Question

[joelbert2k]

Ditto what Mark said. Mine is just a wee bit stiffer than the clutch on my Miata, and it's hydraulic.

[Fonz]

katsi thank you for your comment, thats what i wanted to hear , but if any body wants to look at the car heres the link im going to try and talk them down on the price. Thanks a bunch!!!

http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/ctd/1430851846.html

thats pure dealer markup.

[mdrburchette]

That is a very nice original car. I would cringe to think of this car being used as a daily driver in a state that gets a lot of snow. It wouldn't last 5 years. But, if someone wanted it for their summer driver and the dealer wanted to knock a little money off the top, it would be a great buy.

[ROOK1]

This is a clean car but not worth 9k in my opinion. The car was last registered in California (5 series plate) originally purchased in Wisconsin (I think but definitely upper mid west) then later registered in Colorado. This guy is representing this as a clean California car (It is clean and last registered in California) but it isn't what he says it is. It has been repainted, the interior is near perfect and I didn’t see the top. This guy is very proud of this car and doesn’t seem willing to move on the price. I would offer 5k maybe 6k and walk out when he says no.

[katsi]

disagree. pay me now or pay me now and later, and later, and later again.

Mike, I don't want to disagree with you and I really take your advice serriously but really, it's a 30 year old car. Finding one in great shape is awesome. Keeping it there is going to cost $ no mater what shape it's in. I don't care how perfect it is, something is going to break down on these things. And it's going to keep breaking down. That's the difference between a 9k Spider and a 9K Miata. You can most likely get a good 4 to 5 hastle free years out of a 9K Miata. I don't think you could say that about a show room drive off Fiat Spider. Owning a 30 year plus Fiat Spider is more of a commitment than owning a 6 year old Miata with 100+ K on it . The Miata is hands down a better car. It's newer and more sophisticated. Yet, that's not to say that the Fiat Spider is a bad car. On the contrary, I love it. But again, the Fiat Spider is more of a commitment to auto ownership. It is not a disposable automobile like the MX-5. Again, if you just want to drive a sporty convertable, I would say the Miata MX-5 is a great choice. Yet, if you enjoy owning a car, than maybe the Fiat Spider is more suitable. I know it is for me.

[mbouse]

no problem, Katsi. this is a Fiat spider enthusiests' site, however. all discussion at this point. everyone throwing in an opinion.

i know a few guys that have both the spider and a Miata; and they like both for two separate sets of reasons. and, there are times i wish i did not own my metric wrench set...opting for a more reliable vehicle, or at least one that the bloke down at the grease pit could work on without tacking on an 'exotic' car fee.

but, this is still a Fiat Spider enthusiests' site. i reserve the right to prefer a Spider over a Miata any day. yup, a Miata may be less expensive to obtain and operate; but that does not answer the origional question; which i interpreted to say...

what is too much to pay for a reliable 'daily' use Spider?

i still maintain that to be a truly reliable Spider, you will eventually pay over $10k. you can do that in chunks, or properly invested and inspected, all at once. at the same time... i'd question an entry price at or above five figures, and a +$8k car should be immaculate. this car we are discussing, for $8,900 sounds too rich for the description; and it has not been proven to be reliable. the buyer should be aware to expect some maintenance issues shortly after delivery.

[mbouse]

besides... where can you get expert advice on your car like you can here?

from another fiat forum concerning our topical Miata counterparts....

"The Miata forum was useless when I asked there so I'll ask the people who can really answer. My daughter's Miata smokes on startup. After about 5 minutes the smoke goes away. Is this loose valve guides or valve guide seals? All I got from the Miata guys (only two responses) was that it wasn't worth the price to remove the head just to fix this problem! Ask about fog lights and you get 37 responses over there. I think old car forums are more helpful, the BMW 2002 forum is a lot like us, the Mazda 6 forum was only interested in cold air intakes and exhausts and the Miata clowns are all about fog lights. "

and, the guy got some good advice for his daughter's Miata at the Fiat forum.
fiat entry price $8,000
fiat maintenance costs $2,000
fiat good advice .. priceless

miata entry price $5,000
miata maintenance costs $200
no useful advice on maintenance .. new engine needed

[ga.spyder]

Probably a good move,it was a steep price.Keep looking,you'll find the right one.I was thinking of you today,driving in my 'project' car.While not a raving beauty the car drives great.I only have a little less than 1000 in it.3000-4000 will buy you a really nice Fiat Spider,that needs little or nothing.Good luck!
Craig

[kristoj]

I love my Fiat Spider for all the same reasons as everyone else here, but to buy one as your only daily driver? I don't think so. I'm not sure they were all that reliable when they were brand new, let alone 30 years on. And that's not necessarily a crack on Fiat. The quality bar in the auto industry has been raised exponentially on the past couple of decades. For $9k, I would buy a less expensive Spider ($4k-$5k) to use as a fun car and something Japanese with the money left over to drive in the winter and when your Spider is down for maintenance. Someone suggested an old Subaru which is a good idea. I personally would not want a Miata.

[jboggess]

Thats not what i wanted to hear. I have driven a Mita and a Fiat and Fiats get better gas mileage. To me i'd reather drive an Italian car rather than a Japanese car.

[ga.spyder]

They all get great mileage when they are nosed into a snowbank

[pope]

When you drive a Fiat Spider, you put underwear on...or maybe go commando.

When you drive a Miata, you put panties on.

[ga.spyder]

Hey Pope,what the hell is that thing in your new avatar?? You know you can change the oil w/o removing everything and tipping it on its side.
Craig

[pope]

Craig, now I have room for my golf clubs!