Fiat 124 Spider cars

What types of used Fiat 124 Spider cars are there?

The original Fiat 124 Sport Spider (1966-1969) was one of the most popular cars of its time and was later improved with the second (1969-1972) and then third generation (1972-1983), with the sporty Fiat Abarth 131 Rally being introduced in 1972. 

Fiat revived its convertible sports car in 2016 (until 2021) naming it the Fiat 124 Spider, available in Classica, Lusso, Lusso Red Top Edition and Abarth trim. 

– Read our Fiat 124 Spider review

What features does the Fiat 124 Spider have?

All models get a seven-inch display with Bluetooth connectivity and a radio. They don’t come as standard with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but those can be added via a third-party. 

Other features include a leather steering wheel, cruise control, air-con, comfortable yet sporty and supportive seats and a decent six-speaker sound system so you can blast all your favourite tunes with the roof down. 

The standout feature is its six-speed manual gearbox, which has a short shift that means every gear change is mechanical and precise. 

Is the Fiat 124 Spider reliable?

Now Fiat is owned by Stellantis, reliability is far better than it once was. But the main reason you shouldn’t worry about the 124 Spider is because it’s built on Mazda’s production line, so you can expect great things. 

Every new Fiat comes with a standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty that can be transferred to subsequent owners. 

It’s safe too. While it hasn’t been directly tested by Euro NCAP, the MX-5 scored four out of five stars in 2015, making it impressive for such a small car. 

Onboard safety equipment includes airbags, an active bonnet (which is when the rear portion of the bonnet is raised to better absorb an impact with a pedestrian), seatbelt reminders and a passenger ISOFIX child seat point. 

How much does the Fiat 124 Spider cost to run?

Unlike the Mazda, the Fiat 124 Spider doesn’t have a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine, and instead comes with a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine with different brakes, steering and suspension. 

This shouldn't make it more expensive to run because the engine efficient, offering around 44.1mpg, which – for a sports car – is good news. 

If you want more performance then there’s an Abarth version that produces 30 more horsepower, has more aggressive styling, uprated suspension, a limited-slip differential and powerful Brembo brakes. 

The Fiat 124 Spider sits in insurance group 25, which is slap-bang in the middle of the groups. Insurance costs will vary depending on factors including the driver’s history and where the car will be kept. 

As for general maintenance costs, these could be higher than with your average car due to the sporty nature of the 124, but it sits on reliable underpinnings. 

Who is the Fiat 124 Spider suitable for?

A used Fiat 124 Spider is perfect for a young professional wanting to make the morning commute more enjoyable or someone who’s looking for a fun weekend sports car. 

No matter who you are, the 124 Spider can adapt into your life rather well. Whether you’re an enthusiast or not, you’re going to get respect in one of these.