New Alfa Romeo seeker

[xeptnl]

Hello All --

I'm new to the forum and am in search of my first Spyder to use as a daily driver throughout the freeways of Southern California. I have a few leads and have test driven a low mileage 85 Veloce (only 35,000) which was one beautiful ride. I would like to know your opinions on what to look for, what to look out for and anything else that is applicable for how I would like to use this car (driven daily).

I am currently a very proud owner of a 1985 FIAT X1/9 that I have done TONS of work on and is now a very nice car. Also own a 2001 ML320 and a 96 Acura Integra, which is going up for sale immediately after my Sypder purchase. Yes, I'm converting to Euro :)

I would like to find the best possible car at a great price, preferably 86 and newer that needs little to make it great. The Alfa Sypder is my dream car from my teen years; any help is very appreciated!

Thanks,

[KJE]

Hi

Wow, a Spyder as a daily driver, a brave man!!!

Really, I'm living in Germany for 3 years. Have a 76 Spider at home as a sunny day weekend car. Now driving a rental '02 Spider. My first car was a '79 X1/9 (actually, one for driving, 2 others for spares :)

Sorry can't help you out with late 80s spiders, only have experience with older and newer ones!

I can tell you that they all look great, sound great, but don't expect anything with electricity flowing through it to work reliably. But then again, with your Fiat you should be used to this!! (the headlights on my X1/9 would sometimes decide to flap up and down, not even in synch, until I pulled the battery lead. That always impressed my dates...)


I'd recommend a nicely restored older one, even a boat tail duetto. Mnimal electonics, probably quicker than the newer, heavier ones, and IMO even better looking.

a pic of my German Spider

http://makeashorterlink.com/?K153246E5

pic of the rental Opel Speedster my friend and I took to the Nurburgring 3 weeks ago. This car is soooooo much more fun to drive than the Alfa, sadly

http://makeashorterlink.com/?P463126E5

can't find a pic right now of the '76 spider, but its bright red with a big air dam the previous owner put on. Doesn"t actually look bad with the "turbine" wheels and red spoiler on the tail.

cheers

Kurt

[xeptnl]

Thanks for the info....and don't do that to me! I am sooo jealous that you all over there get to drive such cool Alfas! :):):)

I know about the electrics in these cars, and yes my FIAT is no exception. I have done a few mods to help it and gone through piece by piece to ensure good connections and everything works fine. Guess I have prepared myself for the Alfa. Thanks for sharing your opinion. I really do like the look of all the Spiders, each and every year - the late 80's was when I started drooling, so I guess that's what I'm stuck on.

Last week I had the chance at an 87 with 90k on it and lot's of new parts. I balked because I felt the PO was just trying to recoup what they put in and I thought the car should have sold for a little less....regardless, I'm still looking!