fiat barchetta

[BEEK]

i have been viewing internet sales prices for fiat barchetta's, 4000.00 us for a lhd in great condition. was wondering how much to import 2 of them, because you would definatly need a parts car.. you would be the only one on your block with one of those! any ideas

[kmead]

Its going to be a difficult car to import as they were never sold here. Importing a newish car requires meeting emissions and safety requirements. If you were Canadian, you would have better luck.

From the following site: As a general rule, motor vehicles less than 25 years old must comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) in order to be imported permanently into the United States.
Nonconforming vehicles entering the United States must be brought into compliance, exported, or destroyed.
http://www.foreignborn.com/visas_imm/en ... htm#safety

Sorry. There are a few kicking around the US somewhat illegally that have come in from Canada. If caught the government will require it be destroyed. There was a recent importer of Nissan Skylines that didn't do the work properly and around fifty owners had their cars confiscated, without compensation for the loss of a pretty expensive car.

[TulsaSpider]

Land of the free?????

[kmead]

Indeed land of the free to sue for product liability and a myriad of other things.

Bringing in cars has become more and more difficult as our emissions and safety requirements have become more rigorous. There were many less than good grey market importers in the past who have failed to do a good job. It was only economic to do so for very expensive cars (Ferrari, Benz etc). It is also why we generally get very few engine choices in our imports as they have to qualify each engine for each car line imported.

It is also what drove Fiat away in the first place as they weren't selling enough cars to justify making cars that met future safety and emission standards. Fiat didn't have any other market with similar needs until much later at which point it was much too late. For us anyway.

[katsi]

Not be be argumentative but, other than the badge, why would you really want a Fiat Barchetta? Again, I understand the loyalty thing but, they look very simular to a Miata. And, I am only talking about importing one in. Not buying a Dodge or Chrysler badged Barchetta that has been prepped for sale in our market. But, they kinda look like a cross between the Miata and the Pontiack Solstice. The latter by the way, has my vote for best looking, AFFORDABLE, convertable roadster. Anyway, if it's just to have another FIAT, I understand. But really, other than the enthusiast thing; why would you want one? Edumakate me.

[Redline]

To add to that point, the only thing going for the Barchetta is its looks. I don't want to offend any Barchetta owners, but it is based on a 15 year-old FWD Punto chassis and is about as structurally stiff as overcooked linguine. I've driven them, and they are not very satisfying. I've had friends who owned them and the motors like to go POP! You would need to import 2 parts cars to be sure...

If I were really going to go through the hassle of a European import, I would either make the effort for something contemporary which is much more interesting or some old and rare Euro metal.

[kmead]

It is a Fiat and it may appear much like a MIata but it isn't nearly. It is a front wheel drive car which makes it more like the Capri from years ago. I have always like the smooth boat like form and the very cool interior.

I think its definitely an acquired taste. I would also want a 124 Spider and 850 Spider and probably several other Fiats that are quite similar as well.

I would have both. I would never buy the Pontiac/Saturn/Opel car despite them being styled by a classmate of mine, as it is like sitting in the bottom of a bucket with an absolutely ridiculous roof and storage system.

[spiderrey]

based on what. The solstice is bad ass. Dont insult it by saying it looks like a barchetta. Then theres the gto and the trans am. And the smoky and the bandit era trans ams are way cool. I cant even say I will never buy a Hyundai anymore. They have some pretty nice new rides at the top end.

[wachuko]

based on what. The solstice is bad ass. Dont insult it by saying it looks like a barchetta. Then theres the gto and the trans am. And the smoky and the bandit era trans ams are way cool. I cant even say I will never buy a Hyundai anymore. They have some pretty nice new rides at the top end.

+1

I was sad to see those disappeared. I like the looks of the Solstice, Sky Roadster.... too bad they went away. Same goes for the Pontiac GTO (or G8 GXP ) talk about bad ass... engine from the Corvette in that car, sweet...

Somehow I hoped those got moved over under the Chevrolet branding... but seems those were not selling in good numbers to do so.

[kmead]

based on what. The solstice is bad ass. Dont insult it by saying it looks like a barchetta. Then theres the gto and the trans am. And the smoky and the bandit era trans ams are way cool. I cant even say I will never buy a Hyundai anymore. They have some pretty nice new rides at the top end.

I stated "the based on what" in my original post.

I never suggested it looked like a Barchetta. I would never buy that or any of the other variations of that platform as it was produced. I didn't say I wouldn't buy a Pontiac, although the only one I would ever consider was the original Firebird (like a '68).

The Solstice, Sky, Opel GT triplets had great specs and do perform very well. They all are great looking cars (they should be since the person who drew them all is a great designer) but ultimately in my view, they are not equal to the sum of the parts for me. The interiors are unpleasant, the view out of the car is limited and the mechanism and utility of the convertible top is abysmal Especially compared to the S2000 or the Miata who are its contemporaries or the Fiat Spider or Barchetta who precede the GM smallish sports cars.

I am all for others being enthusiastic about whatever they like, just don't put words in my mouth I didn't say. I said THE Pontiac/Saturn/Opel car, not A Pontiac.

[spiderrey]

Fair enough, that wasnt all directed towards you anyway. Didnt know opel had a variation in there. The barchetta, the sum of its parts, Im sorry but when I look at this car I dont see anything attractive. Not the body, not the fwd, its bland as in mercury capri. Just my opinion. I think they missed it on this one by miles. I wish the made a modern day spider, even if they called it something else. The solstioce turbo and the s 2000 are the only new converts I would consider. i drove a miata and was bored. Might as well cut the roof off a sentra, again, just my opinion. Dosent do a thing 4 me, but could work for others.

[MNspiderman]

Maybe a 4 door Milano Roadster convertible. That would be exciting

[spiderrey]

you mean, like this?

[BEEK]

what kind of transaxle, i see inboard brakes, old alfa?

[spiderrey]

88' Alfa romeo milano verde.