1997 Fiat Barchetta Spider 1.7 from Greece

Summary:

Affordable fun-car

Faults:

Water entrance during severe rain, through the windshield-roof joint, while the car was parked.

General Comments:

Excellent performance and steering. Very easy to drive even by less experienced drivers.

Very noisy at speeds over 150 kmh with the roof closed.

Ideal for countries like Greece because of the long sunny periods yearly.

Don't even think about it if you are married - it could ruin your relationship!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th August, 2001

1997 Fiat Barchetta 1.8i from Netherlands

Summary:

Great looks, good handling

Faults:

Variator replaced twice.

Paint peeling on the front bumper.

Headlight replaced.

General Comments:

Nice car, fun to drive. Attracts lots of attention, as it is not so common in Netherlands. Distinct body shape, nice interior, good handling.

Even better with a Novitec Turbo conversion (200+ HP).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2000

1997 Fiat Barchetta 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Wonderful to drive, wonderful to look at

Faults:

Air conditioning pipe broken - twice.

Variator - most fail & are replaced free by Fiat.

Exhaust heat shield - twice.

Exhaust - now replaced with a stainless steel one from DTR.

Various seals have worn.

A couple of strange engine cut-outs that cured themselves, blamed on electronic sensors.

Driver's side window sticky in cold, clunks in heat.

General Comments:

Looks great and handles beautifully.

Reasonably economical for the type of car except for the overpriced insurance.

Surprising amount of boot space.

Most problems are niggles rather than disasters, most show up under warranty - the trouble is they show up again once they've been fixed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th September, 2000