A cheap Italian practical two seater sportscar
Quite noisy compared to modern cars, but the noise for me is just part of the fun.
Generally unreliable headlight motors.
Mechanically I believe the x1/9 engine is excellent, however best to keep to regular servicing. No major problems to date.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th July, 2001
Overall a great looking car, great to drive (particularly with the targa roof off) let down by infer
Electrics are poor - particular problems with the headlights and headlight motors, the column switch burning out.
Brakes seize regularly.
Rust - particularly to the front of the car.
Poor electrics, brakes and bodywork are more than compensated for by great handling and a comfortable ride.
Performance is not great, but feels superior because of the low driving position.
Cornering is fantastic and predictable at all speeds.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th May, 2001
A fun mid engined 'true' sports car
Rear brake seized on one side.
Rust everywhere, from the inside out!
Accelerator cable frayed and jammed on full power!
Drivers seat fraying.
Various electrical faults.
Replaced archaic points ignition with an electronic unit from a Fiat Uno making a massive improvement.
Never really let me down apart from the snapped accelerator cable, but considering the car needed constant maintenance I'm not surprised.
Rust was the biggest problem, a small bubble of rust can turn into a major repair, the suspension area was the worst affected.
The brakes are non-servo but have good feel.
THe steering is excellent as is the handling, a good introduction to sports cars and repairing in general, if you don't repair/service it yourself it could end up costing a fortune.
Don't expect to be able to keep up with GTi's though, it looks faster than it is, but it'll certainly out corner many other cars. All in all a fun little 'true' sports car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th April, 2001
I had an X1/9 for several years along with a 124 Spider (which I kept 14 years). The X1/9 was a car you "wore" rather than drove. The man/machine connection was first-rate—indeed, it was really unity—and today in the US market there are no offerings like the classic Fiats.
Too bad they didn't have the quality right. That sort of problem is the death sentence in America. Other manufacturers can get the quality right, but only the Italians can make an Italian car with all the glorious Italian attributes.
Every time I see the rare Spider or X1/9, my heart jumps.
I think they are one of the most desirable cars ever made. The size, italian styling, revvy engines, noise etc make their faults, rust and everything else, minor. If I won the lottery I would buy a tuned one tomorrow. They are so cheap - £500 upwards that they should be everywhere, rescue one before they all rust away and are unaffordable.
A baby Ferrari, need I say more
New battery improved the electrics at the time of purchase. Had to replace the exhaust and steering rack gaiter.
A couple of surface rust patches around the wheel arches.
An excellent mid engined car, fun handling and good braking. Can be a handful in the wet due to the rear weight and poor windscreen wipers.
Very strong construction to meet US crash regulations !
Excellent light steering with amazing feel. Spares are easy to source from specialists and private breakers.
Economy is between 28 and 40 mpg (due to the weight of the car) and top speed is roughly 110 mph.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd July, 2000
Not a lot really. So far mainly just small things.
Fifth gear syncro needs replacing.
Fuel pump failed.
I've had the car 3 years and it has done 76,000 miles so not too bad.
The engine is very durable and free revving. As the engine is mid mounted the balance of the car is excellent and it really makes you smile!!! Couldn't get any other car for the same amount that is half as fun!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 25th September, 1999
14th Jul 2001, 08:17
I will agree with the points you mentioned, rust can be a real problem with these cars, I have just restored one to a good standard.
However knowing the right places to purchase parts i.e x1/9 owners club, can considerably keep the running costs very low.
I guess the only downside to running the X1/9 is the insurance being rated at group 12.
Absolute fantastic fun car.