Help in Buying a Barchetta

I'm thinking of buying a Fiat Barchetta to replace my wifes Seicento Sporting. Before I commit myself to doing the deed though, I was wondering if anybody could point me in the right direction as to any pitfalls of Barchetta ownership, along with any known or common troublespots that I should look out for when I've found one.
Are there are any colours to avoid.
Are there any advantages or disadvantages to buying a non UK car?
How easy is it to get replacement parts?
The reason for the change is that she has owned the Seicento since new and has only done 26,000 miles in 5 years, so I am going to change it for a car that I would drive more often (without looking an idiot, I'm 6ft) and have a bit more fun while doing so.
I would be very, very grateful if anyone could also show me some pictures of the Barchetta but the type that are not normally shown in the classifieds i.e. the boot, under the bonnet etc.
I'm in Scotland (where there aren't many for sale) so I appreciate I may need to travel to buy a Barchetta, that's why I'm asking so many silly questions.
Thanks

Hi Mate

Buying a B, ok the honest bad points. There very expensive for parts.
Things to check.
Body line up, do all the panels look alligned.
Exhaust (the fiat ones rust quickly)
Windows line up with the hood.
Plastic window is fine as it's expensive to replace
All Hood gromits are there and work.
All Boot and bonnet cables still work fine.
No knocks at low speeds.
Full service history a must.
ar is based on a punto chais.

Nice cars but insurance is a killer. I sold my 2002 after owning it from new, started to cost me a lot to run. Average 25miles per gallon in fuel.

Good luck and I think you will know if the B you see is right.

Just make sure the car is cold before you test drive it.

Hi

I test drove a Z3 yesterday, far nicer than the Fiat B, OK does nto have the Italian looks but the car is far more solid. This was a T reg with 30K on the clock.

My Brother bought a Z3 the 1.9 and it's so slow, the barchetta is lighter & more nimble & looks better. But will concede that the Z3 is better built.

Forgot to add this was the BMW Z3 M3. 321BHP.

Also look at MX5.

Barchettas are superb looking cars but the build quality annoyed me.

Have to admitt I like the build quality it's a very solid car but not as good as the BM but there is a 20K odd difference.

How can you put a £11000 Fiat B up against a BMW Z3 ??? thats what £25000 !??!

Thats like saying I have a £25000 BMW Z3 but its no way as good as my £50000 911 !!??!!

you think !!! hehehe



Soap box getting off now
Doc Orange Peel

True.

Just wanted to let people know that a Barchetta does not cost the earth to run at all but if you need a part or want some one to look at it be carefull as people try to rip you off being a left hooker.

Should cost no more than a Punto as it's the same car with a different body.

I did love my B but the rattles and quality got the better of me. If you do like Docorange person above then you will be ok. He bought a car and sounds like he's stripped it and made it better.

I will buy a cheap one for a weekend car soon. 2k or something.

hey so now that you sold the b your getting bitter with us nino??

i owned a bmw z3 not the m version but the normal 1.9 which was ssssssssssssssssllooowwwwwwwww!!i mean really slow

not that the barchetta is a rocket but its far more quick and it handles a lot better trust me it does!!
the m version of any bmw is amazing in power,but if i want power then i d go for the type R honda or the rx-8.with hp of around and above 200ps

[quote=dimitris_original]hey so now that you sold the b your getting bitter with us nino??

i owned a bmw z3 not the m version but the normal 1.9 which was ssssssssssssssssllooowwwwwwwww!!i mean really slow



Like the Murpheys "I'm not bitter". Loverly car for the price, best looking Convertible on the road no arguments there. It is a shame that, Fiat like Citreon and Pug have build issues. If Fiat made the B stronger and more reliable I would have kept mine. From buying it new it cost a lot of time making her happy all the time. Bits falling off etc. You all know the score. But she was my joy at the time. I will buy a £1500 B one day and strip her as my weekend project.

Do they not suffer from cam variator issues also? If so check for a diesel like noise at startup as this is the giveaway. You will need to remove the cambelt to get it fixed so you may as well combine the jobs together. Running with a duff variator will not damage engine but will reduce fuel economy and reduce performance.