Spider Hunting - Alfa Romeos and the fools who want one - Car Forums

"Do your research a restored rust free 65 Sprint GT sells for 30 to 40K"

Perhaps on Mars but here on earth I don't think so. This car is a long way from done is the problem.

Besides, many people might prefer the GTV 1750/2000, which came a few years later.

Nice car and all, but it's a long way home.

Probably it will follow the formula: total investment / 2 = selling price. Buy it for $10000 as is, put another $30K in it to finish it, sell for $20K--$22K. Again, this is 2009, not 2006.

#8 of 55 compromise? by explorerx4

Sep 03, 2009 (6:22 pm)

fiat spider

Replies to this message:

Mr_Shiftright (Sep 03, 2009 9:26 pm)

#9 of 55 Re: compromise? [explorerx4] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Sep 03, 2009 (9:26 pm)

Replying to: explorerx4 (Sep 03, 2009 6:22 pm)

There you go. The Fiat 124 is not built with the quality of materials as the Alfa, but it's still a fun car to drive. $2500 sounds right as long as the "TLC" doesn't stand for "transmission, lighting and clutch".

#10 of 55 Compromises.... by lokki

Sep 10, 2009 (8:56 am)

A Fiat? Hmmmmm... I'm a reasonable man, and I'm open to compromises... I'd been pondering a small loan on an S2000, or (less desirable because I'm not a fan of the looks - a Z3). But pretty as the Fiat Spiders are, a former Alfisti feels like he's stepping downwards (Yeah, I know - Fiat owns Alfa, Fiat owns Ferarri, I know) but somehow, they're not on the radar for me.

So, anyhow...

Here's a Spider that's in good condition and cheap.... ($3500 asked) and has been on Craig's here for a couple of weeks now (They'll probably take $3K). It's in an affluent area (Plano), which is always a good sign that the claims are true.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1328175265.html

I asked for some more photos and the interior is pretty nice.... and the engine bay is clean - Toyota Camry neglected, if that makes sense. Rust isn't an issue here in Texas, thank God, no problems there.

The bad news:

1. It's a 1982 - not a very desirable year, even in nice condition.

2. It hasn't been used in 3 years. I asked if had been prepped for storage, but no, it just sat in the garage, unused. Haven't asked if they've replaced the battery, drained the gas and 'really' tried to start it, but the impression is not.... Just - "you're never going to drive it, honey, get rid of it"

So the questions:

If I get in for $3K, can I get back out for a reasonable loss? If I enjoy this car, I'd get a more desirable year to play with... after learning my basics on this one.

What's it going to take to get her running again? Change the oil; flush the radiator; drain the gas tank; new battery; change the brake fluid...

What are the odds that it's going to require more elaborate work on the fuel system after sitting for 3 years.... put away wet?

It's got the Bosch Fuel Injection, rather than the SPICA.... After exchanging a few emails, I politely passed on it because it's an 82... but, now I'm pondering..

I'd appreciate any opinions....

Thanks,

Lokki

Replies to this message:

Mr_Shiftright (Sep 10, 2009 9:03 am)

#11 of 55 Re: Compromises.... [lokki] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Sep 10, 2009 (9:03 am)

Replying to: lokki (Sep 10, 2009 8:56 am)

I'd play this one as "worst case scenario"---in other words, you buy it on the assumption that the worst things can happen.

What might that be? Okay, let's take a really dark view of the future:

1. drain gas tank, replace fuel filter, maybe the fuel pump (gummed up).

2. four flat-spotted tires (replace all four)

3. brake calipers frozen up

4. hydraulic clutch system issues

5. no ability to test drive the car, so no knowledge of other problems with transmission, etc.

As you can see, this is a high risk car, but you may come out fine or you may get buried.

Given that it hasn't run for 3 years, I'd place it in the "fair" category, not the "good" category as the seller has done, and I would offer no more than $1500---$2000 tops tops tops.

This way, you have about a $2000 budget to spend and still come out "even".

The seller is in error here, in my opinion, because he/she should have revived the car. They want the benefit of selling a running, driving car, but don't wish to bear any expense to actually have a running driving car.

Can't have your cake and eat it too.

If you accept their responsibilities and deferred maintenance, you need to be compensated. This is not some rare piece. If they say "well go buy another one if you don't like the price"....well, that's pretty easy for you to do.

#12 of 55 Thanks.... by lokki

Sep 10, 2009 (10:38 am)

Yeah, that makes sense.

With a little more looking, here's a 79 that has the SPICA instead of the Bosch, and is running. He's asking $5K, but if he takes $4.5K, I'd still be better off than spending $2K and maybe getting the sleeper running $2K later.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1329617931.html

Still it's a 2a with the heavy bumpers...

Sigh... maybe I can make myself hold out for a 71 - 74 Spider which is what I really want....

#13 of 55 Id like to buy a spider convert by rickyb5

Oct 03, 2009 (7:29 pm)

Id like to buy a spider convertible but would like some advice on the 'better models' out there. Would spend up to maybe 8 - 9 K. I only read negative remarks about spiders??? Any starting advice?

Replies to this message:

Mr_Shiftright (Oct 04, 2009 9:08 am)
- rickyb5 (Oct 08, 2009 2:54 pm)
  - Mr_Shiftright (Oct 08, 2009 5:59 pm)

#14 of 55 Re: Id like to buy a spider convert [rickyb5] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 04, 2009 (9:08 am)

Replying to: rickyb5 (Oct 03, 2009 7:29 pm)

I'll bet you 99% of the "negative" remarks came from people who have never owned one.

These Spiders are delightful little cars and if you buy the 1982-1993 models, very reliable cars with their Bosch fuel injection system. Of course, don't buy a RAT because you'll never catch up to the person who paid a little more and bought a well-cared for car.

The earlier spiders from the 70s are nicer-looking to most people, and rev higher and are generally more lively and powerful, but they do have SPICA fuel injection, which can be rather fussy if you don't know how to set it up properly.

Also many people don't like the 80s Spiders because of the rubber ducktail on the trunk.

The design got cleaned up in the 1990s, ,but you will pay considerably more for this more handsome car.

Replies to this message:

rickyb5 (Oct 08, 2009 2:54 pm)
- Mr_Shiftright (Oct 08, 2009 5:59 pm)

#15 of 55 OK - here's another potential spider bite by lokki

Oct 07, 2009 (8:00 am)

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/cto/1406020313.html

This 1978 Alpha Romeo Spider Convertible has less than 63000 original miles, is 90% fully restored and runs excellent. It is now the car I'm driving every day. 5 speed, Classic Red exterior, Black Interior. It can be used as a daily car or you could do a little more work and show it. I drive it every day now and almost every time someone says something about it at a stoplight. This is a fun car that will turn some heads.

Frisco Automotive has done lots of the work, so you can ask them about the condition of the car.

This really is a beauty

In the last year:
New Paint Job
Engine taken out and inspected
New timing Chain
New Top
New Stereo System
Regular Maintenance done
New muffler
New Alternator and Electrical inspected
New door handle
New Headlights
Fixed some interior upholstery

To get it perfect
Minor dents
Replace seat upholstery
Door handle sticks sometimes

Asking $5,400 - I lost my job last month and that's why I'm letting it go for so cheap...not because something's wrong with it.

I'm going to take a look at this one this evening.

Comments?

I have a second to look at this weekend (previously mentioned) - another nice car (79) and clean but it's been asleep for 5 years in a garage.....

Replies to this message:

Mr_Shiftright (Oct 07, 2009 8:43 am)

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