new member from SoCal

[rocketmonkey101]

Hey all, Just checking in here to see what's what about Fiats. I don't currently own a Fiat. Up til now I've been a vintage VW guy. I still have a 71 Camper running around but I'm looking for something with an open top for weekend drives and short getaways up the coast. Mostly I'm here to let my brain be a sponge and see what people have to say about these cars. For now I'm a student here.
Right now my list of cars for consideration is the 124 Spider, 850 Spider and X1/9. I'm leaning heavily toward the 124 Spider because of the amount of space you get and the price difference between that and the others is not much...if anybody has any free advice feel free to chime in, otherwise I'll just be digging through the forums and gettin my learn on.

[azruss]

I've owned all 3 and the 124 is what won my heart. definitely the roomiest of the 3 with the biggest motor. 850 is probably the hardest to find parts for and the slowest of the lot. If you are a VW guy, you will like the rear engine handling. Lots like the X because of its great handling nature. I'm not a big lover of the style. working on a mid-engine car is a PITA, and it is twitchy when you try to drive in a straight line...like a modern civic. The X has a removable hard top, so not a full convertible.

[Ptoneill]

I own a 124, very easy to get parts for...mostly...looks great as the are or they can be easily modified and customized. Do your homework prior to buying these cars have some issues, most are minor but some can get you in over your head in a hurry. Make sure to inspect the front shock towers they have been known to fail because of rust. I highly reccomend that you put any car you want to buy in a lift and look for rust, a little is expected a lot is fixable but will require immediate work. And have a mechanic look over the engine and transmission....a 100 dollar inspection is a price to know what you are buying!

This site has a large wealth of information, good luck with whatever you get!

[4uall]

Hello & welcome to the greatest place on earth

This might help

http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/buyspid.html

PS Rocket Monkeys is a great show

[rocketmonkey101]

Ha - that's hilarious. I didn't even know Rocket Monkeys was a thing. I will have to make time to check it out. Thanks for all the info and the warm welcome all.

[RRoller123]

Welcome aboard! You will find plenty of knowledgeable and friendly people here.

Here is a thread on how to post pictures directly to the forum:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=21014

And here is another picture-posting thread:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 12&t=23084

And here is a link to a map of Spider owner’s locations. Many forum members have listed their locations.

https://www.zeemaps.com/map?group=191825

Pete