Buying a Fiat Spider vs. a Triumph TR6

[xbjbx]

Hi All,

I asked this question on Facebook, of course I have a number of Fiat friends from the X1/9 side of the marque, so I got a fairly one sided response there ... but give me some bulletpoints you'd use if you were asked this question.

AND ... what year do you consider the most desirable (have an 84 X, so familiar with the FI 1500)?

And, and .. if you know of a car in striking distance from Birmingham, AL let me know.

And, and, and ... anyone familiar with this beauty:

http://bham.craigslist.org/cto/3995878246.html



Jeff

[ga.spyder]

Hey Jeff,here is a nice one in Dalton,Ga
http://nwga.craigslist.org/cto/3996944052.html
I have always lusted for a TR6.If I could have afforded one when I was car shopping,I probably would have bought it instead of the Spider.Now that I have spent years with the Fiat and a friends TR6,I think I made the right choice.He spent twice what I did on the Triumph,and has had more than double the maint. costs.They are very similar in ride quality,and driveability.The Fiat seems to handle better,but I do have 15'' wheels and low profile tires.The motors(surprisingly) make about the same horsepower.My Spider is a f.i. car,his TR is carbed. Both are great cars.The Triumph is a classic,bu maybe a bit over priced.The Fiat is under valued.Just my humble opinions.I don't think you could go wrong with either.
ps...I will be in your neck of the woods this Sat.I have a Miata track car and will be running at Talladega G.P. in Munford

[So Cal Mark]

one major difference I've noticed between English and Italian cars is the driving position. To me, it's the determining factor in which car to buy. All of the Brit cars I've been in place the steering wheel close to the driver, while Italian cars position the driver to have his/her arms extended and to me, that's a more comfortable/easier-to-go-fast position

[georgeramos]

The Spider is just prettier. Especially early cars IMHO. The TR-6 is pretty good looking from the front but the Spider looks good from all angles and great from some. Also the rear "seat" really is a plus.

I kinda like the sound of the TR a bit better but that might be my exhaust.

[giuliot60]

I love the TR6 as well. Who wouldn't. It's a beautiful car. But like some have already said, the cost of the car and the maintenance costs are a factor. I have a neighbor who has a red 73 that he bought for his wife and she doesn't drive it anymore. He can't drive it because the car is tight. It just sits in the garage. He's looking to sell it now, but wants 12-14K for it. I paid 3K for my original owner 81 Spider that I drive 2-3 times a week. She always starts and hasn't ever left me stranded.

I have another friend with a TR6, but he hasn't gotten it to start in I don't know how long. The FI in the Spider is a major factor for reliability (I know some have had issues). There's also the overhead cams, 5 speed, a wider cabin, and 4-wheel disc brakes. And yes, the back seat.

Would I still like to have one? Yes. But I would also like to own a 280SL, or an E-Type.

[Exit98]

The TR6 was always on my short list but I'm quite sure that no only do they cost 2X or more than a comparable condition spider but they'll cost you a whole lot more to keep and maintain. Prices have gone up pretty radically in the last 4 years or so. Decent ones are 10 to 20K. The cheap ones are not bargains. There can be major and expensive issues with their rear suspensions which you must know about and check out before writing a check. I've heard that even really nice looking ones can have this issue lurking.

They are good looking agressive cars with the old English flair and nostalga. If you have the budget and can afford a good one I'll bet they are fun. And a good one, keep up, will definitely hold its value.

I'm glad I chose my Spider.

[narfire]

A friend has a TR-6 and a TR 250. Nice looking cars. As mentioned more expensive than a Spider. Spider has more room inside (back seat) Top is easier to put up and down. Spider handles better. Both has a good supply of parts. Friend's TR-6 had an "electric" overdrive, not sure what that is but Spider is mechanical. Friend did make a mod where they take a mid 80's ford 5 speed, adjust the bell housing and then now have a mechanical 5 speed in his TR.
Friend took my spider for a spin and loved the acceleration as compared to his TR.
At a recent Triumph car show in Penticton I did see a TR-6 with an Eaton super charger installed...brought the power up to around 170 hp he said.
Both have the fact they need attention to keep well sorted.
Chris

[xbjbx]

I will be in your neck of the woods this Sat.I have a Miata track car and will be running at Talladega G.P. in Munford

Ought to consider a side trip Barber this weekend ... SCCA racing Saturday & Sunday.

Jeff

[xbjbx]

Would I still like to have one? Yes. But I would also like to own a 280SL, or an E-Type.

I know that feeling ... Another X, a 124 Spider, 300ZX, TR6, GT6 maybe even a Spit ...hhmmm.

Jeff

[xbjbx]

Friend took my spider for a spin and loved the acceleration as compared to his TR.

I had a 74 TR6 way back in my college days ... and it was downright sluggish when accelerating, but that car had some issues. I was running with some local Brit club guys a while back in my X, and the TR6 guys pretty much left me in their dust on the Interstate.

I think it comes down to the $$. Nice TR6s are really selling high ... but still that is relative when you consider the lowest end new car can't be had for less than about $17K, and that TR6, kept up, will only increase in value.

And the Fiat will benefit from brand recognition with the new 500s in the market, and I'm sure the oldies will get a bump in value (assuming the new Fiats perform well).

How many of you have had this exchange with a store clerk ...
"Yes, I need a whattawidget for a Fiat X 1/9, please."
"Yes sir, I can help you with that ... who makes that car?"
"Fiat."
"Who?"

Jeff

[baltobernie]

As much as I have waxed poetically here about the wonderful Lampredi & Tjaarda creation, I would suggest that you go with the car that has the most local support. Yes, the Internet is a wonderful thing, but having one or more experts you can drive or dolly to immeasurably enhances the vintage car experience.

[ga.spyder]

Thanks for the heads up on this weekend at Barber.I wish I could run over there,but we have the track all day(8-5) at TGPR.I have to make the 4 hour trip back to NE Ga.afterward.I have an extremely important event on Sun...my fantasy football draft!!

[dmg36054]

Jeff,

I may be able to help you out if you decide upon a Spider. My dad is looking to sell his. I believe it is a 77 model, red, black top and interior. It is really nice. Much nicer than mine! The previous owner kept a little book with dates and mileages of everything that was done for many, many years. If I remember correctly, it has a newer rear end under it, like the FI cars have, and I think it has a high performance head. He likes the car, but wants a new toy.

I can get more details for you, if you wish. He lives in Ozark, AL. Should be about 3 hours or so south of B'ham.

Dennis

[xbjbx]

I would like to hear more about it. Don't know that I can move on a buy right now ... I am about 6 months out from freedom from a truck payment ... BUT we are hurting for another set of wheels since my son is now in the driving mix (and set up his school schedule so it is not conducive to sharing a ride with anyone. So I might be able to persuade the family financial officer (aka "the wife")to do something sooner.

Thanks,

Jeff

[wikkid]

If you are into X1/9's, then you like wedge-shaped cars, and in that case, you should just hunt around for a TR-8.




I know: I'm evil >:-)