possible new owner

[drmitch]

Hi all,

I tried 3 different searches for fuel efficiency info prior to posting and got no hits so...I'll try asking a few questions.

I currently drive a 98 BMW Z3. I love sports cars, especially vintage...although I haven't OWNED a vintage one, I sure love the beauty and simplicity of them. I get about 22 mpg mixed city/frwy and of course have to run premium fuel. I'm hoping to get into something with far better mpg without winding up in a Yaris as I'm now up to $200/month in fuel cost. I was driving back from lunch today and passed a lot with TWO Alfa spiders sitting there. I don't know what year or what condition or how much they want but...I started to wonder if that MIGHT be a possible solution. This has to be my daily driver. So...those who are in the know...illuminate me! Is the Alfa a daily driver? I know it's going to be noisy and windy and all that...I've driven nothing but Miatas and Z3's since 2000. Is it reliable? Is it a constant headache? Is my fuel efficiency going to be markedly improved? Is it economical to run and maintain?

I thank you all in advance for your input.

[ghnl]

OK, I'll take the bait.

I drive our '84 Spider nearly every day. I get about 25mpg 'city' and 30 'highway' (regular gas).

The Spider has decent heater (at least compared to our MGB or MGA). And some have A/C. The top goes up/down in seconds from the driver''s seat.

If you are looking for a reliable daily driver consider an S3 (82-89) with Bosch L-jet FI or S4 (90-94) with Motronic FI (note those years require premium fuel due to higher compression pistons).

Rust is the big killer of Alfas. Generally rust is less of an issue with the S3's or S4's. Partially because they're not as old and partially because the steel was better and paint improved.

[yvesmontreal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by drmitch Hi all, I thank you all in advance for your input.

[MrT]

But if you can read and handle a wrench, you might consider the Spica Spiders as a fascinating piece of automotive engineering. Diesel-like fuel injection system but in-port instead of in-cylinder. And I've heard there are some shops in So. Cal. who know which end is up on these systems. Do you want an immediate driver or one you might fix up a little before driving? You could actually get either as right-now-transportation, but the S3 Bosch units might be better for you.

I had a Spica car with no troubles (but for hot start problems that turned out to be electrical connections to solenoid) and my son has the Bosch Spider which dropped him from the road due to a failed fuel pump fuse holder. Symptoms were clear enough that in 5 minutes we'd diagnosed it and were able to get it going. A thorough inspection would have caught that, as well as the jerry-rigged and taped ignition switch wiring that opened up unexpectedly in the first few weeks of driving it. Moral of the story? Get an older car inspected by someone who knows it, or get references for the seller as competent and thorough. But they're great fun.

[bianchi1]

.. i drive a s3 spider( 1984) never any problems..i can go about 330 miles on a tank at 70 mph... the only problem you might encounter on an s3 type spider, is a poss. head gasket change.. but that is a easy job to do...if you get on, change all the fuilds..all of them..

[Jimb]

This thread is very interesting as I too am in very much the same boat...coming over from a BMW E30 M3.
Why does the early 60's spider not get equal time here? To me they have real class.
drmitch, is it just the style of the 70's/80's that you are interested in?
Jim

[Nicola]

The newer Spiders - 1750 and 2 liter make more power
The older ones are harder to come by.
The Giuliettas and Giulias are GREAT cars if you can find one in good condition.

[bianchi1]

..simple... early 60's spider cost..A LOT OF MONEY..

[lgbalfa]

there are many threads regarding this topic of an alfa being a daily driver.

do a search and you will get excellent feedback.

remember that even the latest spider will be 14 years old.

like any 14 year old car you buy - it will require routine maintenance.

chances are the spiders you are looking at are more like 14-20 years old.

living in los angeles, there are many specialized alfa mechanics that should look at any alfa you are considering to purchase as well as for maintenance after you purchase it.

do you like to work on your own cars?

most alfa owners on this board are the "do-it-yourself" type of guys.

i think i am one of the few people that just have my mechanic handle everything.

this board is a wealth of knowledge for anything and everything alfa.

you can find almost any alfa part on this board and the people here can help you troubleshoot even something that you thought couldnt be fixed.

not properly maintained - you will wish you never bought it.

properly maintained - it could be the most enjoyable and fun car you have ever owned.

[BlueSpider]

I concur. My 109K miles '88 Veloce is a daily driver and avg 28mpg. Must be pampered, though. But that's the fun part, actually. Becomes a love story Please don't tell my wife Our recent MB and BMW are to see the little blue beauty get garaged everyday while they stick out in the driveway But the Alfa will reward you in real driving pleasure. And believe what you hear or others say: these cars have a soul and can be moody. Can not explain it - but it's so true.

[vf31rhill]

The Alfa is a fun fair weather car. For a reliable daily driver I have the Nissan Frontier Crew Cab. You have to have someting to go to the parts store in to pick up the Alfa parts.
Robert

[lgbalfa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vf31rhill The Alfa is a fun fair weather car. For a reliable daily driver I have the Nissan Frontier Crew Cab. You have to have someting to go to the parts store in to pick up the Alfa parts. Robert

[backfeeder]

I don't have a Frontier crew cab, it's a king cab, but the experience is the same.

[vf31rhill]

The Crew Cab is my 9th Datsun/Nissan truck in a row. First was 1300 pushrod Fairlady P/U. Tin can with an engine. Later versions were 1600 single overhead cam, 2000 SOC, Several Z24 SOC, early V-6, and current V-30 V6 engine. They just keep getting better and better. The V-6 Crew Cab is wonderful, flies on the highway, gets decent gas milage, and has the greatest creature comforts. Plus, 100% reliable. I love my Alfa, but we are talking apples and oranges here.
Robert

[drmitch]

Thanks for all the info. I stopped by the lot this a.m. and took a gander. The white one is an 86 Veloce with a somewhat rough interior. The black one has no info on it but says Quadifoglio on the sides with a little shamrock symbol. It's pretty rough inside as well and is missing one tail light so...based on all the advice, these are probably not as well-maintained as recommended. There's also a Fiat spyder on the lot but appears to be the roughest of the bunch. The cars on the lot in general are not primo.