Faults:

I put a new head gasket on it, because the previous owner didn't do it right.

I went through and replaced the brake components, because it was sitting for a while.

Small rust bubbles in a couple of spots around the car.

I like to keep the timing belt up dated because the head isn't clearanced.

General Comments:

The car is a blast to drive! Sexy fun and looks. The best handling car I've drove. This car has brought me Italian design and engineering at an affordable price. When I was a kid I dreamed of driving a go-kart across the United states, this car can make that dream come true.

The car does take routine maintenance to be reliable. Like changing the timing belt every 30,000 miles, lubing the rotating head lights often and flushing the cooling system. But if you keep up the maintenance you will have a car you can drive anywhere.

This is my fourth one. One of the X1/9's I had was involved in an accident. The car was totaled by having the front half of the car crushed. I dislodged the targa top with my head. It didn't come off completely. I don't believe it would have happened if I had my seat belt on. I didn't get any injuries! This car is very safe despite it's size.

This car isn't snow friendly. Not because of it's driveablity. On the contrary It handles great in the snow. But because of the poor rust prevention from the factory. The car will rust out from under you if you don't maintain the cleanliness of the car. Even then it will rust. It must be garage kept.

Not really comfortable for someone over 6 feet tall. The cockpit is cozy small with all the gauges within reach even the passenger side door lock and opening lever. In my early models the gauges are difficult to see and require you taking your eyes off the road longer than one should, but the later models have repented of this with highly visible gauges and a unique RPM gauge.

The exterior is sleek and sexy to look at. Designed by Bertone (a legendary couch builder at the super exotic level) the car has a unique silhouette that has obviously been copied by GM, Toyota, dare I say Lotus, and others. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Where would we be if Fiat continued building these cars today?

The mid engine is key to it's handling, but makes it difficult to work on.

I highly recommend the X 1/9 for any one. Just do your home work before driving it.