I need oppinons guys

[Imowface]

A lot of the parts can be bought from stores like AutoZone (etc).  They just won't be OEM parts.  For instance, I replaced the fuel pump recently.  An actual Fiat pump was available from a specialty parts supplier for $279, but I was able to get a third party equivelent (that looks identical) at AutoZone for $84.

Of course not everything you might need is available that way, but it is worth checking around when you need something before buying it from the specialty supplier.

Here's my toy.
 
(Image removed from quote.)

very nice dave! did you buy it in that condition or did you put some elbow greese into it?

[PFactorDave]

It was in pretty good shape when I found it.  I have put a little work into it.  It only has 40k original miles and was clearly stored indoors and only driven on nice sunny days.  This is the 3rd Fiat Spyder I have owned.  This is the first one I have had that was fuel injected.  I kind of miss the carb and points.  On the older ones I owned, if something went wrong it was pretty easy to diagnose.  I dread the day that the electronics that control the fuel system on this one start to go wonky.

[PFactorDave]

By the way, this company is a pretty good source for parts.

http://www.international-auto.com/

[Imowface]

very nice   as you have probably seen my posts refering to the first italian car I have owned,  I found a cheap Merak ( what was I thinking) in rough shape, ( I am young, I should be able to fix it, right?) bought the car ( cool! I own a maserati!) get it home start taking it apart, finding all the hidden rust( it should buff out right?) starting to look for replacement parts for the worn ones (I didnt know it was that hard to get stuff nowdays with the internetz and what not) so all in all, a few months later, I end up putting it all back together, with the only thing I was able to do being changing the plugs and oil, and then I thankfully found someone to buy it who actually knew what they were doing, and I belive he actually did a full resto on it, but in the end I just lost way to much money, with that though, I belive I am going into this SZ knowing what to look for, and knowing the limits of my repair skills, and having the cash to get it done if I cant, some people still tell me though to stay away from it, so I am getting everyones perspective and doing a pros and cons sort of thing
I think this is worth it though:

[PFactorDave]

To put it in perspective.  I love my little Italian sports car.  But I wouldn't drive it as my primary vehicle.  It's old, and stuff breaks.  But I'm fortunate enough to be 41 years old with a successful business.  So, I can afford a toy car.  If something breaks, it sits in the garage until the replacement part arrives and I get around to making the repair.  I don't rely on it for transportation, we have a couple of normal cars for that.

If you are prepared to deal with the inevitable mechanical issues, meaning you can afford the repairs as well as get to and from where you need to go while the repairs are in progress, then I would say go for it! 

Besides, chicks dig a sweet little sports car.  (I had my first Spyder when I was in college, it attracted a lot of attention from young ladies!  Perhaps why I have such fond memories of that car!)

[Imowface]

well I may not be prepaired money wise to pay right away if something major goes wrong, I do have a second vehicle that I use for daily driving so If something were to break, it could atleased sit in the garage for awhile untill I get it fixed

[PFactorDave]

I do have a second vehicle that I use for daily driving so If something were to break, it could atleased sit in the garage for awhile untill I get it fixed

Well there you go then.  I'd go for it!

[redman555]

Italy is the best country on earth

Hot women, fun clubs, and cool people.  My entire family came over to America from Italy in 1900-1950.

-BigBOBCH