Used 2018 FIAT 124 Spider Consumer Reviews
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8 Months research and finally bought the ABARTH
I had concerns over buying a FIAT. Lets face it, lemons are common but some get real good 500 ABARTHS that work well. The fact that Mazda was building the 124 inspired me to look past this. The car itself is 100 times more beautiful that the Miata version. My sticking points were ABARTHs comming to US had FIAT badge on wheel. As of March 2018 that has changed. Abarths now have proper abarth badging on the interior for 2018 but you have to look around as there are many older versions on lots. Next sticking point was that Miata's got the Retractable Fastback and FIAT's did not. What is more Italian that the RF top. Looks like the 70's Targa tops. Fiat could have branded it a Targa and they would not have been able to keep them in stock. I know all my friends were hoping for this as well. UGH! So I bought the ARARTH in Black. Wow the color is so deep and rich in the sunlight. Pictures do not do this car justice. Must see in person. My ABARTH is a bit rough in 1st gear for a manual. Been driving manuals all my life. This one I stalled 4 times on way home from dealer. The car wants to go. Low RPMs the car lags a bit and begs you to let it breath. There are two essential tweaks that fix this. One the DV+ diverter valve allows more low end and solves some issues with the cheap plastic diverter valve that comes from the factory which is either open or closed.... No in between. This DV+ also helps prevent turbo flutter which is potentially damaging buy allowing flow the turbo air flow back though the valve as the turbo winds down between shifts. Much healthier.. Second as the high pressure through the lines can bring with it some oil, it is good to add an oil catch can on these cars to reduce the amount of oil that can get back to the throttle and multiair unit which can be damaging over time. These two changes do help the car become more bullet proof. The car shifts great and has power.. Much more than the miata which I drove several times in my search trying to decide whether to drop the Fiat and just get the targa I love and deal with the angular futurist look of the miata rather than classic Italian beauty. I got the loaded version. I suggest just getting it with all options. Bose system is awesome, Navigation is easy. While touch is disabled when the car is moving, it is easy to manage shifting and using the dial to change channels etc. so the Tech in the car is great. Was able to save all my Sirius Channel Favs on way home from dealer lot. ABARTH sounds great in either Sport of Normal. Noted the Sport mode dials up the performance a bit which did feel more responsive. Im about 5 foot 10 inches tall and hover around 200 pounds and I fit comfortably in the car. If someone is over 6 foot they may find it cramped. I love the gauges and Abarth logos on seats and steering. It gives the car uniqueness and people have no clue what the car is when they see it which Scorpion badges all over it. I was asked at a gas station if it was a Ferarri. Lol I wish. Car takes corners like a champ and those Brembo Brakes really work well. I know that squirrel thanks FAIT for its life. Convertible top is same as Miata and is sooo easy to put up or take down. Chrysler and many aftermarket sites are selling a lot of after market upgrades so this car is very good if you want to make it a track car. But.. I only bought the two items i spoke of earlier. Abarth already has limited slip diff, Front and rear anti sway bars, Front and rear strut tower braces, Brembo brakes, and a killer sounding exhaust etc.. so its more performance than most people need. Im getting around 30 MPG average which totally surprised me. In summary, this car is more than I could have hoped for. I would like to see an aftermarket company make a targa top for this car but outside of that. Its my childhood dream of owning that Triumph TR7 or Fiat X 1/9 Bertone Targa car that I could never find married to modern day conveniences. I want to slap myself for even considering buying that Miata. I would have never forgiven myself. :) I am living my childhood dream of owning and driving a EURO roadster even if it is a Miata in Drag. 1.5 Years later: so it’s fall 2019 and I was asked to update my review: in the most true sense, I fully stand behind my Decision. I love Abarths 124Spider. I drive all the time in Sport mode. It handles, drives, turns, and responds like a light weight convertible sports car should. It gets great gas mileage even though I can’t keep my foot out of it.lol It has been very reliable and I still get head turns, shouts out windows etc. of how cool my car is. I also get many pretty young women slowing down to take a second look or flirting. So it’s a confidence boost. Lol No issues mechanically at all. Just oil changes and a tire rotation. I feel my research paid off as nobody is buying them. 20 years for now I may sell one at Mecum for a major profit as a rare car. I bought 2 of them so I will keep 1 till I die for sure.
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A Go-Kart for Grow-ups!
I came close to buying another MX-5. It's been a few years since my last one and I'm not getting any younger. But after the test drive, I decided to test-drive a Spider at the dealer down the road. To me, it was more refined, inside and out. The ride felt more comfortable as well, and the steering was quick and true. When you gave it the gas and the turbo kicks in, it really gives you a thrill. I'm going on 3,000 miles, with my Classica, and it's still a joy to throw the top down and go for a spin (trouble-free). It's like a go-kart for grown-ups, with a rocket on the back! Update at 8500 miles. Absolutely perfect! Getting right at 31 mph with mostly city driving. Put new Autoricambi exhaust on it because it was so quiet I kept forgetting to change gears. The new muffler-delete pipes are great! Great balls of fun!
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- Abarth ConvertibleMSRP: $19,695165 mi away
- Classica ConvertibleMSRP: $21,998366 mi away
- Classica ConvertibleMSRP: $19,998In-stock online
Best car I ever owned
I have a 2018 Spider Luzzo with all the options. It is the most fun car to drive that I have ever owned and this includes 2 Corvettes, a Triumph, and numerous non-sports cars. It would run circles around the 1980 or the 1978 Corvettes I had. The quality appears excellent as I haven't found a single defect. Very comfortable seating, however very tall or obese folks would not fit. The Bose radio system sound great.
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What a great ride!
I purchased this Car November 19, 2016. Its a base model Lusso with no real upgrades. I have had an extended highway trip and several day trips and I have fallen in love with this car. I owned an 85 Fiat Spider 2000 and I am partial to the Italian styling evident in the body design. Needless to say the performance over the 85 model cannot be compared. The 1.4l turbo accelerates on demand and shifts smoothly up and down. I am using the Asin auto transmission. The road handling and cornering are sharp and responsive. Even so, its a smooth highway drive even on long trips. Its not the fastest 0-60 but it is quick. In my opinion, the base sound system is adequate for all but the most serious audio enthusiasts. I stream Pandora thru my phone and the sound is terrific once adjusted for treble, bass and balance. So my major positives are style and road handling. The only major drawbacks are leg room and trunk space. I am 6'1" and I can fold my knees into a comfortable driving position, but there is not enough room for my big feet. Strangely, I have more than enough head room with the top up. If you have big feet there is limited room for the clutch, hence my selection of the auto trans. Any over 6'2" will have difficulty driving this car and they will not fit in the passenger seat due to the trim located where the glove box should be. There is very limited storage space inside the passenger compartment. The trunk has enough room for two small duffel bags and a computer bag. That's fine for my use as a weekender car. Price point for base Lusso is very attractive. In my opinion, a lot of the extras in tech package are not necessary or worth the addt expense. Lastly, when people see it they will think its a Miata or they ask what it is. Personally, I do not think it looks that much like a Miata but there are not many on the road yet, so its understandable for mistake. its a great car for those looking for a fun weekender.
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Test drove this and an Mazda MX5
I test drove both the Fiat and the Miata. The Miata delivers its power in a more linear fashion. The Fiat needs to get up in the Revs before it really goes. So, it feels slower off the line. A little more like a Honda S2000. So it is really down to which one appeals to you more. I would rate the Fiat at a 4 and the Mazda at a 4.5 from an everyday driving standpoint. However, I am considering this purchase for weekend pleasure drives and I find the Fiat is more exciting to me. I like the bit of quirkiness that it has over the Miata. To me this gives the Fiat a bit more excitement. If you are deciding between the Mazda and the Fiat you really need to spend some drive time in both. The interior is similar in most ways. It's really about do you fit and are you comfortable enough to enjoy the car. Also, I would mention that the edmunds review of the Fiat is a 3 and the Mazda a 4.5. This seems to me to be because of different editors approach to the car and because the Fiat review, I believe, is for the automatic which I agree is not very good with this engine. If you want an auto the Mazda is the better choice. I took a brief drive of each car with the auto but for me the manual is the way to go. I would recommend reading each edmunds review with the mindset that it applies to both cars outside of the engine. I am disappointed that Edmunds editors seem to have written these reviews in a vacuum ignoring the relation of the cars to each other.
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After twelve months, we still love this car
After twelve months of ownership, we're still in love with our FIAT 124 Spider. We've taken it on several road trips, some as long as six hours of driving and 400 miles in a day. For a roadster, the ride is excellent. We never feel tired, uncomfortable, or anxious for the ride to be over. It's awesome being able to enjoy the journey as much or more than the destination. For me, the Spider is the perfect blend of comfort, performance, and driving pleasure. Finding a nice twisting road through the mountains is pure joy. The handling is superb and the power is more than adequate to handle any situation whether it's climbing a steep grade or passing a slower vehicle. It stays planted in the curves and corners. The Spider has performed flawlessly with no problems of any kind. My original review is in the paragraph below. Realizing that a two seat roadster isn't for everyone, if you enjoy driving, or would like to enjoy it and have the luxury of being able to get by with just two seats, the FIAT 124 Spider is a great choice. Unless you just don't like driving, the FIAT Spider is sure to put a smile on your face and make you want to take the long way to wherever you're going. This car isn't a super-powered muscle car, but is light weight, nimble, peppy, and handles superbly. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, for me, this car is gorgeous. Many sports cars are known for their harsh ride - not the FIAT. While providing great sporting performance, it also has a very comfortable and enjoyable ride with the top up or down. I'm 5'-8" and the car fits me very well. I can imagine that someone over six-foot would feel a bit tight. I test drove both the automatic and the manual and concluded that, while both are really great, the manual provides an edge higher level of driver engagement and driving pleasure. But, upon the insistence of my wife, I purchased the auto. While I enjoyed the manual, I'm very pleased with the auto. It's great cruising on the open road where you're not shifting a lot anyway, and it's also less of a hassle in city traffic. I couldn't be more satisfied.
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Fun, fun, fun!
I am a large size person, average height and I fit very well. My son and brother are 6' and 6'3", both ride top up just fine. I look for any excuse to take my car out for a spin. I was looking for acceleration. It gets you passed other vehicles easily and does feel like you are going faster than you actually are. Getting in and out of the car is much easier with door wide open, so consider where you park. I average 31-32 mpg on 89 or 91 fuel. Five full bags of groceries fit in the trunk.
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So far, so good!
I haven't owned a "roadster" since I ditched my 2000 Miata back in 2011 because it was nickle and diming me to death. This 2017 Fiat Spider blew me away. I was seriously considering a Miata again, but after I read a pile of reviews and took several test drives, I was hooked on the Spider. (Plus the local Mazda dealer was jerking me around). Granted, Fiat skimped on the "Mattel-made" sun visors and the bland, colorless instrumentation (not even a red line on the tach), overall, it's very easy on the eyes, very well made, and with enough accoutrements or lack thereof to meet most-but not all-budgets. My main complaint is the noise at highway speeds. They indicate in their marketing that it's quieter than a Miata, but it's definitely more noisy than my 2000. The radio is pretty useless at highway speeds, unless you have a headset. At first, I was taken back by not having a spare, but I suppose the fix-the-flat stuff in the trunk will work OK. (Maybe I should read the directions before I need it...?). Oh yeah, and it's a blast to drive. For an aging grown-up, the fit is snug but comfortable, the steering and handling are great, and it has MORE than enough power to get me very quickly from point A to B in style without acquiring too many tickets-I hope!
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This is my 3rd Fiat 124 Spider
I purchased my 124 spider lusso manual tranny about 5 year ago. It has about 11,000 miles on it. I test drove the miata for comparison. Both cars were great. I found the styling and road handling superior in the FIAT. I did test drive the automatic and do not recommend the automatic. It is a true sports car and needs the manual for the max enjoyment. I live in the Hudson valley of New York and we have many great sports car roads. It handles the curves and hills like the true sports car it is. Great curb appeal. I get many people commenting on the car's beauty. Mine is red with the tan interior. Fun car and hope to own it for many years. I still am in love with the car. It gets a lot of compliments. Fun to drive.
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This much fun has got to be illegal
When looking for two seater, drop top roadsters, that capture the fun of driving a curvy, technical back road for a low price, you have a choice of a Miata (Mazda MX-5) or a ?. And Mazda does it well with a light weight, quick, well made and reliable car. But it's styling, for me, was like the rest of the car, superbly functional. All it needed, was some passion to make it perfect and a little tuning by a culture with a rich road racing history. Along comes Fiat, to bring it both. The beautiful throw back looks of the 124 Sport Abarth, added to the MX-5 would have made a great car inspiring, and the looks distinctive, but it would still not be a Italian sports car but rather a better looking Mazda. But Fiat ripped the heart out of the Miata by replacing its engine with the soul of an Italian. Now it has it own looks and the totally different driving experience that a turbo charged motor brings to a car. But what about that tuning? That is where the Abarth model's unique features come in . The Bilstein shocks added to the front and rear, revised roll stabilizers, limited slip differential, 17 inch wheels with 205 low profile tires, the revised more throaty exhaust that adds four horsepower, - combine to allow the engine, suspension, and even the steering to be dialed in with the sport mode button to transform the 124 from a gentleman's sporting vehicle into a superbly controlled, feisty, canyon carver expert that blows the top off the fun driving chart. This car feels like it is nailed to the pavement no matter the road surface or the severity of the curves. Add the Brembo brake option as I did, and you can bring down your boiling cup of espresso to a standstill in a heart beat. Put it all together, as Fiat has, and this is the most fun you can have for a $25 tank of gas that will take you 350 fun (did I mention it was fun?) filled miles.. I have only known her for 1000 miles so far, but I can tell you already that if it were possible to marry this car, I would.
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Edmund's Bias is Showing.
UPDATED AFTER 72 MONTHS AND 77,000 MILES OF OWNERSHIP: Edmund's own reviewers praise the Miata MX-5 but take the Fiat 124 Spider to task for noise, cargo space, and comfort. The truth is, the Spider is better at dampening noise, has a slightly larger trunk than the Miata, and has the exact same headroom and legroom as the MX-5 - more headroom than the MX-5 RF. The MX-5 has better low end acceleration, but the Spider has better at speed. I can't speak for the automatic 124s but the manual tranny is more than adequate at low end; it just isn't quite as fast off the line as a MX-5. And once you spin the turbo up, the thing leaps from gear to gear in an exhilarating rush. Roadsters are definitely not for everyone; they wrap around your body like a glove and rank only slightly higher than a tricycle on a utilitarian scale, but man, are they FUN to drive. The 124 Spider captures the joy of driving well. It gives you excellent feedback, handles well, has a great little shifter, and looks awesome to boot. How well do they handle? fastest laps rated the Abarth at 1.10g on the skid pad - tied with cars like the Ferrari P488 Pista and Lambo Aventador. The Classica and Lusso are rated at 1.09g, tied with some models of the Porsche 911 and McLaren 720S! The drop top goes up and down easily. And because it is no where near as common as a Miata (or any other roadster), it gets looks and comments everywhere we go. I highly recommend this car for anyone looking to experience the true joy of driving. The car still gets comments constantly, and continually provides driving smiles. "A smile a minute, whenever you're in it!" For you taller people, a friend in a 124 Car Club is 6'3" and fits inside. Despite being heavily modded, we have had 0 issues with our Classica. Routine maintenance is all that has been required. I should add, we also have an automatic 2017 Abarth 124 Spider with 42,000 miles and is has also been issue-free. Dollar for dollar, based on performance, looks, and reliability, modern 124 Spiders are one of the best used car deals you can find.
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Fiat spider part 2
I had a spyder 20+ years ago that was very fragile and had lots of problems. This car is 180 degrees from that. With the exception of the cup holders and glove box which are awkwardly placed, there is nothing I would change. I feel such joy and satisfaction every time I am in this car. The only other problem, which the dealer is unable to fix, is that my tire inflation warning light comes on even when the tires are properly inflated.
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Fantastic Car!
2017 Fiat Spider 124 Abarth, manual with brembo brake pkg. It is such a joy to drive. Handles fantastic, beautiful interior, beautiful looking car outside and inside. Love the hood and design of the car. I owned a 95' 325I for about 9 years, (very good car), and a 2006 330I for about 2 years. The 330I cost a lot of money in repairs. I wanted to purchase a 2014 Cayman S but the price of admission for a nicely optioned used one is about $50,000. I test drove the Fiat Spider and for $31,700 brand new it was a no brainer. Plus the Spider comes with 4 year 50,000 warranty vs 3 year 36,000 for the Miata. I still would like to get a Cayman someday (but would like to keep the Spider as a second car) but for now I couldn't be happier with my decision. I look forward to driving the car everyday. I'm 6' 1" and fit comfortably but it would be nice to have about 1 more inch of room so I could get the seat back a bit further ( I also wish the Cayman seat went back about one inch further). That's why I gave it a 4 star out of 5 for comfort. I test drove the Fiat and then went and test drove the Miata the same day. The Mazda Club with brembo brakes you can get for about $30,000 and the Spider Abarth is about $31,700 plus tax. You can't go wrong with either car. I believe the Mazda handles a little better and is a bit faster. But for my everyday driving the Spider is just perfect. It just came down to personal taste. The clincher being Japanese build quality with Italian styling. I like the alcantara seat fabric and the Recaro seats. Plus the quad tail pipes. They sound great in 1st and second gear but I wish they were louder as you go through the gears. I love both cars but just liked the looks a little better of the Spider. If you want wheel locks so some clown doesn't steel your wheels you can get them from the Mazda parts dept. for about $59 or order them online from Good-Win-Racing.com part # 61-1057F for about $99.00. After reading the comments about the goodwinracing wheel locks I opted for those. Don't think you can go wrong either choice. Happy motoring. And do your self a huge favor, regardless of what your wife or parents or friends say, make sure you get the manual... Shifting gears is half the fun of owning the car. One year ownership update. I have put 13,300 miles on the car. Zero maintenance issues. Car has been fantastic and dependable. Took in for scheduled maintenance one time for 72.00. It's a great car.
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Bloody GORGEOUS!
I have been gagging for this car since Fiat/ Mazda bought it to my attention. It has taken me months to drill down and get the car I wanted. All I ever found on my search was automatics!!! ( I love driving and the thought of an automatic is just sacrilege in my opinion) Of course it had to be red, and I opted for the luxury package which is totally worth it especially the LED lights and their capacity to light the road ahead at night. Just outstanding. Its GORGEOUS from every angle. Driving it is a pleasure. Love the torque and relaxed nature of the engine. Would prefer the exhaust a little louder (I have the 500 Abarth and its a mean sounding, just beautiful chorus which is subdued in the 124) Was surprised Fiat didn't option it with the flat bottomed steering wheel that they have in the 500 which is a tactile pleasure, but none the less, it does feel good in the hands along with the shifter and short throws. Italian cars really do it for me, they connect me emotionally which is lacking in other cars. Mazda and Fiat have done a wonderful job and I hope it pays big dividends for them. Would like a boost gauge and cooled seats as the leather gets really hot during the summer. Update: Love the car, loathe the dealership experience which has now closed with no notification! Seems Fiat are pulling out of the USA. Communication is abismal. The car gets 5 stars, the dealership experience zero stars. Unfortunately had to sell the car which was brilliant, just wish the customer service was better. No communication from Fiat that they had closed their service dept, They were unable to fix a warranty issue with the blind spot detection system, rude and just unhelpful. Please Fiat management, if you make another push to enter the US market, please train and vet your dealerships and make an effort to support customers with their purchase. Update: Sadly sold the vehicle because of terrible customer support. It needed minor warranty issues fixed such as blind spot monitoring malfunctioning. I was charged a $160 diagnostic fee even though it was under warranty and the issue was still not fixed. No communication from the dealership that they were going to close and they just closed shop leaving Fiat owners in the lurch. As I said earlier, Stelantis needs to listen to previous owners and fans of Fiat if they plan to re enter the US market and make sure they have a competent dealer network.
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Fun Is All There
My previous sports cars include a Porsche Boxster, a BMW M235, an RX-8, and three editions of the Mazda Miata from 2006, 2010 and 2013. I mention that history because the 124 Spider from Fiat is the least expensive ( i paid right at $28K) and in my opinion, the best looking of them all. You might know that Fiat and Mazda joined forces to build this car and the Fiat style and Mazda reliability are a winning combination for me. None of the Mazda Miata cars required more than oil changes and standard maintenance. Nothing ever went wrong with those cars. I hope the Fiat does that well. If you are a six footer the car might not be as comfortable and the attractive interior is close at hand. The car is very drivable and steers, brakes and handles well. When most cars slow for turns, i speed up (a little) and the Spider really shows its moxie in corners. Gas prices may not stay this low but i can fill up with premium fuel for about $25. I think people who live in warmer climates or want a fun weekend ride will love this car. The more you like to drive, the more it will appeal to you. Its about as much fun as you can have for not a lot of cash.
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Better than $55,000 Mercedes
Until August 2, 2016 I was ready to buy a 2017 Mercedes SLC300 via European delivery. Then I realized that I'd be paying $55K in advance for a car that wouldn't be in my home driveway for 6 months or more. Just to be sure I was making the right choice, i googled "2017 convertibles" and suddenly saw a pic of a car I'd never seen before. Having done a test drive in a Mercedes, I was impressed with the quiet ride at 70mph on a freeway with top down. I was able to converse with the salesman at normal volume. One thing that totally UN-impressed me was that to start the newest Mercedes you MUST put a key in the ignition! Within 48 hours of my Mercedes test drive, I was cruising in a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider which seemed just as quiet on the highway and has push-button start. When I started comparing the overall specs of both cars, the new body styling of the 124 Spider and at HALF the price of the Mercedes, it became a VERY easy decision. As the former owner of 2 Porsche, Lotus Esprit, 3 Mercedes SL convertibles and a Rolls, after a month driving my new 2017 Spider I am VERY happy with my choice! 3 MONTHS LATER ... I now have just over 1,000 miles on my FERRARI 124. FIAT owns Ferrari which gave me an idea. I removed or covered ALL the FIAT emblems and now drive the ONE and ONLY car that passes for a Ferrari (yes people believe the emblems they see) but costs about 1/8 the price! I even got a Nevada vanity license plate that says NICECAR so if I pass you in a flash and you see the tag, good luck catching me! BOTTOM LINE: Not since my Porsche racing days have I had so much fun behind the wheel of ANY car, regardless of the price !!!
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Very impressed!
Update after 12 months per request from Edmunds- The car continues to break in and now is much different and better than when I bought it. The exhaust sounds keeps getting better and engine performance has improved. Professional Reviewers would have a better viewpoint if they drove one that is broken in. Still is rock solid, not a single issue. The Recaro seats are very comfortable but it is still a tight cabin. I’m 5;8’ so it is fits me perfectly. I keep my cars in an air conditioned garage so that makes them better so that may help how this performs. I love this thing. My local Fiat dealer just closed so we have to wonder how long Fiat is for the USA. Thus, I’m glad I got this car while it is available. I also see some fully loaded Abarth versios that are very depreciated with very low miles so they are a steal for anyone. But because it seems Fiat in the USA is going away perhaps these will be harder to come by in the future so I’m glad I have one. This version is still very rare to see so it is nice to be driving something that is very different. Original review- I’ve now owned and driven this car for 6 months. First of all this car is a blast to drive. I’ve owned a variety of sports cars and this car is a fun as any of them but more beautiful than almost anything out there. I have to pause every time I walk up to it. What a design job! Pictures of it don’t do it justice. It is odd how in person the nose looks much longer, bolder and sexier than any photos-I don’t know how that happens. Also, this car is rock solid. I didn’t expect that but I’ve also owned a Tacoma and this car feels as solid as that, which doesn’t seem to make sense. Absolutely nothing has failed on it so build quality seems very high which I wasn’t sure of when I bought it. I rate the comfort high given what it is- a roadster. The top level trim seats are very comfortable. However, I don’t think the car is made for 4 hour drives. It is made for shorter drives or mountain foothills (l live on a curvy foothill) but I use it whenever I can for around town because it is simply so much fun to drive. I rated performance a 4/5 because it is true it could have more power but it is plenty for my needs. You can probably pass almost anyone if you want. The engine sound is fantastic. It took 2-3000 miles to break in but now broken in it it even more fun. It seems this car is a secret because it took me 6 months to see another one on the road and I live close to a Fiat dealer.
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Fantastic Fiat
The Mazda guts are evident in this car and that’s a good thing.The Lusso handles great, looks fantastic and is a blast to drive. Great soft top with added sound deadening to make for a quiet interior when needed. Turbo lag takes a bit to get used to but once you drive the car a bit you learn to increase the revs in 1st and then then enjoy that turbo boost. Safety package is a great add to the Lusso.Can’t say enough about the way this car drives.
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Best Bang for Buck Sports Car/Roadster on the Mkt
Most fun car I have ever owned, 54 yo, and like this car more now than when I bought it two years ago. Zero problems, great reliability up to now. Bought the Abarth version, love the sports mode, paddle shifters and interior. Everybody asks about this car, literally every time I take it out. Lots of little upgrades I made just improved the look, mainly red accents inside and outside the car (pearl white exterior). You can tell it was styled in Italy, interior is nicer than cars costing $75k. Provides the true roadster experience. Top comes down or up in less than 3 seconds! Low to the ground, 50/50 weight balance provides for great handling and braking. Only main fault is some turbo lag going from 0 to 30 mph. Sports mode and paddle shifters in Abarth version compensates for some of this. Best--hardly any on the road, I have seen two versions of my car since owning it. Interior has simple to use controls and seats are great. Noise reduction throughout so long drives are comfortable. Best bang for buck sports car/roadster on the market.
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Just turned 70. Figured now or never :)
Makes going to the physical therapist - lower back - fun. Fortunately, it comes with a walker :). Love the car. A kick to drive. Got the 6 speed. Comfortable. Handles very well. Grand children love it; kids are jealous. Wife, who swore she wouldn't get in it when I drove on a highway, has recanted and loves it too. Everything I had hoped for... and more.
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Lusted for this Car at It's Inception !!!
MANY Cars in my life.. But THIS CAR.. Is my Sweetest One Yet !!.... Many Loud Fast V8 Sticks... At 54, they've started to get on my nerves.. Selling my Mustang GT now since I bought this Car... Old Roommate in the 80's had a 124 Spider that I borrowed ALL THE TIME, Cuz I LOVED IT !!... When they announced the Partnership of Fiat / Mazda actually producing a NEW 124.. I Immediately Thought ... "THAT'S MY NEXT CAR !!!! .... Italian Looks / Japanese Build Quality, TURBO !!, Best of Both Worlds... NO REGRETS !!!.... I had to wait 2 months for the Dealer to find my car, since ALL of the Lusso's had Auto's.. In a Roadster??... NO WAY.... Mine is a Lusso, Meteor Gray / Black, Every Factory Option, with a 6 speed Stick... The BOSE Stereo System blows me away ... Almost 900 Miles now.. and STILL... THEE BEST Most FUNNEST Car I've EVER OWNED !!!! EVER !!!... I'd actually Laugh in your face if you wanted to trade me your new Corvette Z06... =)
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Under-rated head turner
We bought a bare-bones 2017 Classica Manual Transmission 124 Spider a month ago. I'm 6'1" and while it's tight to get into the driver's seat, once I'm there I don't want to leave. This is the most fun I've ever had behind the wheel, and it's become a daily car. We live in Hill Country and our commute is entirely on back roads with serious curves: this vehicle was made for our driving needs. Get the six-speed manual transmission: the gear box is tight, it wants to rev high anyway, and hey that's why you're buying a roadster to begin with. It's more quick than fast, as the 160 hp engine and high torque combines with the light weight to zip you around those turns tightly. It's fine on the highway too, and quieter than the Miata with the top down. Others have commented on its looks, and I concur: I don't like the Miata's snub-nosed design and feel cramped inside it. The FIAT's proportions work better on it and I think it looks much, much better than the tiny Miata. Edmunds for some reason gives the Miata a 7.9 and the Fiat a 6.4, even though they both have the same flaws - but the Fiat has more trunk space, a quieter cabin, and more power in the engine, so the difference in rating is not fair in my book: the Fiat is a slightly better car if you ask me and Edmunds needs to reevaluate it by test-driving a manual transmission (rather than the automatic they reviewed). I love this car!
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Just bought a new FIAT 124 Spider Lusso!
This car is very sporty and low to the ground but is very comparable in style and performance to Mazda Miata while still holding its own in terms of feeling and comfort and design.
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Wow Love driving this car!
I haven't had this much fun driving a car since I owned a 1982 Nissan 280 Z back in the 80's I love the handling and the way it corners I have the Abarth model and I just love the exhaust rumble the second you start it. The car is just amazing to look at and the convertible top is quick and easy to put it up or back down! I do wish there was little more storage in the interior I don't mind the smallish trunk its big enough for two weekend bags! I can't wait until I get back in it to drive again like right now instead of typing this review! Update: after driving it for 6 months all I can say is I love it more than ever I have had ZERO problems not even a glitch I now store it for our harsh northern winter and really cant wait until next spring to be driving this awesome car again! UPDATE: My Fiat Spider Abarth is better than I could ever hoped to imagine I have no regrets on my purchase and I have had had 0 problems after 8500 miles! It is now stored for the winter and I can not wait until spring to be behind the wheel again! I have driven quite a while I was a little disappointed that at 15,000 miles I had to have a heater hose replaced after discovering a puddle of coolant under my Fiat. The deal had the car for 6 days before retuning it so I am surprised that I would need work with 15,000 miles on it I had 5 months left on my Warranty otherwise it would have cost me 660.00 dollars!
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Fun drive/eye-catching ride not w/o minor glitches
This vehicle is a lot of fun to drive and great to look at inside and out! The seats are comfortable but a tight fit with just enough leg room for an average size person. If you are really tall or maybe a little rotund, you are out of luck if you want to drive this car! After driving this little convertible sports roadster over 4,600 miles, I have had a lot of smiles on my face but also a couple of frowns. My vehicle came equipped with high performance three season tires which do perform very well when the temperature is above 40 deg. F, but if you live where winter temperatures dip below 40, you have to switch out these tires for all-season or snow tires... an extra expense. Otherwise, it must be garaged during very cold wintry days. I replaced the factory equipped tires with high performance all-season tires and they have performed very well for me even in the cold winter months. Also, the instrument panel's outdoor temperature display at any outside temperatures is pretty much a joke. It's response is very, very slow and you have to maintain a minimum speed for an extended period of time for it to properly function. (First update: The response of the outside temperature display seems to be better in the warmer months than the colder months. Second update 11/17/19: For whatever reason, the outside temperature display now seems to be more responsive even in the colder months.) Finally, sometimes the automatic transmission is slow to shift but you do have the option to manually shift but no shift paddles on the Lusso trim.
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Permanent grin since the day I brought it home
If your idea of performance is based on quarter mile times, this isn't the car for you. If, on the other hand, carving through canyon or mountain roads is your thing, there may not be anything else on sale at any price that can put as big a grin on your face as this Fiat. Its suspension is better sorted than the MX-5 (less roll, less bumping up against the bump stops) and it has all the power you can realistically use on public roads. It also looks - to my eyes anyway - a more mature / elegant design than the Mazda. This is my third Fiat and - despite the reputation - I've never had a problem with any of them. Only caveat is that if you're more than 6' tall or over 200lbs, definitely spend some extended time in one before committing to the purchase as it is a tight fit.
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So far so good!
Heard a lot of reliability issues with the Fiat brand. With 6000 miles in..it's been flawless. Super fun to drive for the money. If you are looking for a weekend/2nd car..then this is it! Wish it had 200+hp and hardtop roof option, other than that, I love the car!
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The most fun car to drive ever? Yes, I think so
Being older, I have owned muscle cars from the 70s, compacts from europe, SUVs and Pickups. In April of 2018 I bought a barely used 2017 124 Spider Lusso and it has been the most fun to drive car I have ever had. I have put only 5000 miles on it since buying it but I could not be happier. I am 5'11" tall with a 31" inseam so I am not a long legged fellow, but I am not short either. I have no problem driving this care comfortably. I have driven it for 6.5 hour drives twice and it has been fine. It has been promoted to my daily driver now as it is just too much fun to drive. I have not no mechanical issues thus far and gas mileage has been as advertised.
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Tons of Fun At a Great Price
I've owned a couple of 2-seat roadsters...a 2004 Porsche Boxster, and my 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth. The Boxster, at close to $60,000 was one of the best pure driver's cars I've ever driven. That said, for half the price of the Porsche, I get 95% of the driving fun with my Abarth Spider. I've had the car for about 6 months now...it was one of the first Abarths delivered in my area. So far, with almost 5,000 miles on it, it has been pure enjoyment. Since neither my wife nor I are particularly large people we find the cockpit of the Abarth more than comfortable, even on long rides. The fit and finish is beautiful...ours is pearl white with the black leather interior...it turns heads wherever we go. I've had many people ask what the car was and have gotten nothing but compliments from everyone. I'm really glad we got the Abarth...the upgrades are worth it, and make all the driving difference. The Abarth's quad exhaust has a much nicer note than the Lusso or Classica. Not that they are bad...just a bit quieter than I like. The biggest difference is the Sport mode selector on the automatic transmission. Since my wife opted for the auto, the paddle shifters on the Abarth are a good compromise. Also in Sport mode, the shifts are much sharper, and responsive. Overall, this car is a winner for us...great looking, fun to drive, and a great value for the money. If you're in the market for a great 2-seat roadster, give this one a long look...odds are you won't be disappointed! 2 1/2 year update: We've owned our 2017 Abarth Spider for 2 1/2 years and the car's been great! The only issue we've had was a bad thermostat which was replaced under warranty a year and a half ago. No other issues, just a lot of fun driving. The car has been everything we expected and more. I'd buy the car again in a heartbeat!
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Fantastic Car-Unsolvable Safety Issue
The Abarth handles like a dream, shifts smart and easy, looks like great, and keeps driving simple. You get looks and comments from little kids, middle aged wives, and grandfathers. Everybody looks the looks of this Italian sweet heart. But an unsolvable problem plagues this beauty. My 124 spider Abarth's alarm has gone off randomly while driving. I drove her for a few months and it went off numerous times driving under various conditions She has been at three dealers with no success yet. This makes her not drivable. FCA is currently investigating numerous similar complaints with no resolution. I hope they can fix her.
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2nd car to my Maserati
I have an older Maserati 2 seater convertible and have always had exotic 2 seaters, the first a Facel Vega HK 500. I was considering a used Ferrari but the things have gotten to be like Ford Mustangs, they just keep getting bigger and bigger...now they're huge and just too way too much electronics. I wanted a simple sports car that was fun to drive and had a decent clutch and 5 or 6 speed transmission with recaro seats and bun-warmers for starting out on cold days. A good stereo was also on my list as well as bright headlights. This thing met all those requirements and was available with adaptive headlights + a Bose 7 speaker stereo. It has a good cruise control and I use it for a daily driver. Will keep it, like all my cars, until I tire of looking at it - that is usually about 25 years. I still have by '93 Toyota Tacoma extend-cab. The Maserati is an '87. Wish I hadn't sold my '71 Triumph Daytona a few years ago, didn't ride anymore - but still miss just looking at it. After 2 years, I waited 14 months for the Abarth to be delivered with all my mods; a 6 speed, racing stripe, Recaros with bunwarmers and pinstripes, Momo steering wheel to match and all the perfect Abart goodies. Brembo brakes, Koni shocks, Borrani Exhaust, the Abarth wheels,sway bars and turbo charger. Time and again I was told by my Chrysler-Fiat dealer that my order had been lost by Abarth and I should take a Fiat 124 from the lot, but I said “No” and waited. All of the fussiness from Modena, the extra $3,000 for the pinstripe that cannot be waxed, or barely touched these are the things we love. And the soft red paint I ordered - it looks wonderful, but I have had to have three touchups already because of things that would normally not even left marks on hard paint at costs of over $2K each time. This is what makes a valuable collector car later on and runs a company out of business. Only about 500 of these were made in 3 years, a 10th were manual. Only 50 had the racing stripe. Guess how many had the racing stripe, were red and were manual? And had Recaro seats with bun warmers? Mine is a keeper and it will someday be sold at Mecum. Probably by my kid when I croak. In the meantime, I’m having fun. And it is not a Fiat…it’s an Abarth, at least mine is.
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Awesome Car GREAT Value
Just too many good things to write fantastic looks, tuff strong cool turbo super power and speed. Great handling with a attitude, loves the road with the ability to stop. You just can't not stop looking at the car. Cool curves, angles, shape, size and style. The light weight, clean lines, logical and functional interior adds to the retro mid 60's british sports car feel with a touch of the past. Buy / Drive/ Ride / Sun in the sky one touch top down enjoy the ride! Silver 124 Classic 6 speed
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2017 Fiat Lusso 6auto
First off, this car is 75 to 80% Mazda Miata. However, the similarity ends there. The car has a longer nose and much better styling in my opinion. The Fiat sounds and feels like a sports car. The 6 speed auto is a Aisen product, which gives the car the ability to shift even faster than a 6 speed manual. To be fair, the 6 speed auto is enough if you travel the daily freeway commute like me. While I have had the car for less than a week, my sportscar past is not nill. My father owned a 1988 Mazda RX7 convertible. While the RX7 could take a corner without effort, the Fiat still does the same but is a bit nose heavy. Why? The Fiat's engine is an iron block, placing more weight over the front wheels. Yet, the car takes the corners well. I am still enjoying my commute, even though I had to give up a Prius Plug-in that gets 50-60 mpg and a free ride in the CA HOV lane. Who cares, really when the Fiat is much more fun to drive and gets 31mpg on average. It's your call, but why waste money on a more expensive BMW or Mercedes when you can get an excellent roadster out of the Fiat 124 Spider Lusso. Have had the car now for six months with no issues. Still no major issues at 62k. Runs strong. At, 62k miles and over 4 years old, still running great! The old Fit It Again Tony myth no longer applies to this car. Mazda built next to the MX5 Miata cousin and most parts are sourced from the MAZDA bin. A good deal if you are not taller than 6 feet and want a fun convertible. Much better mileage than a Mustang or Camaro convertible!
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Great sporty car for life in the CA desert
The more appealing look of this car compared to the Miata sold me on it. I'm over 6 feet tall, and can't put the seat all the way back and fully depress the clutch. While not roomy, the cabin isn't as small as professional reviewers would lead you to believe, with a surprisingly comfortable ride given the short wheelbase. It's a bit of a drop to get in, as the car sits low to the ground, but the seat side bolster doesn't hinder access. Exiting the car is much easier if you're able to open the door fully, as it swings out very wide. The instruments are easy to read and well lit at night. When the top is up, there are two pronounced blind spots behind the driver. If this concerns you, opt for the version with parking sensors, etc. The radio is nothing terrific, but again, it's much better than I anticipated. Choose the larger radio touchscreen if your eyesight needs assistance. Premium gas is recommended, but not required. So far, I am perfectly happy with my Rosso Classica with Technology Package.
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Red Abarth is most fun!
I love this car, and have used it to replace three motorcycles. I enjoy driving with top down (Southern California is all year), day or night. My wife and I find excuses to take it for a spin. People young and old complement it, and it has been flawless in a year of ownership. Thank you Mazda for making it, Fiat for designing it, and I love the turbo engine and gearbox, it non stop reliable fun.
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Not a Beast, but she is a Sweetheart
Such a beautiful, tight, fun ride! While not a 'race car' (I didn't want a race car), turbo gives it plenty good spunk, when you want it. Have previously had a Corvette...and a BMW Z4..., and couldn't be happier with the Abarth. It is its own thing. Short-throw stick-shift is just right. The manual top takes less than 5 seconds, and ready to roll. Happy camper, here!
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Honeymoon never ends
I have had this for a year now and still love it as much as the day I drove it off the lot. No issues since day 1!
spider man
great car , lots of fun , reliable , high quality , not for large people as the interior is small . im 5foot 10 and weigh 210 lbs and for me it is snug but not uncomfortable .. it is fast and takes corners like a go cart and the ride is not bad at all. .
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Simply beautiful and amazing ride!
If you like roadsters this is definitely the car for you , there is no under steer , the car hugs the road like it’s on rails. I have to say this car is a gem , one day in the near future this car will rise in value , I guarantee it . The Italian styling , the Japanese transmission and all the other parts on this car are high end. By far this car will not disappoint , I promise , go and drive one you will see what I’m talking about.
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I now love spiders, 124 Spiders!
Know that interior storage space is minimal. Yet every time I drive this vehicle, I love it just a little more, than the last time I drove it. The wife is now banned from riding in it. My grandson and great nephew concur, that my 124 Spider Lusso is awesome. Top down is a must.
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Everything a roadster should be.
Such a drop-dead gorgeous car. I was immediately won over by its styling. Handling is impeccable, and ample torque makes it really fun to drive.
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Not my mom's Fiat Spider
I bought this car about two years ago and I love it. It has a sleek modern yet classic designed body. I feel the car was designed with someone who loves driving in mind. It handles wonderfully. It often feels as though the car is just floating above the street. The convertible top is amazingly simple and quick. The interior is beautifully done with allot of little added touches that just scream style. The performance is more than I could have asked for. I have now put close to 13000 miles on this care and love it as much now as the day I got it. I am now at almost 28000 miles and still loving this car. No problems thus far. A great ride..
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Looks like $100,000. Roadster
Great car and it be a collectable. White with black fully loaded under $20 Grand!!! Recaro seats, Bose sound system, black and red Interior, Veleno package, LSD, 6 speed Manual Turbo. LED headlights. Again all this for under $20,000. Also unknown in the car world.
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love this car, kid again!
havin a blast! gotta remind myself to be careful because it takes off like a rocket and handles like its riding on rails. just purchased 2 months ago , so don't have any comments regarding durability or reliability but so far its great. would recommend for anyone havin a midlife crisis , lol.
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2017 Spider - no issues to date
Spider a relatively inexpensive fun two door coupe convertible compared to anything else. The quality of the vehicle does feel a little cheap too but surprisingly we have had zero issues…..still after now 4 years. Car is zippy fun to drive and always draws a lot of “nice car” and what is that? We have the white with brown interior which makes it look much sharper! We finally sold this car Nov22 for $19,441 to Carvana - its winter in Colorado! We had 26,000 miles on it and zero problems
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It’s Really Good
The car needs to be judged in the context of what it is. It’s supposed to be a light sports car. If you want a truck or a limo, it isn’t going to work for you. I have the no-option, manual transmission, basic Classica. As a sports car, it works. Headlights, wipers, shifting, HVAC, all good. The convertible top is stellar. The Fiat turbo engine is surprisingly likable. It has great torque at low RPMs and tops out at around 6500 and so it runs like a classic engine instead of a stressed-out peaky hi-rev motor. Much more relaxed and drivable in real world conditions but still more than quick. Utterly stable and changes direction without feeling twitchy. It didn’t cost much, Mazda reliability, and 30 mpg. Elegant on winding roads when Camaros and Mustangs feel bulky. Wouldn’t trade it for a Boxster.
Love the car but not the dealership
2018 124 Classica. Bought new August 2018. Car is awesome and totally satisfied with everything it offers. Chose the Spider over the Miata MX5 entirely because of its retro body style (owned an Alfa in the 80's). Someone tapped the rear end and had to take the car to Fiat (Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram) and Mazda dealer for body work. When called to pick up the vehicle the repair work looked great (just a bumper cover and spoiler replacement) but key fobs no longer worked. Dealer 'reprogrammed' (he claimed) but still did not work. 5 or 6 visits (including 2+ weeks in a dealer provided rental) the shop still has not rectified the problem. They really can't figure out just what they have done to it. Every time I have taken it in it comes back NOT repaired and w/ more problems (interior light/trunk light/avg MPG no longer works after visit before last). I think the body shop left something unplugged but service is claiming some radio frequency hub. Not satisfied at all w/ dealer. Had to file GA Lemon Law hoping this will encourage somebody to rectify the problem. I JUST WANT MY CAR back and in working order. I'd buy another......my car is NOT a lemon - just the clowns working on it are a bit inept. 6 weeks into all this, btw.
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Nice car, but be cautious
Nice looking car that caught my attention. Generally, I enjoy this car. However, Fiat and the dealer is incapable of addressing the thumping, creeping noise coming from the underside if the car. Both Fiat and the dealer state that they cannot diagnose the problem unless they hear the noise themselves. I have 5200 Mike's on the car. I guess Fiat will be able to make a proper diagnosis when the wheel falls off our something else that's more obvious happens. Basically, the customer support is [non-permissible content removed].
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Is this an 80k convertible
I have the Veleno edition. I live in Palm Springs, CA. where luxury sports cars are standard issue. When I roll up next to them, they always ask questions about my car. People always mistake my car for some exotic, expensive super car. No exaggeration! And it’s a great car to drive. UPDATE: Absolutely NOTHING to dislike unless you hate being stared at everyday and ask to answer questions about your car by lots of lookers. I have owned some very expensive BMW convertibles. I have one now. I live in a neighborhood where wealthy people drive Vettes, Porsches and Aston Martins. NO car gets the attention as my black 2018 Abarth 124 Spider Veleno. It's amazing. Although my car is FULLY optioned it's like 1/20 of what some of these other cars cost. I am the lucky one. And no repairs.
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Great Toy !
Fun to drive! Looks great! Perfect for Spring and Summer!
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