Abarth 124 Spider
Discussion
Paul, I had one of the earliest ones in the UK in 2016 and kept it a couple of years (was a 'numbered plaque' edition).
As others have said, mine was also a 2nd car, but I didn't have any issues.
I loved it and it was great fun at lower speeds.
Best thing I did was have it remapped to 200 bhp, so making it the car it should always have been. Some have also lowered theirs.
As they've aged, there are a few things to look out for - as mentioned, the exhaust valve does stick (some have been replaced under warranty), apparently the seat bolsters can wear and collapse and there have been one or two paint/wrap issues with the black bonnets. I heard the earlier ones were painted (mine certainly was).
On some of the earlier ones, there have also been slight issues with the hood frame rubbing against the roll hoops.
Nothing major, though.
If you're on Facebook, then check out the 'Abarth 124 Owners Club' page - there's loads of owners / info on there, otherwise there are a couple of threads on here about them.
As others have said, mine was also a 2nd car, but I didn't have any issues.
I loved it and it was great fun at lower speeds.
Best thing I did was have it remapped to 200 bhp, so making it the car it should always have been. Some have also lowered theirs.
As they've aged, there are a few things to look out for - as mentioned, the exhaust valve does stick (some have been replaced under warranty), apparently the seat bolsters can wear and collapse and there have been one or two paint/wrap issues with the black bonnets. I heard the earlier ones were painted (mine certainly was).
On some of the earlier ones, there have also been slight issues with the hood frame rubbing against the roll hoops.
Nothing major, though.
If you're on Facebook, then check out the 'Abarth 124 Owners Club' page - there's loads of owners / info on there, otherwise there are a couple of threads on here about them.
See this thread https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Fitzroy Motor did a fun writeup of them - Fitzroy Motor article.
Definitely daily driveable, there's really no difference in practicality with a regular 124 and you get the upside of all that naughty exhaust.
Definitely daily driveable, there's really no difference in practicality with a regular 124 and you get the upside of all that naughty exhaust.
I had one a couple of years back and loved it. Was used as a daily driver through the summer and never had a problem.
I'd go so far as to say it was one of the most enjoyable cars I've owned - fits my idea of a "proper" sports car - compact,light and relatively simple.
A little more power would have been nice but that can be sorted if it bothers you.
I'd go so far as to say it was one of the most enjoyable cars I've owned - fits my idea of a "proper" sports car - compact,light and relatively simple.
A little more power would have been nice but that can be sorted if it bothers you.
As has been said above, a great car. We've had one since 2017 and done 62,000kms (40,000 miles) using it as a daily as well as for "classic car" tours and the occasional blast round a race track. As I said in the earlier posts in the thread linked to, it's relatively quiet, has decent luggage space for touring, it's comfortable and it goes well enough to be interesting and enjoyable on the road. They are very rare here (South Island NZ) and we have yet to see another one on the road 
It attracts attention because people like the look of it but don't know what it is - it's been "accused" of being a Jaguar, a Ferrari, a Lamborghini and (more reasonably) an MX5. It's been totally reliable (excluding a niggling and erratic SatNav issue) and averages nearly 50mpg. We love it!
It attracts attention because people like the look of it but don't know what it is - it's been "accused" of being a Jaguar, a Ferrari, a Lamborghini and (more reasonably) an MX5. It's been totally reliable (excluding a niggling and erratic SatNav issue) and averages nearly 50mpg. We love it!5STM5 said:
Trevor555 said:
This thread could do with some pics
Would love to see more pics.I think I’ve been sold on buying one. Thanks for the replies.
This is mine - Nearly 50,000 miles under the wheels and up for its first MOT, and the only things I have had to replace are tyres - This thing has been so dependable its untrue, no failures, no warning lights - Not even a recall so far.
I drive it 30 miles each way to work all year round, find any excuse to go out in it and far too often take the scenic (ie: most circuitous) route home because it is such a little gem to hurl around country roads
I got rid of an MR2 Roadster that I thought I couldn't find a replacement for and bought this at 8 months old as a dealer demonstrator with 600 miles on the clock, for under 2/3 of the new list price. Over 2 years later similar cars are on Auto-Trader for the same as I paid for it back then... Theoretically I could sell it tomorrow and have only paid for petrol, insurance and servicing!
But what would I get that is so much fun, and so cheap and reliable?
TL:DR - Love mine - Its fab!
Must be one of the cars with highest mileage in UK :-)
I'm now doing 38 miles one way, unfortunately mostly on M25, no country roads at all. I decided to buy all season tyres and use the permanently. Normaly I would buy winter tyres and swap, but was advised that all seasons could be better for UK climate.
I'm now doing 38 miles one way, unfortunately mostly on M25, no country roads at all. I decided to buy all season tyres and use the permanently. Normaly I would buy winter tyres and swap, but was advised that all seasons could be better for UK climate.
5STM5 said:
Quite like these cars, and thinking of looking to purchase one. If anyone has one, are they a good daily driver?
Well, there's one just come onto the market.......https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1282978
And I think you'll find it comes with winter tyres, too.
PenelopaPitstop said:
Must be one of the cars with highest mileage in UK :-)
I'm now doing 38 miles one way, unfortunately mostly on M25, no country roads at all. I decided to buy all season tyres and use the permanently. Normaly I would buy winter tyres and swap, but was advised that all seasons could be better for UK climate.
I've got a Fiat 124 Spider on 62,000 miles now. It's been good as gold, run daily all year round (obviously given the mileage!).I'm now doing 38 miles one way, unfortunately mostly on M25, no country roads at all. I decided to buy all season tyres and use the permanently. Normaly I would buy winter tyres and swap, but was advised that all seasons could be better for UK climate.
Can I ask what the differences are in specs of these cars and what were the optional extras from new.
I have seen, multi air , GT I believe one model came with a hard top. Don’t think I have ever seen one for sale with a hard top.
Many thanks I am seriously considering purchasing one in the near future.
I have seen, multi air , GT I believe one model came with a hard top. Don’t think I have ever seen one for sale with a hard top.
Many thanks I am seriously considering purchasing one in the near future.
JohnG123 said:
Can I ask what the differences are in specs of these cars and what were the optional extras from new.
I have seen, multi air , GT I believe one model came with a hard top. Don’t think I have ever seen one for sale with a hard top.
Many thanks I am seriously considering purchasing one in the near future.
The GT's are quite rare.I have seen, multi air , GT I believe one model came with a hard top. Don’t think I have ever seen one for sale with a hard top.
Many thanks I am seriously considering purchasing one in the near future.
They came with a hardtop, and some nice upgraded wheels which are lighter than the standard cars wheels.
The standard cars came in Heritage, or non Heritage spec.
The Heritage cars are the ones with the black sections on the bonnet, and boot.
Then there's the visibility pack.
The visibility pack, from memory, is upgraded headlights, rear parking sensors.
Then there's the Bose, you can tell the Bose it there'll be little silver Bose badges on the seats/headrests.
The Scorpion cars are less spec, and should be a little cheaper, they don't have the red brake calipers.
That's all from my memory so if I've not got it quite right someone please speak up to correct me.
The earlier Abarths also had a nice limited edition plaque between the seats. A nice touch if you like that sort of thing.
Now if you're looking at a later car check underneath for corrosion. I heard a little rumor that all of the UK cars were built in 2016 and the later cars sat around somewhere, possibly by the sea having had a look under a couple.
I've seen a few people with brand new cars that have been extensively waxoiled underneath by the dealer.
Edited by Trevor555 on Saturday 16th January 19:06
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