4C Spider

[sng45]

I have a few, well 8, interesting cars which I rarely use so just considering a "thinning out" exercise to get down to 3 or 4 cars which I'll actually use, fancy a bit of a change and keen to have something "special". I was initially put off the 4C by the reports which appeared in the motoring press. However after reading the real world experiences of 4C owners on here it's heading to the top of my list although I'm keen to have a convertible as a Sunday afternoon "two cars in one" so I may actually stick to a useable number.

I can't recall reading any reviews of the 4C Spider, have I missed them or haven't any owners reviews appeared in these pages ? Does anyone have one they can offer an opinion on ? In the past I've had a few Ferraris amongst them 360 Spider and 355 GTS ( so both roof off) and five Lotus Elises ( again roof off) and presently, amongst other things, I have a Porsche 981 Boxster ( which I quite enjoy but see as almost a toned down "grown up" Elise and whilst it's great on longer journeys doesn't quite have the buzz/steering feel/feedback of an Elise or a Ferrari ). Until my recent reading on here I was heading firmly in the direction of another Elise or Ferrari but after my reading and users comments I'm starting to consider the 4C as a well priced "mini Ferrari" - am I right ?

I've not driven one and now want to make the effort to thin out my collection and buy one in the near future, ( I've previously had an Alfa Spider and presently have an SZ Zagato so have experience of the brand ) so am I making the right decision ?( rather than - probably- 360 Spider or a new Elise) I'd really appreciate any comments.

Thanks

[ferdi p]

I'd be interested in any owners comments too as ive just bought one & pick up this Sunday!

My test drives made me feel it was far closer to elise than boxster, it almost sits in a class of its own. Will tell you more in a few weeks!

[Stuart J]

The only thing that put me off switching to a Spyder was the roof, its stored in the Boot & as I do a lot of long European trips it would mean leaving it on as the boots usually full of luggage, I couldn't see paying a few K more so Ive stuck with the "roofed" version and absolutely love it. & use the SLK for the sun grabbing trips abroad

As for comparisons I don't think there's a car even if you spread the price up close too 100K that compares for sheer driving joy & beauty. Its in a class of its own. I cant see how they can make it for the money so I'm guessing the 5 year production they intended at the start may be all they do

[4cEvo2]

Get one. Get one as soon as you can so you don't miss out any more than you already have. I've got the coupes but it's the best car I've ever had, by far.
I went to Castle combe yesterday and may have tailed an F430 there and try as he might he simply couldn't shake his little cousin no matter what 😊
And when we got there, people were literally queuing up to talk about the car.

[sng45]

All sounds great ! I've looked at some information and the roof appears to fold ( as with the Elise ) - I used to put my Elise roof behind the seats rather than in the boot, would that work with the Spider ?

I've been looking through the Spiders for sale on auto trader and the price seems to vary dramatically for new and nearly new cars from around £52,000 up to £66,000 - I can't see that there are any model variants - are there extras which should be considered essential ?

[Stuart J]

sng45 said:

All sounds great ! I've looked at some information and the roof appears to fold ( as with the Elise ) - I used to put my Elise roof behind the seats rather than in the boot, would that work with the Spider ?

I've been looking through the Spiders for sale on auto trader and the price seems to vary dramatically for new and nearly new cars from around £52,000 up to £66,000 - I can't see that there are any model variants - are there extras which should be considered essential ?

Cars will vary in price due to spec, colour can vary cost , I think competizone red may be as much as 2k extra, the classic Alfa 5 circle wheels are extra, leather is extra, sports exhaust is extra and I think a bit boomy at motorway speed, I skipped that for that reason and went aftermarket.

You really need to look at each car and also get a list from your local dealer or Alfa re cost of extras.

When I bought mine reversing sensors were extra and to me they are essential as rear vision is poor !! They may be std now. I also added cruise for the continental journeys and glad I did as the speed can creep up to easily. I also find the cup holder useful, ideal for sunglasses, phone etc and that was only £60.