Along came a Spider

[Major_Grooves]

I asked for ideas for a cheap executive car a few months ago.

Well, it wasn't quite one of the suggestions, but I have gone for a 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. It is the 3.0l v6 version. Apparently does about 145mph and 0-60 in about 6.5s.

Not bad for a first car me thinks.

52k on the clock. All for the grand sum of £4995. I think the price is pretty decent, especially when I see older models with more on the clock on sale for more (and here). I saw an article in the Summer which said this age/miles/model should be closer to £9k.

OK, fuel consumption is going to be terrible, it is a bit noisy and rattly and tax is going to be a tad expensive in a couple of years, but it is gorgeous and in great condition so I am going to enjoy it.

I will now regularly be sacrificing small animals to try and stop the Alfa gods striking it down with mechanical problems. Yes, I have got breakdown cover.

Sadly, I have surrendered by bike NCB for the insurance (Direct Line) as I was able to use the bike NCB on the car policy. So I'll probably be giving up bikes for a while.

More pics here.

To be honest, I used to think these Alfas looked kinda odd. I thought the headlights were a bit "beady" and the back was too square, but I have fallen in love with it now.
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[Villers]

I think youve just optiomised why we all buy different cars. It sounds like youve bought with your heart and went with the car you liked but wasnt the most sensible. I hate cars that rattle and creak and all that stuff but youve just said that and went on to say you love it, as well as the major mechanical risks and high running costs.

fair play to you bud! Even if your picture aint working

Picture appears to be working now sorry
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[bazza]

Make sure Clarkson and Hamster don't fill the engine compartment with cheese.
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[owdamer]

Lovely looking car that. Not sure i'd be brave (or have deep enough pockets) to buy an alfa. Lovely car though. Hope it works out.

[plugger147]

All convertibles make rattles and squeaks sometimes, I dunno why if it's the outside weather or a window gone up a little different to normal they just do. Some days you won't hear anything some days it'll sound like the doors have fallen off.

It looks sweet enough though, worth extra bills over the normal executive cars IMO.
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Tristan the wrote: just whipped off my trousers to find a big bruise on my arse, caused by matt rear ending me...

[Robby]

It's a pretty thing.
If they had made it in RWD it would be one of the most desirable cars for petrolheads on the planet. They made it FWD, and so the values dropped very hard, which is a shame in such a nice car.

Tempation to turn the engine around and use box, diff and propshaft from a 75 is strong.

[Mr Nice Guy]

Nice little thing, and I wish you luck with it. I just wouldn't own an Alfa after all the troubles my bro had with his 156... terribly pish car, hopefully the GTV is better made

Should sound fantastic, Alfa six pots seem to sound angrier than others
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[Cigaro]

Nice Alfa!

Hope it doesn't break

[Faldo]

Very nice. You'll never get bored of listening to the exhaust with the roof down.

I had a 97 2.0 Spider for a while about two years ago, it did creak a bit and had a bit of chassis flex but I still loved driving it, even the four cylinder ones sounded good.

The look of the Spider may not be modern any more, but it's still a very good looking car IMO (Apart from the ones in that colour! ). Certainly better looking than the current crop of tin topped cabrios.

Hope you enjoy it!
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[Annabella]

I hate you.

A lot.
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[MarJay]

[Annabella]

[MarJay]

[Bendy]