Discussion
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1997-ALFA-ROMEO-SPIDER-T-SPA...
this shape/type
I don't know much about them, aside from the fact they seem cracking value....
what are peoples thoughts?
tia
this shape/type
I don't know much about them, aside from the fact they seem cracking value....
what are peoples thoughts?
tia
Strange you've not had any answers, there's loads of Spider/GTV owners on here. I've had both a 2.0 Spider and now a 3.0 V6. What do you want to know? 
p.s. I love them, great cars...
Might also be worth registering on here http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/
p.s. I love them, great cars... Might also be worth registering on here http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/
Edited by RichB on Thursday 3rd December 23:37
Bit of a gamble that one, either an incredible bargain or the proverbial moneypit. The colour is non standard, I beleive, and so are the wheels, not a problem but will not add to the value, or aesthetics in my opinion. Biggest downside is the lack of service history. At the very least you will need the cambelt, balancer belt, tensioners and while your at it the variator makes good economic sense, as does a new water pump, so budget round £800. Exhaust blowing and other minor faults could well add up again in terms of cost and irritation. Rear suspension is complex on these and the bushes wear quickly so budget for them, use poly if replacing as they will last indefinately and improve the whole set up anyway. I reckon you will get a near perfect example with history and verified low mileage for the cost of what you most likely would spend on that one. Personally I would rather spend £3k ish for prefection and peace of mind. Just my five cents, as the owner of two 916 Spiders over the years.
Agreed - that particular example is a complete gamble.
It's a '97 phase-1 car that's had a lot of cosmetic tweaking to make it look quite like a later phase-2 car. The colour is similar (but not, I think, identical) to one which was a hugely costly option on the p2 Spiders. Similarly, the wheels are similar to one of the GTV/Spider optional "style" wheels but not that close really.
However, this might just point to it being lovingly cared for by an enthusiast on a budget.
But then again the lack of history and MOT coupled with the sorry state of the interior suggest otherwise.
It's a '97 phase-1 car that's had a lot of cosmetic tweaking to make it look quite like a later phase-2 car. The colour is similar (but not, I think, identical) to one which was a hugely costly option on the p2 Spiders. Similarly, the wheels are similar to one of the GTV/Spider optional "style" wheels but not that close really.
However, this might just point to it being lovingly cared for by an enthusiast on a budget.
But then again the lack of history and MOT coupled with the sorry state of the interior suggest otherwise.
SWiMBO owned a 1998 Spider until recently, they are great cars imho.
That colour looks original but is rare as already mentioned...wheels are not and look a bit odd imho.
What is not mentioned in the advert is cambelt changes, if it's not been done at 36k/3yrs you're looking at around £350 on top of the sale price to get the belts done now.
Seat damage is normal, had to have our 45k mile example repaired when we bought it! MOT is also a bit of a worry as it could be indicative of a previous fail on something like the rear subframe, which can be expensive.
Get it checked out...
wrinx
That colour looks original but is rare as already mentioned...wheels are not and look a bit odd imho.
What is not mentioned in the advert is cambelt changes, if it's not been done at 36k/3yrs you're looking at around £350 on top of the sale price to get the belts done now.
Seat damage is normal, had to have our 45k mile example repaired when we bought it! MOT is also a bit of a worry as it could be indicative of a previous fail on something like the rear subframe, which can be expensive.
Get it checked out...
wrinx
Certainly a gamble, worth a visit before you bid as it is now at £720. If it needs rear suspension work and you cannot get the service history you will need to do the cambelt. At £720 is it worth that scrap so gamble away as a nice summer run around ? Wheels and fuel filler cap are non standard but I thought that the Green colour was a P1 version and looks standard to me (had a 96 P1 Spider from 98 to 03) Mileage looks low for 12 years check it has not lost a few along the way 
Thanks guys.
Unfortunately it is too far to view given this stage of the auction...tempted to whack a grand on though...never know
What are your thoughts on this...
high miles BUT it has FSH and looks very straight.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
Unfortunately it is too far to view given this stage of the auction...tempted to whack a grand on though...never know
What are your thoughts on this...
high miles BUT it has FSH and looks very straight.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
That "bile Green" was a standard colour but understandably was very uncommon, may have looked good top down cruising on the Cote d'Azure but on a wet day in England no. The red one appears to be a better bet although the wheels are non standard, not sure what Alfa they are I'm sure someone will know, 147? And not sure what size they are... Other than that it's the same as has been said, cam belts, suspension bushes, oh and check the operation of the motors for the hood, certainly on the two phase 2 Spider I've had the motors on both have had faults at some time. Oh and the wiper motor is another weak part, check the intermittent action works and that the blades park properly, costs about £350 to fix. I found it amusing that they've hidden the number as Sxxx xxx in the advert!
Thanks for all the input! I do like those "teledial" (to use a Porsche term) 'esque wheels.
I have spotted another car to me which i am very interested in, trying to arrange a viewing.
I know it's cheeky but do any of you Spider or indeed GTV owners live near ish to Worcester and mind sparing 10 minutes? i would really appreciate looking at as many cars as possible.
If so then feel free to drop me a PM and i'll give you my number so we can have a chat (I'm not a Walter Mitty type)
I have spotted another car to me which i am very interested in, trying to arrange a viewing.
I know it's cheeky but do any of you Spider or indeed GTV owners live near ish to Worcester and mind sparing 10 minutes? i would really appreciate looking at as many cars as possible.
If so then feel free to drop me a PM and i'll give you my number so we can have a chat
(I'm not a Walter Mitty type)
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