Classic alfa spider.

[jonny996]

For reasons the 911 has to go to be replaced by a "family car", it does what it says on the tin sort of thing.

The plan was to get a weekend play toy, not to bothered about speed more of a relaxing cruise down the coast sort of car. I have had a couple of MX-5's in the past and cannot fault them, just laking that something, if you know what I mean.

Been looking around and started to notice the pre 1992 siders are looking nice. So are they hell to live with? will it start if it has lay idle for a week? will it cost a fortune to upkeep?, budget is about £4k - £5k max

[maddad]

I cannot comment on the Alfa but if you are looking for a reasonably priced 2 seater for the weekend on a budget take a Fiat Barchetta for a spin.

I decided to get a 2 seater for the summer on a budget of 2.5 – 3k. I tried the MX-5, MGF, Alfa Spider (classic and current shape)…………..MX-5 was great drive but overall package was uninspiring – plus 3k bought a 12-15 y/o high miler, MGF – erm, ‘nuff said there I think, both Alfa’s were a great drive but after doing my homework they seem to have a number of issues and for my budget most were ‘well worn’.

I finally decided on a Barchetta…………….I spent 2.9k on a 1999 with 58k miles, full MOT, fsh, new hood, leather interior and excellent overall condition.

In my opinion it is a great drive, nimble handling, classic Italian lines, rare-ish sight on the roads in the UK. Take one for a spin, even if you decide not to buy I defy you not to enjoy the test drive!!

[jonny996]

I do like them ,BUT are they all not LHD, sorry can't see the misses likeing being stuck out there to close to oncoming traffic.

[wadgebeast]

Lots of rhd spiders available.

Nearly bought one myself; they're definitely an old car now, but very pretty and the more recent ones don't seem to rust quite as quickly as the 70s ones.

[jonspiderman]

I've got a 1976 S2 Spider, and it's a great car. Normally keep it tucked away in the winter but normally starts first time even after a long spell. Engine sounds fantastic with the twin Webers on it and it handles very well. Cost me about £800 to run over the last year and a half including getting through the MOT. Most of the S2's have been restored now so look around the 5k - 6.5k mark for a good one.

I found mine on www.alfaholics.com

[jimjamspider]

I have a 92 Spider, last of the classic shape. Used it every day for 3 years as my main car, no major problems. I now have it garaged 6 months of the year and always starts first time.
It is a great car, very rewarding and inexpensive to run. Get a good one and it shouldn't depreciate. Parts availabilty is good and reasonable. Check the usual suspects for ones to buy:
www.alfaholics.com
www.classicalfa.com
www.aroc-uk.com for classifieds and buyers guides

You won't regret it!!

[jonspiderman]

jimjamspider said:

I have a 92 Spider, last of the classic shape. Used it every day for 3 years as my main car, no major problems. I now have it garaged 6 months of the year and always starts first time.
It is a great car, very rewarding and inexpensive to run. Get a good one and it shouldn't depreciate. Parts availabilty is good and reasonable. Check the usual suspects for ones to buy:
www.alfaholics.com
www.classicalfa.com
www.aroc-uk.com for classifieds and buyers guides

You won't regret it!!

Hi Jamie,

Did you go to Auto Italia Brooklands? I saw a couple of Black S4's (one by the helipad by the food stand and one on the banking but wasn't sure which one was yours).

[jimjamspider]

Yes, I was there by the helipad behind the burger van and the 911. Where you next to a silver S2 on the banking? I'll post up some pics when I can.

[alfa145uk]

I'm currently looking for an S4 spider myself, what do we think will happen to the value of the S4's in the future?

[JimJamSpider]

I can't see them going down. You can pick up a good S4 for £4k+ and a S3 for £2.5k+ The S4 will always command more than the S3. I can't see S3 going below that as they are in the same market as Fiat Spiders and MG's. Ok, you can get an MG for sub 2K but there is a lot more of them around.

I think if you buy a good S4 for around £5k it should hold that price easily. Dealers always ask £6K+ and seem to get it.

[rustybin]

Love the Alfa spider, don't get me wrong but just to consider alternatives. How's about



http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C17157



Pretty thing, good parts availability, and a slightly more modern drive than the alfa from what I have read. The yank engines can be de-strangled to provide a little more urge as well.



(No affiliation with the car incidentally, just thought I'd see what was about for that sort of money.)