Everything that could go wrong with this car probably did.
The wheel studs wore out and needed to be machined. The mag wheel were exotic and could not be sourced locally.
One headlight had to be imported from Italy. That cost me 200 dollars aud.
Shock absorbers also costed me a fortune to replace. I think they were McPherson struts.
The engine fell out due to stress fractures in the firewall.
The thermatic fan would cut out, frying the motor.
This all happened within six months of owning it.
The greatest mistake I ever made in my life was to buy one of these things. It looked like a nice hatch. It sounded awesome with a real sporty note. But after a short while things began to break and fall off.
But the car was so gutless. Once, with three passengers, it could not scale a hill and had to be driven down in reverse because it didn't have the power to get to the top.
Parts for this car cost me a fortune.
Even though I sold it for scrap fifteen years ago, I still awaken sometimes at night, in a lather of sweat, thinking that I still own it. The horror of what it cost me has never gone away. Every now and then I think it's still out in my driveway and I shudder.
Brought back memories! My 1978 128 sedan had all the same maladies, and more. RIP.
A definite heap of junk - my Mum bought one new in 1976, 2 years later the wiper motor burnt out and the brake master cylinder failed. After another year (1979) the CV joints went. in 1981 (5 years and 90000 miles) the engine had to be rebuilt, the boot lid fell off (rusted hinges),the engine support crossmember fell out (rust again!) and 2 front wheel bearings shot, a horrible little car...
I had a 78 in 83...same problems... best thing that happened, someone rear-ended me and it was totalled.
I took my 128 3p from the UK to Spain. In Spain the engine dropped, the tripod joints disintegrated and rear hatch bolts rusted. Great engine, nice 4-speed box though. I replaced many rusted panels in Spain from scrapped Seat 128 3p (which had a 1400 engine with terrible gearing). Eventually the front brakes locked solid and the car was no more.
These comments are right on and bring back some really bad memories. I bought a 78 128 sport coupe in the orange/red color--fantastic shape and loved the back lights as they were so different. I bought this in 1981 and sold it in 1982. Was in law school in Toledo Ohio, and it wouldn't start on an overcast day, the heater in the car would only get so warm (guess no warmer than it would be in Rome)and I would freeze my toes on my ride home on breaks. The motor would start to decelerate at whim on long trips and then you would have to pull over to the side of the road for 15 minutes and try again. A piece of crap! Got a lot of compliments on the back lights though!
Sounds like I am the lucky one. My 3p is excellent. Completely reliable and almost rust free.
It is faster and more economical than my 1.8 16v Ford Laser (In Nth Queensland I need a car with air-con).
It handles better than any FWD car I have tried with the possible exception of my previous 128 sedan which had less grip, but was easily recoverable from hilarious oversteer angles. The steering is as good as any car I have driven including RWDs.
It is economical and practical comfortable and not too noisy, even at a 5000rpm cruise.
I owned two 3Ps in the 1980s. Both were brilliant little cars. Fast accelerating and economical. Practical and pretty, and never expensive to run.
Yes the tartan seats frayed, and the wheel jack chewed the doors, and the heater was rubbish, but for 70's Italian car, only the doors would rot and the engine was unburstable.
I can't believe the stream on negative comments for such a sweet characterful and underrated car. Long live every 3P Berlinetta still on the road!
I had good times with mine, only had one serious problem due to Fiat steel (body by Kleenex, as we say about 70's Fiats and Alfas). I added my review to this site. I haven't had mine in years, but it's fun to go to the enthusiast web sites and remember zipping around in the 3P.
My son has just turned 15, and as I'm a lover of the 124cc, I wasn't surprised when he fell for a 1978 128 3p. He paid his $1200 and is now happy as a pig in *@#%.
I've driven his 3p and think it's the perfect little car. It's off to the body shop in 2 weeks for a complete makeover where it will stay the same silver and even keep its black go fast stripes.
In years to come when he sells it to buy the car he really wanted (Fiat Stilo Arbath) I'll buy it off him and add it to my collection of Fiat's greatest little coupes.
Another past owner here who can't believe the bad experiences of others.
I had my 1977 3P from the late 70's to the mid 80's & loved it to bits. My only problems later on were to do with rust in the bodywork but I surf so it spent a lot of time down the beach & most cars of that era were poor in this regard.
The performance was great, for the engine size & the handling was exceptional I thought at the time. Be interesting to take one for a spin now to see whether I'm looking through rose coloured glasses!!
Wasn't the cheapest car to run service wise but great on fuel. I'll very fondly remember my ownership days :-)
AT
Bought a brand new 128 3P in 1978. It was a blast to drive. I had a buddy with an Omni TC3 with a 1600cc motor. The little Fiat could blow the doors off the Omni. Only problem I had was with reverse. Had to hold the gear shift lever in the reverse detent or it would pop out.
I still own my two 128 3ps - one owned since 1985 and the other since 1988. I can't remember suffering any serious problems with either of them. While they were on the road, they were both a joy to drive, although I admit they were noisy at high speeds. Acceleration (0-60mph in a little less than 11 seconds) was very good in its day and still looks OK now. Mine would also top 100mph. They eventually fell foul to corrosion although they were at least 17 years old and I'm now restoring one of them. I'm looking forward to driving it again.
I have owned my 3p for 5 years now, and I would NEVER sell it. It took me 9 years to find a good 'un. It's a '79 silver special series with under 38k on the clock. The bodywork needs to be looked at soon, but the craic I have had with this car is unbelievable. I challenge any owner of a modern 1300 car to rev it to 9000 rpm without blowing it to pieces! Long live the 3p.
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