Fiat Barchetta - Buying advice
Discussion
Just after a little buying advice really.
Done my research and ideally I’m after a Black 99/00 “Rivera” I know it’s shallow, but there’s just something about the quilted leather that seems ever so cool!
Plus, and more importantly, the idea of not having variator issues really does appeal!
Trouble is, I really do need to find one (sub 70k miles ideally) for as close to £2500 as possible… is this at all realistic? I can stretch a bit, but not a lot.
I’m to be spending the summer in France as part of my uni degree, so this car’s really only for that, and I’m sure if I can find one, there’ll be nothing better for it!
Any ideas or input very much appreciated!
David
Done my research and ideally I’m after a Black 99/00 “Rivera” I know it’s shallow, but there’s just something about the quilted leather that seems ever so cool!
Plus, and more importantly, the idea of not having variator issues really does appeal!
Trouble is, I really do need to find one (sub 70k miles ideally) for as close to £2500 as possible… is this at all realistic? I can stretch a bit, but not a lot.
I’m to be spending the summer in France as part of my uni degree, so this car’s really only for that, and I’m sure if I can find one, there’ll be nothing better for it!
Any ideas or input very much appreciated!
David
Fair enough, thanks for the input, with the variator though, I read that
“variator seized, causing a diesel-like rattle. You can't miss it. The problem only affected cars made up to March '99, and it was profilic” (http://www.fiatbarchetta.com/misc/auto-italia.html)
Is this relyable do we think?
As far as budget goes, for the right car (that’s not going to need money spending on it) I can go closer to (but under) 3k is this more reasonable?
Any other things I should look of for when purchasing?
Also, how much would one need to budget for a variator fix?
David
“variator seized, causing a diesel-like rattle. You can't miss it. The problem only affected cars made up to March '99, and it was profilic” (http://www.fiatbarchetta.com/misc/auto-italia.html)
Is this relyable do we think?
As far as budget goes, for the right car (that’s not going to need money spending on it) I can go closer to (but under) 3k is this more reasonable?
Any other things I should look of for when purchasing?
Also, how much would one need to budget for a variator fix?
David
I think you will find the variator problem affects all Bs
, ours is 57 plate facelift and has had one change, good oil and plenty of changes will give a better life and I believe there is a modded version made by GSR/GSX.
On the whole both missy and I love the car - we bought new - doesn't seem to have a rust problem, parts may take some time to get from Fiat but there are indies out there.
David
, ours is 57 plate facelift and has had one change, good oil and plenty of changes will give a better life and I believe there is a modded version made by GSR/GSX.On the whole both missy and I love the car - we bought new - doesn't seem to have a rust problem, parts may take some time to get from Fiat but there are indies out there.
David
if it's all fine when you set out, the variator won't leave you stranded. Mine hasn't gone, but from what I read a rattly one will last as long as you can put up with the rattle.
I don't think you'll get a decent Riviera for your money, I would just get the one in the best condition you can .. £3000 should get a reasonable one.. good luck! (report back with your purchase ..)
I don't think you'll get a decent Riviera for your money, I would just get the one in the best condition you can .. £3000 should get a reasonable one.. good luck! (report back with your purchase ..)
I think they are a little more than just a pretty Punto, they may share the same underpinnings but they are still essentially a hand built Italian sportscar. In my opinion they are also a better drive, when we bought ours we back to back tested the Barchetta against the Mx5 and the MGF and for us there was no contest.
VeeFour said:
I spent a few weeks looking for a 2 seat open-top car recently.
Despite being a massive fan of the Barchetta, I decided that they're hugely overpriced for a pretty Punto, and that my money was better spent on an MX5.
well some things are subjective, but Barchettas are sure not hugely overpriced! Despite being a massive fan of the Barchetta, I decided that they're hugely overpriced for a pretty Punto, and that my money was better spent on an MX5.
About every 2nd 2 seater on the road is an MX5, this may or may not be a consideration for you, but I think it's nice to have something a little different, especially as you don't need to compromise on looks, price, performance etc.
johnvthe2nd said:
VeeFour said:
I spent a few weeks looking for a 2 seat open-top car recently.
Despite being a massive fan of the Barchetta, I decided that they're hugely overpriced for a pretty Punto, and that my money was better spent on an MX5.
well some things are subjective, but Barchettas are sure not hugely overpriced! Despite being a massive fan of the Barchetta, I decided that they're hugely overpriced for a pretty Punto, and that my money was better spent on an MX5.
About every 2nd 2 seater on the road is an MX5, this may or may not be a consideration for you, but I think it's nice to have something a little different, especially as you don't need to compromise on looks, price, performance etc.
johnvthe2nd said:
well some things are subjective, but Barchettas are sure not hugely overpriced!
About every 2nd 2 seater on the road is an MX5, this may or may not be a consideration for you, but I think it's nice to have something a little different, especially as you don't need to compromise on looks, price, performance etc.
P-plate MX5 - £1100.About every 2nd 2 seater on the road is an MX5, this may or may not be a consideration for you, but I think it's nice to have something a little different, especially as you don't need to compromise on looks, price, performance etc.
P-plate Barchetta - 3 times that, and based on FWD Punto oily bits.
Lovely cars to look at, but that's pretty much where the appeal ends.
VeeFour said:
P-plate MX5 - £1100.
P-plate Barchetta - 3 times that, and based on FWD Punto oily bits.
Lovely cars to look at, but that's pretty much where the appeal ends.
P-plate Barchetta - 3 times that, and based on FWD Punto oily bits.
Lovely cars to look at, but that's pretty much where the appeal ends.
1997 FIAT BARCHETTA CONVERTIBLE LHD LEFT HAND DRIVE
149km ( Approx 92k ), Excellent For Export !!!!,
Reg. Date: 1998
Mileage: 92,000Location: 25 mi from GU19 5NX, United Kingdom
View similar active items | Sell one like this
30 Bids
Sold £1,141.00 End date:
johnvthe2nd said:
1997 FIAT BARCHETTA CONVERTIBLE LHD LEFT HAND DRIVE
149km ( Approx 92k ), Excellent For Export !!!!,
Reg. Date: 1998
Mileage: 92,000Location: 25 mi from GU19 5NX, United Kingdom
View similar active items | Sell one like this
30 Bids
Sold £1,141.00 End date:
I used to be the biggest advocate of the Barchetta against the MGF / MX5 and MR2, but I just can't see any reason to buy one anymore.
I like the Barchetta. They tend to be quite reliable and not aware of any great issues with them. The variator was an early problem and easy to spot as it rattles a lot upon startup.
Compared to the mx5 it is really front v rear wheel drive. The B has a sweeter engine and possibly better overall roadholding. They can move on faster than you may think but is more of a grand tourer than a sports car in classic terms. If you can get one with the hardtop option it makes an amazing difference for year round motoring or for long distance drives as feels like a saloon car. Problem is leaving it somewhere when you arrive if going some where
The one thing i am not clear about is comparing them when driven open. Whilst I have driven mx5's they have always been with a optional hard top or with the roof up!
I found the back end of the B a bit under damped and put Bilstiens all round which firmed it up to my liking.
Some good european especially german sites on the car
Hope this helps
Paul
Compared to the mx5 it is really front v rear wheel drive. The B has a sweeter engine and possibly better overall roadholding. They can move on faster than you may think but is more of a grand tourer than a sports car in classic terms. If you can get one with the hardtop option it makes an amazing difference for year round motoring or for long distance drives as feels like a saloon car. Problem is leaving it somewhere when you arrive if going some where
The one thing i am not clear about is comparing them when driven open. Whilst I have driven mx5's they have always been with a optional hard top or with the roof up!
I found the back end of the B a bit under damped and put Bilstiens all round which firmed it up to my liking.
Some good european especially german sites on the car
Hope this helps
Paul
VeeFour said:
Needed a re-spray and new hood.
I used to be the biggest advocate of the Barchetta against the MGF / MX5 and MR2, but I just can't see any reason to buy one anymore.
OK, it took 10 seconds to find .. show me an MX5 for a grand that doesn't need stuff doing. I'm just contesting that you need to pay 3 times more for a Barchetta than an MX5 .. I wish it was true, as do most B owners I think!I used to be the biggest advocate of the Barchetta against the MGF / MX5 and MR2, but I just can't see any reason to buy one anymore.
Not just pretty to look at. The Barchetta was rated as one of the top 15 front wheel drive cars ever in Performance Heroes magazine (from the makers of EVO). The other finalists are pictured on the cover. I think the Barchetta has done remarkably well to be included when you consider some of the cars that didn't make the final 15.
The line up was Mk1 Golf GTI, Renault Clio Williams, Peugeot's 106 and 306 rallyes, Ford Focus RS, Golf mk5 GTI, Clio 182 Trophy,Clio 197, Peugeot 205GTI 1.9, Mini Cooper GP, Lotus Elan, Ford Puma, Corrado VR6, Honda Integra Type R and the Barchetta. The Integra was voted number one, if anyone is interested.
The line up was Mk1 Golf GTI, Renault Clio Williams, Peugeot's 106 and 306 rallyes, Ford Focus RS, Golf mk5 GTI, Clio 182 Trophy,Clio 197, Peugeot 205GTI 1.9, Mini Cooper GP, Lotus Elan, Ford Puma, Corrado VR6, Honda Integra Type R and the Barchetta. The Integra was voted number one, if anyone is interested.
Edited by skidrisk on Friday 25th March 11:10
Edited by skidrisk on Friday 25th March 11:11
I have been rattling around in a B for 4 years now and cannot rate them highly enough. For the first two years it was my daily drive, for the past two years it has been my second car for the sunny weather.
The car puts a smile on my face EVERY time I drive it, it handles very well indeed – much better than most FWD cars, it goes like a scalded kitten and gets lots of admiring views from other divers.
Unless you have driven a Barchetta you are not qualified to comment on the way it drives – I have driven Z3’s, MX-5’s, and a host of other RWD’s both on track and road. If you want ‘back out’ action then you need a RWD, if you want to go fast through corners without the rear end twitching then the chassis of the Barchetta is just perfect! It is possible to get the rear of the B out but it can be quite an unsettling experience!
The MK1 Barchetta’s were hand built by Maggiora in Italy and were better built than the MK2’s that were built by FIAT. The MK1’s were built up to 2001, there was then a break of a couple of years and FIAT built the MK2 from 2003-2005.
A good service history is a MUST. While the engines are bullet proof they do need regular servicing to stop the variator’s rattling and stop the oil wells clogging. I change the oil every 6,000 miles – maybe a bit of overkill but keeps mine running as sweet as a plateful of choux buns!
On the topic of cost, the Riviera is one of the most sought after models so a good one with less than 70k is going to set you back £4.5 – you might find a tatty one for a bit less.
I would suggest going for an LE, this will get you ‘leccy windows, leather seats and steering wheel, front fog lights and a couple of other bits. Also, try to find one with a replacement mohair roof – the vinyl roofs are a bit ill fitting and have a habit of cracking. You should expect to pay £2.85-£3.5 for a good LE, slightly less for the base model.
The cost of a variator change is around the £400 mark, DTR sports cars are the UK Barchetta specialist and were the cheapest place I could find – my local Alfa specialist wanted £580 for the same work!
Have a trawl through the posts on this forum, there is a lot of advice and buying tips here www.fiatforum.com/barchetta
The car puts a smile on my face EVERY time I drive it, it handles very well indeed – much better than most FWD cars, it goes like a scalded kitten and gets lots of admiring views from other divers.
Unless you have driven a Barchetta you are not qualified to comment on the way it drives – I have driven Z3’s, MX-5’s, and a host of other RWD’s both on track and road. If you want ‘back out’ action then you need a RWD, if you want to go fast through corners without the rear end twitching then the chassis of the Barchetta is just perfect! It is possible to get the rear of the B out but it can be quite an unsettling experience!
The MK1 Barchetta’s were hand built by Maggiora in Italy and were better built than the MK2’s that were built by FIAT. The MK1’s were built up to 2001, there was then a break of a couple of years and FIAT built the MK2 from 2003-2005.
A good service history is a MUST. While the engines are bullet proof they do need regular servicing to stop the variator’s rattling and stop the oil wells clogging. I change the oil every 6,000 miles – maybe a bit of overkill but keeps mine running as sweet as a plateful of choux buns!
On the topic of cost, the Riviera is one of the most sought after models so a good one with less than 70k is going to set you back £4.5 – you might find a tatty one for a bit less.
I would suggest going for an LE, this will get you ‘leccy windows, leather seats and steering wheel, front fog lights and a couple of other bits. Also, try to find one with a replacement mohair roof – the vinyl roofs are a bit ill fitting and have a habit of cracking. You should expect to pay £2.85-£3.5 for a good LE, slightly less for the base model.
The cost of a variator change is around the £400 mark, DTR sports cars are the UK Barchetta specialist and were the cheapest place I could find – my local Alfa specialist wanted £580 for the same work!
Have a trawl through the posts on this forum, there is a lot of advice and buying tips here www.fiatforum.com/barchetta
Hi all, well I bought a Bachetta a month ago. Collected it from Portsmouth and love it. Its replaced a 630hp supercharged vxr8 so I had to have something completly different!!! I only paid £1900 for it. Its a 1995 model (early one) which was bought in from Germany in 98. I have serviced it and replaced the variator/cambelt etc. As for cost of the variator got a new one off fleabay for £60. Dont know why the alfa ones sell for £60 and the Fiat ones for £120 when they both have the same part number!!
I have owned countless Fiats/Alfas and Lancias over the years so its good to be home...................
As yes I did consider an mx5, but they are everywhere, I like to be slightly different...............
I have owned countless Fiats/Alfas and Lancias over the years so its good to be home...................
As yes I did consider an mx5, but they are everywhere, I like to be slightly different...............
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