, ran well but not for long, several rust spots, fair interior (broken drivers seat), truck sprung with no latch,good price but may be to big a bite for me to chew. What are you recomendations ? Better to spend more up front or sink money into a fixer upper ?
THANKS

[azruss]

I lot depends on your tolerance for self abuse. financially you are better to buy something close to the standard you want to end up with than a bucket case. BTDT

[steve8462]

look it over good for rust and rot. some areas can be the make it or break it as far as restoration

[RRoller123]

The "what year is best" question will get a lot of varied responses.... The Fuel Injected models started in 1980, and the pollution control mess was basicaly eliminated then. BUT you can easily remove the pollution stuff on an earlier car (unless you are in California, that is problematic). Also, the early ones, 1969/70, etc are quite highly sought after.

[steve8462]

let me know if you come across any in the 1979-1982 range that you look at and pass on. i am looking for a good body. i have everything else. mine is just passed the point of economics to try to repair all the rot. so if you come across one with no guts or motor but with a good body please let me know. i live up I-75 a bit just south of Chattanooga. if you find something i will offer what ever help i can to you to help you along the way. thank you

[Exit98]

Brick,

Here's a thread with a lot of good advice about buying a Spider. Better to look at it now rather than later:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10135

It really is all about the rust, and you have to look very closely. The driver's side shock tower is very hard to see and problems easy to miss once the red mist sets in. We've seen some really beautiful looking Spiders on this forum that turned out to have shot towers.

[ga.spyder]

Welcome to the forum.There are many of us in and around the Atl. area.I am in Blairsville,but there are 5 or 6 guys in the city that would help you check out a car.You are always going to be ahead by buying the beat example you can find.I will keep my eyes and ears open.
Craig