Hi all,
Ahh, the question that gets asked over and over. Everyone has an opinion and that there year is the best probably. LOL I am still trying to narrow down which spider I wish for the most. I like all the new fangled stuff that is found on the 85, but, I long for simplicity. I like the bumps on the hood better, but I lean toward the carb and points system. I like the early years due to no smog, but desire a strong engine like the 2000. Bro has a 79. Am I stuck getting the same? then removing the smog controls? Ideas are welcome. Thanks for listening / reading.
MountainMan Mike
which spider
-
2ndwind
- Posts: 548
- Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2009 10:17 pm
- Your car is a: 1982 Spider
- Location: Cincinnati OH
Re: which spider
Hey Mike,
Welcome to the forum. You're right, everyone has an opinion on these. Of course much depends on YOU. How far away are you willing to travel to get the vehicle, how much are you willing to spend, how much tinkering do you like/want to do.
Before I bought one last Oct., I did some on-line research and decided to look for a '71-'72 or '81-'82, non-rusty, not too distant one for under $4000. I expected to put $500-$1000 into anything I got.
I got a running, non-rusty '82 with a decent top and interior for $3500. I'd say it was about $500 too much considering I didn't expect to put a $500 air flow meter in it. I knew I was going to pay to have the timing belt changed since it was unknown when it was last done. I also knew it had a starter issue and an electrical issue (gas gauge went to reading full when lights turned on). It also needed a $100 FI air flow valve. In addition, for safety, I am rebuilding the front suspension (about $450 in parts) and the drive shaft (less than $200 in parts). If I had it to do over again, which I might, I would have been more patient, looked farther away, and paid $2000 more for a car that had all this stuff already done and was well sorted out. Review all the little details with your brother and other fiat owners as to what to look for.
That being said, I am excited about my little machine as It is not rusty and runs well. The transmission is sound also. Good luck in your search, Mike.
Steve
Welcome to the forum. You're right, everyone has an opinion on these. Of course much depends on YOU. How far away are you willing to travel to get the vehicle, how much are you willing to spend, how much tinkering do you like/want to do.
Before I bought one last Oct., I did some on-line research and decided to look for a '71-'72 or '81-'82, non-rusty, not too distant one for under $4000. I expected to put $500-$1000 into anything I got.
I got a running, non-rusty '82 with a decent top and interior for $3500. I'd say it was about $500 too much considering I didn't expect to put a $500 air flow meter in it. I knew I was going to pay to have the timing belt changed since it was unknown when it was last done. I also knew it had a starter issue and an electrical issue (gas gauge went to reading full when lights turned on). It also needed a $100 FI air flow valve. In addition, for safety, I am rebuilding the front suspension (about $450 in parts) and the drive shaft (less than $200 in parts). If I had it to do over again, which I might, I would have been more patient, looked farther away, and paid $2000 more for a car that had all this stuff already done and was well sorted out. Review all the little details with your brother and other fiat owners as to what to look for.
That being said, I am excited about my little machine as It is not rusty and runs well. The transmission is sound also. Good luck in your search, Mike.
Steve
Steve
1982 Red Spider 2000
1919 Old Town Sailing Canoe
1982 Red Spider 2000
1919 Old Town Sailing Canoe