| Author | Message | ||
| Rodney Haas (Icars)
Member Username: Icars Post Number: 355 Registered: 3-2002 |
I always judge reliability on "what car would you jump in to and drive cross country" for us this is our annual trip from Texas to Florida. I would do this trip in either the Ferrari or FIAT without worry. I would do the trip in the Maserati Indy, but would worry a little. All the other cars I would not do the trip in. We in fact drove the Ferrari to Florida last January. We plan on doing the same for next year in February. | ||
| Dom Vitarella (Dom)
Member Username: Dom Post Number: 300 Registered: 11-2002 |
Neither of my Alfa's have left me stranded (knock on wood!!). Sadly, I don't own the spider anymore, but the 164 is my daily driver. Dom | ||
| Rodney Haas (Icars)
Member Username: Icars Post Number: 354 Registered: 3-2002 |
No real big issues with the Indy, mainly just problems with the dual points. Also had a few issues with sticking webers, but all that is fixed now. Just the standard stuff from a car that sat for a while. The only reason it is behind the 86 BiTurbo is that the 86 was a perfect "cream puff" when we purchased it. The previous owner had a chains of oil change places. The car was always rather babied. The only cars that ever left me stranded were the ALFAs and the 84 BiTurbo. Yep and forgot to mention my Lancias. They come behind the Indy, but better than the ALFAs. Had a slight problem with the A/C belt breaking on my 16V Scorpion and being ingested by the timing belt... rather ugly.... But my stock Scorpion never had an issue. Except of course a lack of horsepower. | ||
| Russ Turner (Snj5)
Member Username: Snj5 Post Number: 325 Registered: 2-2003 |
What kinds of issues came up on the Indy? Seems like a straightforward piece of machinery. Webers? | ||
| Rodney Haas (Icars)
Member Username: Icars Post Number: 352 Registered: 3-2002 |
In my case all the cars are worked on by the same shop. Best to worst reliability has been: 1) 81 FIAT Spider 2) 73 Ferrari 365 3) 86 Maserati Spyder 4) 72 Maserati Indy ( Really about even with the 86) 5) 76 ALFA Spider 6) 86 ALFA Milano Now for the worst... 84 Maserati 225 Coupe Really ... fast really a break down waiting to happen. | ||
| DGS (Dgs)
Junior Member Username: Dgs Post Number: 176 Registered: 5-2003 |
How times have changed. Back when I traded my Fiat 124 on an Alfa Spider in '79, Fiat parts were back-ordered all the way to the bauxite mines.  As with any Italian, the reliability depends on the quality of service. The Fiat service I did myself, while the Alfa service I had done by a good mechanic -- so my Alfa was more reliable. Today, I guess DIY service would beat four out of five average repair shops. But the Alfa isn't any harder to work on than the Fiat was. In many ways, it's easier, once you get past the learning curve. | ||
| Rodney Haas (Icars)
Member Username: Icars Post Number: 351 Registered: 3-2002 |
I have owned ALFAs (Spider & Milano). I Currently own a FIAT Spider as my "bad weather" / really nice day car. I must agreee that parts for FIATs are pretty much 1/2 of ALFA parts. I found my 81 FIAT to be more reliable than either ALFA. Now on the other hand I still like the looks of the ALFA better. The ALFA is more of a chick magnet. | ||
| rich (Dino2400)
Member Username: Dino2400 Post Number: 362 Registered: 10-2001 |
I'm not anti-Alfa and have almost bought a few but...somehow I've come to prefer Fiat. Alfa's have more status, and some models are more attractive and occasionally more powerful, but you'll get much more for your money if you buy a Fiat instead of an Alfa. You'll get a fully sorted or restored Fiat for the price of a driver Alfa. Parts are cheaper and the owner's community more open and helpful since it's more of a DIY marque than Alfa. Drop in to the forum at http://www.mirafiori.com | ||
| DGS (Dgs)
Junior Member Username: Dgs Post Number: 173 Registered: 5-2003 |
The contact info I have is a little old, but I sent it to you in a PM. Good luck. | ||
| Michael Zaic (Mikez_nj)
New member Username: Mikez_nj Post Number: 31 Registered: 12-2002 |
DGS - Thanks for the info. Does he own a shop, or just work on them for fun? Update: The insurance is now taken care of. I can't get classic insurance anywhere (2 moving violations in the past 3 years - don't get me started!), but I'm adding it to my regular insurance plan. Basic coverage, just liability is $1200. Not *that* bad, but it still stings. Having got the insurance info, I put a deposit on the car, and I'll pick it up next Thursday. Pictures to come soon! -Mike | ||
| DGS (Dgs)
Junior Member Username: Dgs Post Number: 171 Registered: 5-2003 |
I bought my '79 Alfa in 1979 -- and I still have it. If you have to resort to professional mechanical help, look up Peter D'Amico in Vineland. He always kept my Alfas running perfectly when I was living in the Atlantic City area. I could call him up, describe the sounds the car was making, and he'd tell me what was wrong with it, and how to get it running well enough to drive to the shop. Never needed a flatbed. | ||
| Michael Zaic (Mikez_nj)
New member Username: Mikez_nj Post Number: 30 Registered: 12-2002 |
Thanks for all the encouragement! ...I'm STILL waiting about the insurance - I hate NJ insurance... >  -Mike | ||
| Tazio Nuvolari (Nuvolari)
Member Username: Nuvolari Post Number: 251 Registered: 9-2002 |
Michael I bought an Alfa Spider in 1993. It was a 1979 and I still consider the Spider to be one of the prettiest cars ever produced. I bought it when the Miata was all the craze and to this day I have a special contempt for the Miata. It is everything the Spider is not (quiet, safe, fuel efficient, comfortable, ETC.) but it can never be a Spider because it has no soul or style. I loved my spider and will surely own another. It is a fantastic car that should never be considered a substitute for a Ferrari. BUY YOURSELF THE SPIDER MAN!!!!! Those beautiful drives you will spend with your girlfriend are the things of memories. | ||
| Russ Turner (Snj5)
Member Username: Snj5 Post Number: 312 Registered: 2-2003 |
Alfas rule. My first was a 71 1750 spider back in 1977 - If I had to say what car gave me the absolute most enjoyment of all of them - that would be the one. Once sorted, you are going to love it. An Alfa, like a Ferrari, is a pure expression of the Italian passion for motoring. Just terrific - have fun! | ||
| Michael Zaic (Mikez_nj)
New member Username: Mikez_nj Post Number: 29 Registered: 12-2002 |
Dom - thanks for the advice! My girlfriend (soon to be fiance) lives at the Jersey shore, so I'm looking forward to some top-down rides during the summer.  I'm checking out the links right now! -Mike | ||
| Dom Vitarella (Dom)
Member Username: Dom Post Number: 281 Registered: 11-2002 |
Mike, Check out the Alfa Digest (www.digest.net). Lots of alfa guys there, can give you great advice. Like a ferrari, get a PPI- it will save you money on the long run. My first Alfa was a 1979 spider. Loads of fun. I was living in North Carolina (Raleigh area) at the time, and my fondest memories of the car are driving to the NC coast with my wife and the top down in the car. Also, I think you will find the Alfa Spide FAQ really helpful. It is located at: http://spiderfaq.home.att.net/ Good luck, and if you have any other questions, send me an e-mail. Dom | ||
| Michael Zaic (Mikez_nj)
New member Username: Mikez_nj Post Number: 28 Registered: 12-2002 |
I'm probably going to buy a 1978 Alfa Romeo Spider this week. I've always been a Ferrari nut, and I love the Pininfarina stylings. At 23, however, I'm still a bit away from Ferrari ownership. I've always loved the old Alfa spiders though, and at a car dealership near my girlfriend's house, I stumbled upon one. It's far from excellent condition, but mechanically, it's pretty sound. The guy I spoke to said that it only needs a new fuel pump. It does need cosmetic work done. The convertible top needs to be replaced, soon to be followed by the interior carpets. Rust isn't much of an issue - there are some rust spots, but the frame is solid. It's going to be a second car/ongoing project for me. I'm getting it for a ridiculously low price, and the insurance will be next to nothing, as I will have a special classic insurance on it (I won't be driving it over 3000 mi/year right now...). I'm really excited about this; I feel like it's my first step towards an f-car, and this has always been one of my dream cars. Does anyone have any experience with Alfas? Am I hyping myself up too much? Thanks - I want to tell the whole world about this car, but most people don't care! I'll update if/when I get it (just waiting on the final word from insurance!). -Mike |