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[Looken4spider]

Has anyone purchased a spider from Roadster Salon in Palatine, IL?

[toyfiats]

There are several threads that mention this place. Here's one that I posted on (under a different ID):

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... on#p111583

I will admit that some of their Spiders look _extremely_ tempting, but if you're paying top $ you really need to make sure everything is in order, and original or better.

[Looken4spider]

Thank you for the information. Someone suggested an independent inspection... any suggestions?

[toyfiats]

Unless there's a forum or club member that's local _and_ knows the ins and outs of Fiats, finding an independent inspector who knows enough about Fiats to be useful might be hard.

Since you're looking at Roadster Salon you're obviously ready or at least thinking about spending a considerable sum. I'd start by asking yourself exactly what you would like in a Spider. Do you have a preference for a newer one (FI or late Pininfarina) or an early chrome bumper. Is originality important? Is original low mileage a must, or is a thoroughly refurbished example with all systems rebuilt OK? How important is paint quality - do you want a straight, orange-peel free finish, or will a relatively cheap paint job with some sloppy masking and moderate or heavy orange peel going to drive you crazy?

I would suggest that anyone spending $20k+ on a Spider should insist on either an all original verifiable low mileage with no major defects, or else a thoroughly refurbished rust-free one with nice paint and interior, and all mechanical systems (engine / tranny / suspension / brakes / etc) rebuilt. Of course anyone who has ever restored a car to this level knows that it's very easy to quickly blow past $20k in quality parts and labor, so you can't expect a _perfect_ car from a shop that is restoring them to a price, but is should be darn nice. How nice only you can decide.

I'd try and filter out all the nonsense on their website regarding the different levels and just determine what you want out the car, and if something they offer checks all those boxes. Depending on where you are a trip to personally inspect the car of your choice is really the way to go. If you're really picky (like I am) pictures can't convey how nice a car and its finish is (or isn't).

Personally, if my own Spider disappeared tomorrow and I wanted to replace it and didn't have the motivation to restore another one myself to my own personal taste, I would be talking to my mechanic Joe Lakatos in Redwood City, the semi-retired sole proprietor of Joe's Fiat Service. He restores cars to an amazing level, and currently has a couple of beautiful Pininfarina Spiders in his shop (as well as a '68 bare shell with a $6k yellow paint job). They're not cheap, nor totally original, but he's got an established clientele that pretty much assures any car that he finishes has a new home almost immediately.

Lastly, if you're still considering a car from Roadster Salon, my last piece of advice would be to take your time and not rush a decision. Spiders with price tags like theirs do not move quickly, and at least several of the cars they show available have been so for some time, so it's not like you have to decide tomorrow because someone is right behind you to buy it if you don't.

Good luck.

[SunnySideUp]

If you're looking to spend THAT kind of money you might as well check out Andy's Spiders:, too. http://www.andyspiders.com/

Andy has a pretty good reputation to uphold. Downside is that if you live in the States you'll have to import the car.

Good luck on your hunt!

[Looken4spider]

Thank you both for the feedback. I do live close and have spent a tone of time at Roadster Salon. I think I should have done a little more homework, however, if everything turns out as I hope... I'll have a great car! Spent too much $, but a nice car!