Anyone Know This 1983 Spider in Lancaster, PA?

[supplyguy]

Drove this red 1983 Fiat Spider in Lancaster yesterday. Have not driven one since 1982. I want to own one. Paint job was very nice, three to four 2" rust bubble spots on lower door, rocker panel, and fender - hardly visible. Interior was very good - looks like new carpet and seats have no cracks. Top looks almost new. No visible rust to my untrained eye in shock towers. Ran strong. Brake pedal had almost as much travel as clutch (is this normal?). For less than $6k, I could easily see myself driving to work and back in the spring and fall in this car. You all have been helpful with my novice questions before - welcome thoughts if anyone is familiar with this particular vehicle. Many thanks in advance.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?c ... dard=false

[Exit98]

Don't know the car.

Looks OK but can't tell much from the pictures.

For that much money you want to be sure about the rust. Does a refrigerator magnet stick around the rear wheel wheel arches? Did you look under the carpet and underlay at the floors, particularly under the pedals? The trunk under the spare tire and around the battery box?

I'd ask them to put it up on their lift for you. Bring a good flashlight.

Beyond the rust pretty much anything else can be fixed. Some stuff more $ that others. Take it for another ride. Accelerate in 2nd gear than let off the gas. Does it pop out of gear? Do the same in 3rd gear.

Any service records? Shake the front wheels top to bottom and side to side. Front bushings never last long on these things.

I'm sure you'll find the dealer cooperative. They want to sell it, and its not like a line is forming.

Good luck, let us know.

Oh, if you decide to pass on this one don't worry there are always pleanty around. I have a good search site if you want it.

[2ndwind]

Guy,
The problem with dealers is they usually do not have the service records but charge more for the cars anyway. So you don't know FOR SURE when the last timing belt was put in it, or when the flexible donut or ball joints were replaced, etc. etc. True, rust is the main deal-killer but why pay near top dollar if you've got to pour more $$ into it immediately. I will be in Lancaster on the 25 & 26th of this month. PM me if you'd like to meet to look at it again.

[Exit98]

Guy,

Take a look at this one in Lancaster:

http://allentown.craigslist.org/cto/2030885435.html

There are plenty around, don't settle.

This is a good time of year to buy one too.

[Exit98]

Or this one:

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/1998741577.html

[supplyguy]

Love you guys. My first course of action would be to simply buy Doug's Fiat. I have a thing for yellow sports cars, and there are few yellow Fiats out there. Second, very much appreciate the offer to check out the Lancaster '83, and yet I'm starting to heed the advice to be patient and not settle. Don't want to waste your time, and will probably be back for help again. Last, so many Spiders have a few rust bubbles. If buying a seasonal daily driver vice collector car, and the bubbles are barely noticeable, do you all worry so much about it spreading?

[Exit98]

Hey Guy,

So you like yellow? Everything's got a price I guess. No rust either, its from California.

Rust bubbles are cosmetic. East coast cars probably all have some.

Floors, shock towers, bad arches, trunk, you gotta check underneith real close.

Good luck, let us know.

[supplyguy]

The one that got away. This car just resold on eBay for over $7000. Put my 2002 BMW CiC on the market last month - as soon as it sells I am going to take the plunge in Fiat land!