Thinking of buying Abarth 124 spider

[karl c]

I’ve been looking at buying an abarth 124 spider, prefer red, age not important as they didn’t make them for long and lowish mileage would be nice.
Anyone know of anyone thinking of selling, prefer to buy privately from the owner, have looked at some at dealers and they are over priced and not great condition. (Ex lease vehicles)
All 3 had scratches on the paintwork, scuffed leather seats( quality of leather known problem) and one had mould in the boot!
Advice on any known problems also welcome 👍

[karl c]

Thanks for the link, dealers seem to be getting a lot of ex lease cars in most of which seem to be auto boxes, I’d prefer a manual but not ruled the auto box out completely( sorry I didn’t say that)
If it’s at a dealers I’ve seen it advertised though as I’m looking quite regularly, I’ll know if it’s the right car when I get that gut feeling that it’s the one.

[karl c]

Lots of great info there, I also get the exhaust valve sticking on my TTRS annoying minor problem.
Will be sure to use your post as a check list on viewing, I think their great looking little cars and that’s coming from an S2 Exige.

[karl c]

It’s great to get lots people’s points of view on prices and going forward I think it’s a hard one to call, the second hand car market prices are inflated at the moment and some dealers in particular seem to be pricing as though they are selling gold plated cars.
I’m thinking eventually the rarity of the 124 spider and particularly the abarth will make them collectible, especially low mileage well kept examples.
At the moment though only a few are selling as I’m seeing the same cars for sale month on month but it’s a slow time for selling convertible’s traditionally.
Still mustn’t grumble, the search goes on for the right car at a sensible price!

[karl c]

Thanks I’ll take a peak at that 👍

[karl c]

Thanks costabrava1972, just read the post from front to back.
I definitely feel armed with all the knowledge I need to view now and agree that underbody treatment would be a must for a long term car.

[karl c]

https://www.veloces.co.uk/used-abarth-124-new-barn...
Deposit now down on his car subject to inspection, 1 owner 8k miles, full service history, description from sales guy is that it’s in really good condition so hopeful.
Not able to get there until next Wednesday earliest so plenty of time for them to pamper the car, will be putting all the great advice to good use on the inspection.
Thanks all.

[karl c]

Thanks will do and good to hear feedback about the dealer.
Having spoken to the sales guy Paul on the phone he does seem knowledgeable about the cars and straight talking which gave me confidence in the dealer.

[karl c]

Great colour, suits the car.
I’m a bit biased to red as I have a red TTRS as well.

[karl c]

Picked up the Abarth 124 spider today from Veloces, was very impressed with the condition of the car as this was the first time I had seen it in the flesh.

only niggles were the roof does touch the very bottom of the roll hoops when down so has rubbed the roof slightly and the sat nav had a moment after we stopped at the services on the way home, seems to be working fine now though!

The service from Veloces was very efficient and found them knowledgeable of the cars.

Enjoyable drive back and looking forward to sunny days with the roof down.

[karl c]

Thanks and yes will update, hopefully the infotainment will be ok but not the end of the world, very aware of getting out to pull the roof back and it’s actually marked the roll hoops more than the roof.
Next job is getting in booked in for some waxoil.

[karl c]

Yes I’ve noticed the same with the nice low mileage cars, higher mileage ones seem to hang around and the same for over priced low mileage ones.

It’s the same with everything I suppose, the right car/house etc at the right price will sell quickly, I missed a few cars by dithering around and giving it too much thought but think I probably got the best one available in the end so all is well.

I was in touch with the dealer about another car and he happened to mention that my car had just come into stock that day, right place right time!

[karl c]

Yes I’ve noticed the same with the nice low mileage cars, higher mileage ones seem to hang around and the same for over priced low mileage ones.

It’s the same with everything I suppose, the right car/house etc at the right price will sell quickly, I missed a few cars by dithering around and giving it too much thought but think I probably got the best one available in the end so all is well.

I was in touch with the dealer about another car and he happened to mention that my car had just come into stock that day, right place right time!

[karl c]

I’ve looked into the cost of waxoil as this is something I’m intending doing to mine, you can get it done for around £350 although the mx5 restorer who are based Down near Eastbourne charge £540 and take 3 days to do a really comprehensive job.
I would only keep any nice car garaged, I have a mate that’s put doors and a back on his car port and practically turned it into a garage for his vw camper, food for thought.

[karl c]

TISPKJ said:

Yes thanks, I saw that on the other thread

As said this mechanism annoyingly seizes up, I’ve removed the spring and left the lever it fixes to in the loud position, works for me as I don’t drive this car as an everyday and love the sound.