Faults:

The bolts that hold the drive shafts to the wheels would regularly vibrate loose and then snap. Leading to me to always carry a spare set, tool kit and an axle stand which took up most of the very limited luggage space. I tried using Locktight on them, but it didn't help.

The gearbox main bearing collapsed, which also destroyed the alloy gearbox casing due to the fact that Fiat used the casing as part of the bearing. Had they used a proper ball race bearing instead, I wouldn't have needed to pay £500 (back in 1990) for a used (not reconditioned) gearbox.

Hydraulic clutch cylinder seals went and had to be replaced.

The electric motor which raised the headlamp failed. Had to be replaced.

General Comments:

I loved driving this car!! It was fast, handled superbly, and in the good summer of 1989 the targa roof off for most of the summer.

For a small 2 seater, I found it comfortable enough, though at 6ft tall the seat was at it's limit.

It always started first time, but I still considered mine to be unreliable for the reasons already mentioned.

Wind noise was always a problem, due to the removable fiberglass roof. Though it was easy to take off. Two clips inside the car, and it was off. There was space under the bonnet to store it (mid engine, so storage was in the front).

Faults:

Nothing major has gone wrong.

The plastic trim over the bumper warped a little and was discolored, but it was an easy fix.

Various seals have been replaced. Again, an easy fix.

General Comments:

After covering 157,000 miles, this car is still a dream to drive.

The compression is almost as high as the day it came off the showroom due to the short stroke of the piston.

It handles like a go cart.

It has plenty of power to beat any other car around a corner, cruise on the freeway, and have enough fun while staying out of trouble.

Forget what you've heard about Fix It Again Tony- this car is more reliable than any Porsche I have owned, or even Toyota for that matter.

If you can find one without rust in reasonable condition, buy it! You won't regret it.

Faults:

Injection ECU died in 1992, fuel injectors needed rebuilding, transmission syncros needed replacing, original seats rip easily.

General Comments:

Excellent handling car!! I've lowered the car, love the Targa roof, I also race a Fiat X1/9 (GT car), and use a 1978 X1/9 as my daily driver. I've replaced the seats with BiMarco racing seats.

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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!