Hi
I have had a 1999 Barchetta for over a year and a half now, I have been upgrading and returning it back 2 A1 condition but as i drive it everyday at the mo this will not happen until I get a second car for the winter. Feel free to drop me a email at
[email protected] and I will be happy to chat with you about all things Barchetta related.
Below are a few things when getting your hands on a little boat:
Bumpers are in good condition with no cracks as second hand replacments are £140-£200 on ebay and will not always be mint anyway.
No panel damage at all if possible.
Chips on the bonnet are normal on the Barchetta thanks 2 the tree hugging green paint used by Fiat, so look out for repainted front ends. This is not a problem but look under the front of each front wing at the head light, make sure the wing is undamaged around the light area from a front end shunt. The front wings are a real pain to replace and the cost is painful.
The B is good when it comes 2 rust but keep an eye out around the inside wheel arch lips, you can get small amounts of rust starting.
Seat belts sag, if the ones on the car do, look at the inside of the door for dents. Replacment belts are £45 each from Fiat.
The soft top conditon should be mint as replacments are £400 ish for a mohair plus replacment rubbers round the windows are £50 each from Fiat and you have 3 on each window $$$
look at the exhaust condition, It should be a stainless steal DTR replacment by now or it will be £260-£300 with fitting for a new one when it does crack, and if its the Fiat exhaust that it will.
Exhaust down pipe in good condition as replacment is £120.
Heater matrix working with no coolent in the foot wells or funny smell when the heater is on. This will be a £400-600 fix. Mine will need doing in the next year or so and at that cost I will be fitting it myself because the part is only £80 :-(.
Rear wheels have no lateral movement as the swing arms bushes go at some point. £100 each replacment with fitting.
check wheel Bearings are all ok with no noise while driving or play on the wheels. Mine needed replacing after 80000 miles. Fitting is easy and can be done yourself.
Should have lots and lots of paperwork on services and replacment parts.
Any good Barchetta will have lots of DTR paperwork.
The engine is real good in the B's, but the variator will need doing if you get any diesel sounds on start up. I fully service my car once a year with DTR and then I do a mini service myself every half year.
Golden rule
Pay the extra up front and get a mint one that has been well looked after as it will save you loads in the long run.
If you are looking at one older then say 2001 - 2002 forget about the age and the milage of the car, look at the amount of time and money spent servicing and looking after it. I would go for a 1998 well looked after B more then a 2000 avarage B.
Fiat parts are $$$$$$ and can take ages coming in.
Eg leather gear know £145 pound !!
mad money !!
New shape or old shape ??
This is a personal choice, as for me, I like the old shape without the brake light in the boot. (pre 2000, thus I have a 1999) One thing i have picked up on is that all new shape Barchetta's never come with Leather seats.. not sure why ??
You can have them upholstered in Leather for around £500 as well as get the door handles and door cards done in leather also.
If you are using the car all year round, pick up a second hand hard top from Ebay as this is a must for winter driving. Cost £400-£500.
hope this helps,
Doc Orange Peel
