Since no one else has offered an opinion, I'll toss in my 2 cents. I notice that you say you're "in the market for a new car".
Are you intending on using the Spider as a daily commuter? If so, what other 25 (or more) year-old cars have you considered, and if not, why not? Just something to ponder.
I think you'll find that (while some folks do use them as daily cars, most folks have a second vehicle as a back-up.
Alfa's are generally reliable cars, but the problem is (as with any 25 year old car), there are simply too many potential variables for anyone to give you a recommendation without an inspection of that particular one. When you get to a car that old, it's not even about miles any more - it's all about what maintenance the car has had, and what work it's going to need.
If you're just looking for a commuter convertible, and don't know or care much about the mechanical aspects of a car, you're going to be a lot happier with a Miata. Seriously - they're nice cars and (being much newer) are less likely to require anything major. Additionally they still have dealer support for the day you positively absolutely need it.
If you're seriously in love with an Alfa (and it's happened to everyone who posts here), then you would be best served to look at the listing of the Alfa Mechanics at the top of this board and have one of them examine the car before you buy it. $100 or so before hand will prevent any surprises.
So ... other wiser voices will chime in but I didn't want to leave you hanging...
Note: Pictures of the car will attract Alfisti - we love pictures!
Are you intending on using the Spider as a daily commuter? If so, what other 25 (or more) year-old cars have you considered, and if not, why not? Just something to ponder.
I think you'll find that (while some folks do use them as daily cars, most folks have a second vehicle as a back-up.
Alfa's are generally reliable cars, but the problem is (as with any 25 year old car), there are simply too many potential variables for anyone to give you a recommendation without an inspection of that particular one. When you get to a car that old, it's not even about miles any more - it's all about what maintenance the car has had, and what work it's going to need.
If you're just looking for a commuter convertible, and don't know or care much about the mechanical aspects of a car, you're going to be a lot happier with a Miata. Seriously - they're nice cars and (being much newer) are less likely to require anything major. Additionally they still have dealer support for the day you positively absolutely need it.
If you're seriously in love with an Alfa (and it's happened to everyone who posts here), then you would be best served to look at the listing of the Alfa Mechanics at the top of this board and have one of them examine the car before you buy it. $100 or so before hand will prevent any surprises.
So ... other wiser voices will chime in but I didn't want to leave you hanging...
Note: Pictures of the car will attract Alfisti - we love pictures!
