Fiat Barchetta?

[MonkeyDust]

I'm looking to replace my 147 (preferably before I have to sell a lung and both kidneys), and have the urge to go convertible. My first thought was an MX-5, but the rusty horror stories have dampened my enthusiasm. So I then though about the Barchetta, but don't know much about them bar left hand drive and it's a Punto lurking under there.

How are they for rust? Punto mechanicals, does this mean cheap to fix? Anything in particular I should look out for?

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Worried about rust & contemplating a FIAT you say?

There must be a 1,000:1 decent MX5 compared to decent little boats?

[theleader]

I don't know anything about them, but I've always wanted one. I say go for it. Then report back and tell me why it's a bad idea.

[MonkeyDust]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Worried about rust & contemplating a FIAT you say?

There must be a 1,000:1 decent MX5 compared to decent little boats?

My Alfa seems to be doing far better for rust than many MX5s of the same age, in fact the newer the MX5, the worse the tin worm seems to be.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

MonkeyDust said:

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Worried about rust & contemplating a FIAT you say?

There must be a 1,000:1 decent MX5 compared to decent little boats?

My Alfa seems to be doing far better for rust than many MX5s of the same age, in fact the newer the MX5, the worse the tin worm seems to be.

Dokey, I stand corrected. I guess I'm a bit jaded, having worked at a FIAT dealer and unloaded brand new rusty ones off the transporter

mind you, that was about 100 years ago

[Pooh]

I had one for a couple of years and liked it a lot, it has a nice "on its toes" responsiveness about it, it is not massively quick but has a nice smooth, revvy engine that even sounds decent. They are expensive to insure because the hand built bodywork is expensive to fix(they were not built by Fiat) and the camshaft variator can fail which makes the engine rattle but does not cause any damage. Other than that they are cheap to run and reliable.
I test drove a 1.8 MK2 MX5 and I far preferred the barchetta, it was more fun to drive, had a far smoother and nicer engine and had some character unlike the Mazda.
There is a good website(fiatbarchetta.com)that gives lots of info including a buying guide.
I have been seriously considering buying another but the wife does not think that we need three cars

[rijmij99]

Pooh said:

I have been seriously considering buying another but the wife does not think that we need three cars

You can never have too many cars, you can however have too much wife

[Pooh]

rijmij99 said:

Pooh said:

I have been seriously considering buying another but the wife does not think that we need three cars

You can never have too many cars, you can however have too much wife

very true!

[frogspawn]

We have had a series 2 from new, very underestimated car IMHO, the only minus could be the LHD but it doesn't worry us (France is only 30 miles away). No rust problems, one variator (use good oil and change regularly). Discs and rear wheel bearings don't last that long but are cheap.

[skidrisk]

Same as Frogspawn, had ours from new (2001) and had no rust issues. Also had a variator change some years ago and no problems since. Riviera and Milano are the most sought after variants (most highly specced, quilted leather interior). It's a great little car, and in my opinion much more interesting than an MX5.

[MonkeyDust]

Thanks guys, the hunt is on. Unless I give into the temptation for another Alfa of course. I saw a red ph3 GTV on my way home from work friday night and nearly ran into the back of the car in front

[iva cosworth]

Not a great deal of help but i drove mine,topdown which helps to stay awake, about

580 miles yesterday to Germany and back ,so go for it.

Only owned mine since December 1st but it's growing on me now.

[galaxie5000]

Why not Alfa Spider (GTV model from late 90s)

Love mine

[skidrisk]

If it makes you feel any better about leaving Alfa, the Barchetta has the same 1.8, 16-valve engine as the Alfa 147 and 156, just without the twin spark!