1996 Fiat Barchetta from UK and Ireland - Comments

Oil pump failed, engine failure, cam-belt came off, at 30000miles.

Hood leaked.

Radio did not work.

Windows did not lift.

Engine repaired by Leamington FIAT dealer at a cost of GBP 1500.

Engine failed 2 weeks later as the camshafts had not been replaced the first time.

FIAT dealer refused to repair this at their cost. Another bill for GBP 500.

This car is very poor quality.

The dealers are the worst kind of 70's lags you will ever have the 'pleasure' to deal with.

The handling was OK, but it is still FWD.

The cabin is filled with terrible low budget materials which are fitted badly. It is not a nice environment, though it looks nice inside (from a distance - i.e. outside).

You can never relax driving it as you are terrified it will break down again.

Being a fellow Barchetta owner I feel the comments made are not indicative of Fiat itself, but of a generally badly maintained car prior to your purchase of it. I have had mine for 2 years and apart from the variator failing (common fault replaced by Fiat free of charge) and a new rear wheel bearing it has been trouble free. I think that sadly a small percentage of car buyers will always end up buying a duff motor which will then obviously put them off that make/model for life. I agree that Fiat do use cheap materials inside their cars, but the second hand purchase price of these cars reflect that. They are not TVR's, but fun affordable convertibles. The only thing that would ever put me off buying another one are the astronomical insurance costs!

Sure you didn't buy a Barchetta Del Boy version?? The car was built to a budget and last sold new at £11k. This is pretty cheap for a new car so you wouldn't expect bullhide leather and titanium ashtrays.. However I've found mine to be well screwed together, nice leather, aircon and does what it says on the tin. Its unusual to have engine issues. The 1.8 engine has been around for a while in several cars and apart from variator problems (pre '98) its fairly fool proof.. unless you forget to have it serviced or don't add oil..