Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Buddy Shagmore on October 29, 2020, 08:44:47 AM
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Anyone else here own one? I love mine! It's a very fun car, no question. 1.4T, rear wheel drive, 6 spd manual, 32mpg, the top folds down with 1 hand in a few seconds. I was thinking of buying a muscle car before I decided on the Spider, but am happy with my decision. The style...Italians always are the best in that dept.
I was going to post some pics of mine...can't seem to get it done here...
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Anyone else here own one? I love mine! It's a very fun car, no question. 1.4T, rear wheel drive, 6 spd manual, 32mpg, the top folds down with 1 hand in a few seconds. I was thinking of buying a muscle car before I decided on the Spider, but am happy with my decision. The style...Italians always are the best in that dept.
I was going to post some pics of mine...can't seem to get it done here...
Never owned one...always admired them! Like "The Italian Miata!" I assume you have a modern one...but here's a few vintage beauties from BaT... :thumb: :cool: :smiley:
(https://i.ibb.co/6w9TCNN/Screen-Shot-2020-10-29-at-7-17-29-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/6w9TCNN)
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My stepdad had a 1983 2000 when I was in high school. Used to 'borrow' it all the time. Navy blue with the wider alloy wheels 185/60s and the twin tube bumpers. Great little car for the twisty backroads. Very direct steering and handling. I think he put about 80k on it from new. Only problem I ever recall was a leaky heater core/hose that was fixed. Otherwise was reliable and fun. Top was easy to get up and down and reasonably well sealed. Great little 2 cam motor!
Just ran into an Italian car club outing on the Snake in Little Switzerland, NC that sounded way better than ours did with a freer flowing exhaust. Digging for the pic....
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Never owned a Fiat spider. Had an Alfa one though.
Presently the barn is littered with an 850 sport coupe, an X1/9, and a newer version Abarth. I like them all for different reasons.
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I had one for a few years, no problems at all but a friend had just freshened up the body, top & seats. He wanted my SP1 I wanted his car. Traded it back to him for his wife's V50III. Mine was Red w/black int. 1800 motor blew a head gasket from me racing a Camero through the twisties & straits.
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I had one back in the day.. fun car for sure.
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Mine is a '19. I have the Lusso in ceramica grey metallic. Tan leather seats. No issues. It is an additional fun vehicle in my stable.
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Buddy, you peaked my interest. When they came out with this car a couple of years ago, I didn't think you could get a manual transmission. I checked the website and they offer the base model with a stick shift for $21.9k. That's a heck of bargain for any new convertible sportscar. I think the sister Miata is more than $26k starting off.
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A couple of nice ones for auction right now on BaT...I really like the red Azzurra!! :thumb: :cool: :wink: :smiley:
(https://i.ibb.co/4YVRBYp/Screen-Shot-2020-10-29-at-9-26-45-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/4YVRBYp)
(https://i.ibb.co/nD9KL2w/Screen-Shot-2020-10-29-at-9-26-35-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/nD9KL2w)
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I bought one years ago, ran great, 1800 as I recall. It was a bit rusty, and it was a blast. I did not like that clutch cable crap, you had to carry a spare. I think you could put a brick on the gas pedal and come back in an hour to find it humming away.
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I have 2 contemporary Fiats, the small 500 and the larger 500X. Both have been very good cars. The little 500 has the 1.4 non-turbo and 5 speed. It is very light and even with just 101 hp, it is a hoot to drive. Unfortunately, the auto versions are dogs.
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Had they offered the contemporary roadster with a tan roof over the dk brown I would have caved* (in bright lighting it looked to be brown w/gold dust. I painted the V7 IIIR that color). *But then, again, I have a big dog. 5 yrs. later I'm wondering; Would I need help getting out?
I believe frame, drive line and other bits are sourced from or assembled at Mazda. R3~
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Buddy, you peaked my interest. When they came out with this car a couple of years ago, I didn't think you could get a manual transmission. I checked the website and they offer the base model with a stick shift for $21.9k. That's a heck of bargain for any new convertible sportscar. I think the sister Miata is more than $26k starting off.
Whoa! I don't see that on the Fiat USA site. Do you have a link I can follow?
Moto
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We had many Fiats (850/124/128/131/X19) over the years. Our 1978 124 Spider was a wonderful car. 100% reliable, fun and so easy to own. We also had the Yugoslavian (Yugo) version when they were available in the US. The Yugo went 80K trouble free miles. Well, before we made the first payment, someone broke in and stole the Yugo branded radio. Amazingly sad but true. I was even able to bu a nos 1987 X1/9 in 1990. That was also a fabulous car.
I've even thought about looking for another 124 Spider. They even made a few with GM automatic transmissions. Though we've been spoiled by modern air conditioning, heating, power windows/seats/steering etc., cruise control etc etc etc. It would be fun to own one again but I wouldn't want one as a daily driver.
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In my year long examination and evaluation of my next/last sports/sporting car, I was on a convertible kick for a while, and looked long and hard at the 124. Is a very nice little roadster. Fiat did a great job improving the Miata platform, longe body, classic looks, blast of a little turbo motor, and much more refined. GREAT value as well.
In the end, I decided I wanted to stay in a 4 seater. After 20 years in a 1997 E36-M3 which I loved, I decided I couldn't go with 2 seats and that small.
The last 20 years
(https://i.ibb.co/9rfL3MK/DSCN0689.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9rfL3MK)
(https://i.ibb.co/WPs3p78/20140413-195839128-i-OS.jpg) (https://ibb.co/WPs3p78)
Ended up with this for (hopefully) the next 20 years.
(https://i.ibb.co/2KXyPJC/IMG-20200714-181614694.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2KXyPJC)
(https://i.ibb.co/hFx63rp/IMG-20200801-110710350-HDR.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hFx63rp)
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I just sold my 2002 Miata, and was considering the Fiata as a replacement. My local Fiat dealer has a few in stock, at very good pricing, but they told me that Fiat is no longer making the 124 Spider.
Anyone else here own one? I love mine! It's a very fun car, no question. 1.4T, rear wheel drive, 6 spd manual, 32mpg, the top folds down with 1 hand in a few seconds. I was thinking of buying a muscle car before I decided on the Spider, but am happy with my decision. The style...Italians always are the best in that dept.
I was going to post some pics of mine...can't seem to get it done here...
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Not me, but always thought they were a classy little Italian car.
My first car was a Fiat 850, a 1971 that I bought in 1973, and sold about a year later. A year after that I was attending college when I saw a girl struggling with getting the trunk (on the front of the car) open on her 850. I walked over and told here there's a trick to it. I vaguely recall I reached inside the glove compartment to fiddle with the cable release, and the trunk immediately popped open. She said 'wow, you must know everything about cars!'. Nope, I admitted, but this is my old car!
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Whoa! I don't see that on the Fiat USA site. Do you have a link I can follow?
Moto
https://www.fiatusa.com/spider.html
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Whoa! I don't see that on the Fiat USA site. Do you have a link I can follow?
Moto
https://www.fiatusa.com/bmo.fiat_124_spider.2020.html#/build/summary/73003/CUX202007BAFH27A/2DD/APA,PKM,X9,EAM,DAG,TNZ,WDB,AJ,RAD,21D
$21,885 (that is after $5k rebates)
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In my year long examination and evaluation of my next/last sports/sporting car, I was on a convertible kick for a while, and looked long and hard at the 124. Is a very nice little roadster. Fiat did a great job improving the Miata platform, longe body, classic looks, blast of a little turbo motor, and much more refined. GREAT value as well.
In the end, I decided I wanted to stay in a 4 seater. After 20 years in a 1997 E36-M3 which I loved, I decided I couldn't go with 2 seats and that small.
Ended up with this for (hopefully) the next 20 years.
(https://i.ibb.co/2KXyPJC/IMG-20200714-181614694.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2KXyPJC)
(https://i.ibb.co/hFx63rp/IMG-20200801-110710350-HDR.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hFx63rp)
Quite a beauty. What model? The naked grill looks like a Bullitt.
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Quite a beauty. What model? The naked grill looks like a Bullitt.
Yes, is a Black Bullitt. I could care less about the 'movie connection' The car had the clean lines, style, performance and creature comforts I was looking for. Very impressed with it. My first Ford, and all my car buddies had a heart attack that I am in a Mustang....... I still can't believe it myself, but it checked all the blocks. I really wanted an M4 or M2, or 911, but were way above my budget unless I bought used, and would have been more expensive to maintain. The Camaro was just hideous, and as much as I liked the Challenger, was just too big. Liking it more and more each time I drive.
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Yes, is a Black Bullitt. I could care less about the 'movie connection' The car had the clean lines, style, performance and creature comforts I was looking for. Very impressed with it. My first Ford, and all my car buddies had a heart attack that I am in a Mustang....... I still can't believe it myself, but it checked all the blocks. I really wanted an M4 or M2, or 911, but were way above my budget unless I bought used, and would have been more expensive to maintain. The Camaro was just hideous, and as much as I liked the Challenger, was just too big. Liking it more and more each time I drive.
congrats! Yeah, I saw the Bullitt when it was introduced and for sure, it's the best looking Mustang on the road. It's also got some of the Shelby performance upgrades that the GT doesn't have. The Camaro was grown on me so far as styling but perhaps not as good looking as the Bullitt. I'll say the Camaro is one of the best driving cars ever, fantastic feel, steering and handling, the interior is another story; I think the driving experience shames many European cars.
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Bulldog, your Bullitt is badazz. It was high on my list, actually at the top, but I ultimately went for something less expensive, and got the 124. The Bullitt is the coolest Stang ever. Congrats!
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congrats! Yeah, I saw the Bullitt when it was introduced and for sure, it's the best looking Mustang on the road. It's also got some of the Shelby performance upgrades that the GT doesn't have. The Camaro was grown on me so far as styling but perhaps not as good looking as the Bullitt. I'll say the Camaro is one of the best driving cars ever, fantastic feel, steering and handling, the interior is another story; I think the driving experience shames many European cars.
No doubt, the Camaro in the SS or higher trims are definitely some of the best drivers cars out there, but the styling in and out is terrible IMO, and I don't think I could ever buy a car from the company that killed Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn, and Saab, all brands I loved. GM should have kept Pontiac or Oldsmobile and killed Buick. Olds could have easily filled the Luxury Sport Euro-Competitor they tried to make Buick, but I can't see anyone over 50 buying one.
Bulldog, your Bullitt is badazz. It was high on my list, actually at the top, but I ultimately went for something less expensive, and got the 124. The Bullitt is the coolest Stang ever. Congrats!
Thanks, I'm really liking it, but was really tempted with the Fiat, there was a Rosso Red Abarth I test drove 3X near me that I really liked, but ultimately wanted a car that fit my habits. I had been looking and driving and saving and comparing for over a year, and was frustrated at not finding that 'goldilocks' that my M3 was. As a last ditch effort, and after urging by a buddy, I went to the Build a car online thing, and tried to build a Mustang. I had driven a GT and GT350, but the GT was too common, and the 350 too hot. Too much bling, scoops, stripes, etc.
I saw the Bullitt as an option, clicked it, liked it immediately, was impressed with the content and performance, realized I may have found Goldilocks, found a dealer with two the next day (they had just gotten them in that day) went on a test drive, spent over an hour poking and prodded, and bought the Black one the next day after some haggling.
Took it on a road trip to NC for my dads 80th birthday, and averaged 27MPG at 70-75MPH which was a pleasant surprise.
I do look longingly at the 124 though, maybe I can talk my wife into it when she needs a new car, but she wants an electric...... :thewife:
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It was a bit rusty, and it was a blast.
Yeah.. rust was their major down side.
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I had an early MGB. with the twin SUs. One of my friends had an early Fiat 124. We both lived in Southern Cal, back in the mid-70s, when traffic was light, and the Angeles Crest Highway was often entirely empty.
You can imagine how that played out :laugh:
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Yeah.. rust was their major down side.
I used to live in New England where they were considered, "water soluble."
Rich A
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https://www.fiatusa.com/bmo.fiat_124_spider.2020.html#/build/summary/73003/CUX202007BAFH27A/2DD/APA,PKM,X9,EAM,DAG,TNZ,WDB,AJ,RAD,21D
$21,885 (that is after $5k rebates)
Thanks.
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We have one ( the wifes car ) 1977 1800 Spider. Fun little car. 5 speed. I put an earlier exhaust manifold, performance exhaust and a Empi 32/36 carb.
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No doubt, the Camaro in the SS or higher trims are definitely some of the best drivers cars out there, but the styling in and out is terrible IMO, and I don't think I could ever buy a car from the company that killed Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn, and Saab, all brands I loved. GM should have kept Pontiac or Oldsmobile and killed Buick. Olds could have easily filled the Luxury Sport Euro-Competitor they tried to make Buick, but I can't see anyone over 50 buying one.
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I don't care about what the history of GM is. All I can tell ya I've driven the Mustang and the Camaro and the Camaro is fantastic. Perhaps the best car with more than two seats vs any car I've ever driven. I didn't like the 5.0 clunky 6 speed, nor the ticky tack on the fenders and hood and it just doesn't have all the "feel". The Camaro styling has grown on me and the interior is pedestrian, but from the steering wheel, pedals, handling and feel, torque and power standpoint, it's the winner. Fantastic car despite the styling short comings. That Bullitt is a pretty ride, I really like it but it is $50k+, perhaps the upgrades make as good as a Camaro? My ride is a used '08 'vette. I'll bet the 1LE would make me have a second thought but <Guzzi content> I'll keep my money. Good enough is still good enough.
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Thanks.
Pretty tempting even though I'm not looking for a car. I drove one, get the stick shift.
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We have one ( the wifes car ) 1977 1800 Spider. Fun little car. 5 speed. I put an earlier exhaust manifold, performance exhaust and a Empi 32/36 carb.
Before my sister-in-law was married, she had one of these:
(https://i.ibb.co/m5r5xnH/Fiat-124.jpg) (https://ibb.co/m5r5xnH)
1975 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe.
She wasn't a mechanic, but it ran to well over 100,000 miles with nothing but oil changes, shocks, and tires, and was running well when it was traded for a family car years later.
I drove it once, and it was a sporty thing for sure. I liked the "Benzina" on the fuel gauge, and "Press. Olio" on the oil pressure gauge ... !
Lannis
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I had a 1974 Triumph Spitfire my senior year of high school.
Didn't own another 2 seater until the 2006 Pontiac Solstice.
When going through my back infection recovery and thinking riding might be over I test rode all kinds of sporty cars. 4 seaters just didn't do much for me so two seaters quickly bubbled to the top.
I found many of the two seaters were too capable and would only be fun driving at very illegal speeds or taking to the track.
The two that quickly went to the top of the list for engaging riding experience was the Miata and the 370Z roadster. I did test drive the Fiat but prefer the feel of NA engines over turbos. The 123 spider is a good looking vehicle and the Recaro package is nice.
In the end I stuck with motorcycles, but if I had to give them up I could see owning a Miata RF.
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I've been driving a 124 Spider since beginning of May. It is my only car, and it is perfect for my needs.
It's a 2017 Lusso, with a manual. The only change I've done is putting on the Record Monza exhaust and non-resonator midpipe. Got both used for a sweet deal.
There's just no substitute for a lightweight, rear/right wheel drive car with a turbo.
If you want one, and see one for sale buy it coz they aren't making any more.
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I don't care about what the history of GM is. All I can tell ya I've driven the Mustang and the Camaro and the Camaro is fantastic. Perhaps the best car with more than two seats vs any car I've ever driven. I didn't like the 5.0 clunky 6 speed, nor the ticky tack on the fenders and hood and it just doesn't have all the "feel". The Camaro styling has grown on me and the interior is pedestrian, but from the steering wheel, pedals, handling and feel, torque and power standpoint, it's the winner. Fantastic car despite the styling short comings. That Bullitt is a pretty ride, I really like it but it is $50k+, perhaps the upgrades make as good as a Camaro? My ride is a used '08 'vette. I'll bet the 1LE would make me have a second thought but <Guzzi content> I'll keep my money. Good enough is still good enough.
It is mostly subjective. I drove them both, most trim levels, and the best of the bunch was the ZL1, and GT350, but in the end preferred the Bullitt for value, ride/handling, power, as well as visibility, comfort, fit/finish and overall look. The Bullitt is the only Mustang I would consider, unless the GT350 was available sans the stripes and wings, which is almost impossible to find. I drove the Camaro SS in Coupe and Convert, and preferred the Ford in every way. I did really like the ZL1, but that like the GT350 is in the 60K+ range.
Have you driven the most recently updated cars? (2018+) Significant improvements, particularly in the Camaro in the handling department, and the Mustang Getrag transmission.
Trim levels and packages dramatically change these cars. Camaro has the base LS, then LT SS with 1, 2, 3 trim levels, and top dog ZL1. Mustang has similar with Ecoboost as Base, and Premium packages for Eco Boost and GT, with their performance packs in two levels and the GT 350/350R and top dog GT 500 Shelby. Bottom line, you can't just say randomly which is 'better' Camaro or Mustang. As a track car, the Camaro is likely better all around, but as a Grand Touring Road Car, the Bullitt hit all the marks for me. The GT500 Shelby Mustang tops them all and is in C7/C8 levels of performance. It is so great we have so many choices, including the Challengers. I do have to say my favorite 'drive' of ALL the cars was the Toyota Supra, just amazing, but it had terrible dash/gauges, and you can't drive faster than 20mph with the windows down, terrible buffeting. It was also a 2 seater. These guys are some of my favorite youtube car guys. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifaWMxS1O10
The Bullitt, is a limited and numbered edition, they made 8000 worldwide for 2019, and 3500 for 2020, with less than 800 in Shadow Black. It is slotted between the GT and GT350 having the features of the Mustang GT Premium package, unique leather and stitching, auto everything, and digital dash, adds the Performance Pack 1 suspension tuning, braces, and such. The Bullitt also has the active exhaust, brakes, intake manifold, throttle body and CAI from the GT350 with a unique tune for 480 HP and 7500 rev limit. The torque peaks at 4K and drops, but the HP builds straight to redline. It just pulls straight to redline rather than peaking and dropping off. Is a very different feel.
(https://i.ibb.co/5TZYzyt/Bullitt-HP-Torque.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5TZYzyt)
Fully loaded with the Magnaride suspension and Recaro seats (only other options), the Bullitt can push over 54K MSRP, but I never pay MSRP. I wanted the stock heated/cooled seats and the standard suspension, so my car's MSRP was 52K, I negotiated down to $44K plus tax & tags.
But getting back to the OP's topic, the 124 is also very different in it's trim packages and transmission. I drove their Lusso with the manual and automatic, and did not like the automatic. The manual was just plain fun and light, like a V7. The Abarth trim package is their best performing with upgrades to tires, suspension, brakes, power, and exhaust. While the other trim levels were nice and fun, the Abarth is a hoot. Much more character than its Miata cousin.
Apologies for the book, have tons of time on my hands convalescing from knee replacement.