One year with the Fiat

[ga.spyder]

I have owned my car for 1 year now,and enjoy it more each day! She has become the reliable,fun car I was shooting for.Open garage ,insert key ,and GO!! Its even won a couple trophies. A quick thanks to the fine people of this and the FLU forum. I ,and probably most newbies' would be lost w/ these cars and their peculiarities without your help.I didnt set out looking for a Spider,but after owning many other makes (MG's,Triumph,Mazda..) ,I fell hard for the Fiat.I find it to be a well engineered car,especially for its era.After purchase ,I read all the archives on these forums which was a huge help to get to know the car.This site was having problems and it was months before I could get on ,but I read the posts every day.I figure I have around $5800 in the car, and feel I could sell the car for more, so I have my wife convinced it is an investment!! My only big setback was a tranny rebuild after it started jumping out of 4th gear. Anyway,thanks again for all your help and feedback and I hope to meet some of you at FFO.
Craig

[So Cal Mark]

nice post! It's always nice to hear success stories

[baltobernie]

Happy Birthday, and many happy years ahead!

[mdrburchette]

Happy anniversary, Craig! If only I had known about the internet and the Fiat owner/helper network when I got mine, it would have made it a bit easier. But, I learned enough through trial and error to last me a life time. Now I'm fortunate to have all my buddies here and other forums. Fiat people are truly great!

[rlux4]

Good going Craig. You know, a while back I was going to post a question about "who's got a car that is running well and is dependable". I'm in the same boat with you, mine is running like a new car, totally dependable (When Ace isn't driving it ) Most of the time we only hear about the problems we're having with these cars, so it's great to hear when it's not problems, but kudos. I think a post like yours is an encouragement to all those still getting their cars up to that point.
Ron

[mbouse]

Craig, we are glad you are here with us. Your car will give you many more years of fun.

I echo Denise's comments. I struggled for years by myself unaware of any Fiat community (with or without the internet). Now that i have found us... i smile everyday. We are a great community.

[pope]

Happy Birthday, Craig
What new present did your buy for your one year old? I hope your wife doesnt become jealous.

Hey, are those 15" rims?

[ga.spyder]

Thanks for all the nice comments.I have a lot of repect for Mike and Denise going it alone with their cars.I would be lost w/o these forums,and might not have bought the car without seeing the support thats available.Ron ,it's a 82 thing..they all run good.Pope ,the wife was jealous from the first day my Italian beauty came home.I even built the garage my wife had been requesting for 2 years! The wheels are 15x7 w/a 23mm offset.No issues w/ rubbing,etc.And for her 1st birthday...I got her exhaust system welded back on!
Craig