1986 Alfa Romeo Spider Graduate review from North America

The plastic cooling fan lost three blades (surely due to age), the O2 sensor heater wire shorted out the fuel injection system (protected by a fuse, so after an epic electrical diagnosis period, the fix was easy), and currently there's a wicked exterior head gasket leak which will require my mechanic's attention sooner rather than later. Other things the car needs, which I'll do by this Spring, will be a drive shaft rebuild, new motor mounts, and new rear axle limiting straps (all DIY stuff, indeed).

Despite it's many flaws, I love driving the car. It's fun, and it's a head-turner. You rarely see other ones on the road, which is cool. This is a maintenance-intensive car, so you need at least one of these things, and preferably, a combination of the three: 1) Some mechanical aptitude, 2) A good friend with some mechanical aptitude, or 3) A fully loaded checking account! If you lack items one or two, proceed directly to item three hah hah hah! Seriously... this is no Toyota. Maintenance and repairs will be required at least annually, but the rewards from driving the car are a psychological cure for all that ails you. Top-down, on a Spring or Fall afternoon, you'll have not a care in the world.