New Roadster owner from Pacific Northwest

[Trav]

So I need some help here... While I'm in the midst of finding that perfect roadster again. I keep looking at Fiat and Alfa Spiders. I grew up with my Grandpa owning Alfas for as long as I can remember, and I have always loved them. So there is that sentimental part about these little Italian cars.

But I'm completely torn because I loved everything about my Datsun. So I basically need you guys to talk me out of a Fiat or an Alfa.

Would it be something I regret... is there any positives over a Datsun?

Im thinking about taking a look at this tomorrow.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fiat-Other-Pina ... ken=cUgayN" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Roman]

Don"t do it. Don't go down that road. Besides the Fiat is heavy and underpowered for the weight. I have known owners of thos and have heard nothing but repair horror stories.

A Roadster is the most reliable of the bunch, especially the 1600. While not as sexy or fast as a 2000, it is a bullet proof motor, matched up to a simple reliable car that is easy to work on, not to mention pretty damn quick around town.
Stay Datsun!

[notoptoy]

I had a 124 Sport Coupe - and I LOVED that car. something so sexy about the aluminum block, dual overhead cam, flow through head design and 2 bbl Weber downdraft carb that was intoxicating. When it ran. Silky 5 speed, four wheel disc brakes, even a leather (feeling anyway) interior and classic Italian dash. Just a beautifully engineered car. BUT, you could hear it rust and there was always something wrong with it. Granted this was 30 years ago. So let's just say I can understand your attraction to the car - but it will not be as reliable as a Roadster, nor as unique and rare. Probably doesn't help you much. Just remember this is a Roadster forum, and you won't get the same kind of love and support anywhere else!

[Thomcraft]

I dunno, that fiat looks like it has a lift kit on it ready to go 4 wheel'n. Profile is weird, just say'n.

[notoptoy]

It does have an odd ride height, the top looks off a bit - but much like a Roadster you never see them with the tops up to know what they SHOULD look like. No engine pics either, never a good sign. And I would definitely want to see underneath and under where it parks, they are known to leak every possible fluid out of every possible seam.

[Datsun.David]

Ironically, given the feminine name, I have always considered the front of the roadster one of the "tougher" looking of it's genre. The Fiat and MG just look too... round? The Roadster lines are more character laden. I had a good friend with a Fiat Spyder in university. Nice car. To park beside. We always took my 260Z. It ran. He later sold it for an MGB. A modest upgrade we decided at the time...

[Trav]

Maybe I will just go look at it after work... I think I'm just being impatient with the search for a new Roadster in my budget. My wife is also telling me she rather have a Roadster, so I guess I should listen to wife this time

My gut feeling is to stick to the Roadsters, so thanks for the bias opinions guys. There's a reason I asked here, and not in some Fiat forum.

[Gregs672000]

Nobody has time to respond on the Fiat forum... all off fixing their cars, again! (oh, just like me... doh!)

[pebbles]

http://bend.craigslist.org/cto/4562523711.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[dynaguy]

Worst car I ever owned was a '76 Fiat X 1/9, purchased new, returned to dealer after 4 months of numerous problems. Pat

[Datsun.David]

The one Pebbles marked looks like a PEACH! Lots of value for the money there... Those polished 240Z hubcaps are probably worth $80 in the Z-car underworld.

[bikermike]

Worst car I ever owned was a '76 Fiat X 1/9, purchased new, returned to dealer after 4 months of numerous problems. Pat

FIAT = Fix It Again Tony

[Trav]

http://bend.craigslist.org/cto/4562523711.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I contacted the seller a few days ago... He said the car will need it's head gasket issue addressed before it could make it the trip back to where I live (3 hour drive). And I'm being kinda picky... not sure if I like the color.

[Trav]

Worst car I ever owned was a '76 Fiat X 1/9, purchased new, returned to dealer after 4 months of numerous problems. Pat

FIAT = Fix It Again Tony

Haha yes I've heard that acronym before, and from what I've been gathering it seems to be true.

[dbrick]

If you go Italian, you don't get to hang out with nice people like us. I like Fiats, but the Datsun is a better car. Most Fiats and Alfas you will find in that price range are going to be mid 70's to early 80's, so smog engines, 5 mph bumpers and worsening quality control vs a 60's models, which weren't stellar.
Wait and watch, a Roadster will come along.