What Year and Model?

[joey]

Well I need some advice. I'm just starting my search for a 124. I had previously owned a 1974 1800 sport. It ended it's live pretty much rusted out.(east coast car) Is there one year that's is better than an other for rust or technical problems. For instance I read that 1979 and down in some ways were better than the newer models for steel. The newer ones (pininfarina built) used thinner steel. How about carburetor VS fuel injection? I guess what I'm asking if you were shopping for a 124 which year and model would you hunt?

Thanks

JOE

[Danno]

this is a bump to bring this post to the forefront. Software problems buried it as a post made in 1970 (fear not, Mark Fixed it!)

[joey]

Thanks Mark!

JOE

[So Cal Mark]

it's really a matter of taste. I don't think the steel is much different. I've seen rust problems in every year. The FI cars have great driveability when stock. If you want to modify one, an earlier car may be the better choice. 79s are unique in that they have the worst performance due to carb/emission equipment. But with a few mods they can run quite well

[racydave]

Joey, honestly, Id look at anything close and in your price range. The right car will come along, be patient. Check the local Craigslist and local, regional autotraders and newspapers online. Also any local clubs ? Good hunting!

[spidernut]

This came up some time ago and several people posted that the Pininfarina Azzuras had better rust-through protection...I don't know for sure. I've found that almost any car will rust if not carefully monitored. My '79 Spider had absolutely no rust when I bought it. To this day, it still has no rust. Compare this to my '89 Nissan van...the Nissan is a rust heap. I'd say that you'd be best off looking for something that's rust free and keeping up with it.

My favorite Spider was the 1981 fuel injected. I liked it because it had sufficient power, great gas mileage and ran really smooth. New parts are readily available for the motor too. On the flipside, the EFI is costly to repair and much more complex than carb'd motors. Carbs are much less expensive and far easier to repair, modify and troubleshoot.

I guess it depends upon what you're doing with the car. The FI has some advantages and the carb'd ones have other advantages. Do you want high performance, gas mileage, less maintenance, lower cost?

[joey]

I guess it depends upon what you're doing with the car. The FI has some advantages and the carb'd ones have other advantages. Do you want high performance, gas mileage, less maintenance, lower cost?

I want a car that has a good body (LITTLE IF ANY RUST) and runs o.k. to start with. As far as performance and less maintenance goes I'm pretty handy with a wrench so something that would be upgradeable with be my first choice. Maybe the 1800 carburetor model or maybe even the 2000? Gas mileage and lower cost would be on the end of my want list. For a car that I would like for a weekend ride only it's not a big deal.

[mdrburchette]

Another thing to consider is engine parts availability. It seems some of the early 1438, 1596 and 1608 internal engine parts such as pistons are getting scarce. Most parts, however, are interchangeable. Of course, if you do decide on an early model, you can always swap engine with minor modifications.

[joey]

Let me ask this question about engine life. If you found a late model car that had 90 or 100,000 miles on it but the body was in good shape would you consider it? I have heard that theses engines are good for 200,000 miles before a rebuilt. True?

JOEY

[So Cal Mark]

engine life really depends on how it was maintained. Fiat used really hard iron in the blocks, so cylinder wear is usually minimal. Most repairs I see are due to overheating or leakage concerns rather than wear.

[joey]

That's good to know Mark. So if a car has 90 to 100,00 thousand miles on it and it seems to be in generally good condition, that wouldn't in itself be the deciding factor to buy or not. Correct?

[So Cal Mark]

I wouldn't have any reservations about buying a Spider with 100,000 on it. If it runs well and quiet and no smoke, then go for it. One of the situations that shorten engine life is a broken oil pump. On any Spider you're considering, look underneath at the oil pan. If the bottom of the pan is crushed, the pump may be broken and that can lead to oil starvation and engine failure

[ga.spyder]

Hey Joey ,I see you are in S.C. There is a really nice 82 on Ebay #110213761799. I know this car from some local events(Atlanta). It is a well sorted out ,no rust example. I have no idea how much it will go for ,or what hes asking but the car is as nice a one as I have seen. Craig

[joey]

Thanks for the heads up Craig. I already had a call and email into him but so far no answer back. Looks like a nice ride. I definitely want to take a ride and check her out myself instead of sending some inspector person. I had another lead in the Charleston area but the car history didn't exactly come back clean. I believe when it's meant to be it will be. I have a whole lot of faith and I am very patient. Man I must be getting old!

[ga.spyder]

normally I would never reccomend a car to anyone,I only brought this one up because I do know the car and it is all he says it is.I looked at ebay earlier and I see its caught the eye of some others.Good luck ,and when you find the right one you'll know it! Craig