Faults:

Brake discs.

Torn soft-top (vandalised).

Fractured power steering pipe.

Cracked exhaust downpipe.

Worn floor-pan.

Damaged/bent wheel studs.

General Comments:

Dealer support is shocking and expensive. Use the internet for alternative suppliers, and use reputable alternative or specialist repairers.

Fast, reliable car with great character.

Looks fantastic and attracts interest.

The car is unique in the UK.

Great fun to drive & VVT is excellent!

Seats are soft and uncomfortable.

Faults:

A faulty clutch bell housing required a new clutch, which was fitted under warranty at 17,000km.

The exhaust failed at 80,000km and was replaced with an aftermarket item (DTR).

Some paint chipping on the bonnet.

General Comments:

A beautiful car inside and out, the cabin is a triumph of design. It's comfortable and cosseting without ever feeling cramped and the driving position is near perfect, with loads of leg- and headroom for a six footer.

The vinyl roof is tough, easily raised or lowered by one person, and stows neatly underneath a solid, body coloured tonneau cover.

The boot is deep and has plenty of space for a week's (soft) luggage for two people. There's additional stowage space under the tonneau cover if the roof is up.

It's a pleasure to drive: quick, grippy and responsive, with strong brakes. Only a lack of rigidity lets it down, leading to some scuttle shake and a lack of body control in high speed corners.

The comfortable cabin and excellent fuel consumption make it a good car for long distances.

Despite some horror stories from other owners, mine was near faultless, and never let me down in four years. Barchetta quality does vary, but if you get a good one, they're a delight to own. They're always happier if used regularly - mine was my everyday car, used daily. It was always driven very gently when cold, and never used for short trips.

Many owners have the oil changed every 10,000km - twice as often as the handbook says.

Faults:

I have encountered no problems with my car.

General Comments:

This car is quick and very responsive.

The cabin in my model is full leather and beautifully made.

The soft top can be put down fast and easily.

To compare it to the MX5 or the MGF would be easy, the Barchetta would win no problem.

Faults:

Roof has cracked over the hinge. Tends to leak a bit at the junction with the windscreen when parked, but not when driving.

Variator replaced free of charge with no quibbles by FIAT of Southend.

Bootlid tends to dent easily.

General Comments:

I bought it because I loved the styling, thought it sounded like a proper roadster (with DTR exhaust) and was not as common as the MX-5 or MGF.

Cabin works well with great steering. Gearbox can be tight if changing in a hurry.

Nippy round town, but best on the country roads. The only time left hand drive is a problem is when you are trying to overtake on a dead straight road with no passenger. Cruises at 160Km/h if required, where allowed.

Handling as good as can be for a light, but poky front-wheel drive car. A bit skittish over uneven roads in the corners. The bonus of FWD is that the boot is therefore big enough to take a half set of golf clubs or enough luggage for a holiday for two.

Other problems? The build quality is definitely more Italian than Japanese, but then the Barchetta actually looks good.

Last time the girlfriend borrowed it for 5 days she got asked out 3 times!