Hey gang, new poster here...

So I've been looking for a Fiat for awhile and I think I found a good deal.

It's a 1979 Spider 2000.

Here's the good: The engine and transmission are in tip-top shape. I took the car out for a test drive and was extremely impressed. It fired up right away, never stalled or shuddered and was very smooth. Clutch engagement was easy but precise. The interior is in fair condition--the wood dash does not need replacing, all gauges work. The seats are fine. The backseat is fine. There does not appear to be any rust except for a small spot on the trunk lid. The suspension seems solid.

The bad: The paint is shot. When I say shot, I mean that every panel has clear coat peeling off. Obviously a paint job would be in order. The top is in relatively OK condition, except that it is lifting at the back where it attaches to the car. The top mechanism (the levers and bars) are rusted and should be replaced. The center console is done, needs to be replaced.

All in all, the car was solid. I think the only things that need replacing are cosmetic. As a bonus, her mechanic will change the timing belt for $100.

The current asking price is a hair about $2k, but I would make an offer just below that.

This would be my daily driver: I want it to look nice. Not show quality, but not like a beater.

Do you think it's worth it? I realize I'm looking at either a lot of hard work prepping the car for paint, or quite a bit of $$$ to pay someone else to do it.

I realize that body work is a slippery slope and I'd hate to get roped into spending more to get a paint job then a nicer spider would cost.