Popped in to the Fiat dealership in Tarbes who are now also Mazda and Alfa dealers to get a price for cambelt etc change... had to have a lie down at over 800€!
They have the new 124 in so it would've been rude not to have a look, wouldn't it.


Seat back very narrow and, for me, not as comfortable as the 'B'. The major point as far as I was concerned was that the top of the 'screen surround was very close to my bald bits and as I clambered out hit the corner of the surround with both my right shoulder and head (no rude comments please). At 30,000ish euros not for me ta.


I'll stick to the 'B'.


Anyone else had a close look at it?

i just want to say the car is very beautifull , but... it is a shame that fiat did not make a originall and exclusive model of it's own .
just toke the mx5 project and put it litle more than the power train , new bumpers ,ligths and changed the logo ...

Hi Crachet,
Have you considered getting a quote from Norauto and Leclerc auto for the cambelt change? I would love to do my own cambelt change but would rathr see it done first before attempting it myself. I am given to understand that it is straight forward so surely Norauto and Leclerc should have the expertise and equipment to do the job!
SteveD

Steve, I tried Leclerc Auto when we first got the car and was told they won't touch it as they are a general service garage not specialist! Had the aircon in our 807 topped up at Norauto in Auch a while back and mentioned the 'B' to them and they were happy to work on it, so I think a potter up to them is in order.

I saw a blue one today driving in the rain, it looked amazing

Hi all, I have been enjoying reading the various reports on the new 124 and I think the Fiat would suite my driving style better than the new MX5, not that I am changing anytime soon. However, I was interested to note that the boot size is smaller than the Barchetta. Thought I would let you know as it is quiet on the forum at the moment.
SteveD

I really wanted to like the 124 Spider, but I'm afraid it just doesn't do it for me. I find the styling clumsy and unresolved. If you're going to channel a classic design, do it properly - like Fiat did so successfully with the 500 - not half-heartedly. It just doesn't scream "Buy Me!!!" at me.

The B, on the other hand, is achingly beautiful from any angle. It has real purity of design (OK, aside from the humble Punto underpinnings) and its beauty is timeless. I've had mine for 10 years now, and I still get a thrill just looking at it. I reckon the 124 Spider will look very dated, very soon. What a missed opportunity.

Well being a Fiat lover and owner for over 44 years I, like I always do, check in periodically at my local dealer to see what is new. I'm not talking new model but what tweaks, facelifts, anything else my local country market might be offering.

So, recent let's see, and yes the new 124 spider.

For me lacks the traditional, even cult Italian styling compared to the gorgeous Coupe and Barchetta.

Passing this over then my personal biggest criticism is that the handbrake is mounted on top of the prop shaft tunnel (not offset) and with the low and non height drivers seat adjustable they would have been better off having a roof mounted handbrake

There are certain things in a drivers, or Joe blog's car you have to get right and for me Fiat have really got it wrong with the handbrake. Too high, uncomfortable to operate, just a plain 0% to 5% class mark. Rest is pretty good but still massively lacks that Italian style and spark we are used to.

If I *had* to buy one, yes I would because it is a Fiat. Do I want to? ...... No unless I had to (e.g. our Barchetta was totalled).

So for me the new 124 is a 50/50 car BUT still a new and exciting offering that will no doubt please many.