Fiats hard to work on?

[spidernut]

I hear it all the time - Fiats...aren't they hard to work on? The answer is no - especially after spending the morning repairing my Sears Kenmore Washing Machine. I've never seen such an illogical and difficult way of putting something together. I'm glad I don't drive a Kenmore.

[fiasco]

It's all in the perspective. Hard compared to a 2002 Buick Rendezvous - heck no. Hard compared to a 1969 VW Beetle - oh yes. Why'd I pick those two cars for comparison? Those are the other two cars leaking oil in my garage at the moment.

-- se

[seabeelt]

I would say it depends on the model year if you want to split hairs. My 71 very easy, my son's 79, you need to have gumby arms to get at some of the stuff, but still easier than our Audi or my Dakota

[TX82FIAT]

I think this goes back to poor training years ago at the FIAT dealers and the simple US engines at the time. Everyone knew there way around a small block Chevy and there was a huge margin of error to still have a well running car. That simple Chevy mechanic was lost on a FIAT. Difficult no, misunderstood, yes. However, we have a whole group of people that have learned a lot of tricks over many years of ownership. Today, it is easier with the resources.

[georgeramos]

Today, it is easier with the resources.


...well said. Yesterday a guy saw me park and came over to tell me he thought the Spider was one of the most beautiful sports cars ever designed. While Id say thats a bit much I would agree that its the most beautiful "affordable" sports car. He also said "You know what FIAT stands for don't you?"

I told him that when I was 22 and had my first Spider (early 90's) http://www.flickr.com/photos/ciclismo_j ... 711567215/

I didnt know my way around a tool box, didnt have much money, didnt know of any good Fiat mechanics and still the car left such an impression that I had to have another one today.

But the main reason I went for it and the biggest difference is this forum and other web resources as well as amazing vendors like AR and Allison. Ive also met some amazing folks locally that are a part of the Mira group who've helped me and taught me how to do stuff that raises my confidence to do more stuff.

[ga.spyder]

I can tell you ,for sure,that my 82 Spider is easier to work on than my Miata!