Forums69
Topics113,860
Posts1,343,374
Members1,659
|
Most Online731 Jan 14th, 2020
|
|
|
Advice - Fiat Coupe
#1206344
24/04/2011 20:21
24/04/2011 20:21
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
Hi everyone.
I'm new to the forum and looking at buying a Fiat Coupe as a sporty replacement for my current car. Seen one on eBay that takes my fancy.
Just wondering if there's any key things to look out for when buying at Coupe?
Also random question, I'm 6ft3'' Do people think I would struggle getting into the car?
Sat in one along time ago, just cant remember.
Many thanks,
ST
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1206809
26/04/2011 10:05
26/04/2011 10:05
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,525 Nuneaton, Warwickshire
JLow75
My life on the forum
|
My life on the forum
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,525
Nuneaton, Warwickshire
|
Welcome to the Forum - rest assured you are in the best place if you are interested in buying one of these 6 Rules: 1. Check out the excellent buyers guide on our Forum: http://www.fiatcoupeclub.org/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=7718#Post77182. Go for condition & history over mileage 3. Get a well informed Forum member near you / the car to accompany you to the viewing, better still if the seller accomodates, have it inspected at one of our excellent Coupe specialist garages around the country. 4. buy one off here! most for sale on here, owned by Forum members will have been correctly & very well maintained at one of the above said specialists. 5. don't buy a cheap one! there are 4/5 major jobs on the Coupe, which will more than likely need doing - the total cost of these jobs will be higher than what you paid for the car!. And finally get an insurance quote before you choose your model! Also something else to note, the unfortunate time has come due to age the Coupe is now starting to suffer from corrosion - so it's very wise to have the body inspected properly, particuarly the inner & outer sills.
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1206815
26/04/2011 10:19
26/04/2011 10:19
|
Bobler
Unregistered
|
Bobler
Unregistered
|
If it helps im 6ft2. not bought a coupe yet but test drove a few and you should have no problem getting in and getting comfy on one
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1206827
26/04/2011 10:38
26/04/2011 10:38
|
Duffy
Unregistered
|
Duffy
Unregistered
|
I'm 6'2 and have to adopt a 'relaxed' driving position but it's perfectly comfortable, I've also got taller seats than standard and a sunroof, so it is 'do-able'.
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1206857
26/04/2011 11:59
26/04/2011 11:59
|
Hammy
Unregistered
|
Hammy
Unregistered
|
JLow75 has some sound advice as does the buyers guide but point 5, regarding a cheap Coupe is not always valid.
There are cars at top money with idiots selling them (particularly AutoTrader and PistonHeads) whilst on here are cheaper cars with enthusiast owners.
Point 2 is the key point, judge on condition, history and what work it has had done recently, and more importantly what it will need doing in the next few months. I wouldn't let price be a guide too much of a worry.
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1206872
26/04/2011 12:47
26/04/2011 12:47
|
tim42
Unregistered
|
tim42
Unregistered
|
Great advice above; condition and history are crucial. Mileage is not - if you see a Coupe with ridiculously low mileage it will probably need everything doing! The engines and gearboxes are pretty bulletproof with standard or lightly modded cars (once you start adding extra horses beware ). Good luck, Tim
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1206885
26/04/2011 13:24
26/04/2011 13:24
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,336 Selby
Mansilla
My job on the forum
|
My job on the forum
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,336
Selby
|
I'm 6'4" and no problems with non-sunroof models. I can get in a sunroof model, but its tight.
1. Think of something witty and urbane 2. Imagine it written here
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1206888
26/04/2011 13:31
26/04/2011 13:31
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,101 highlands
jimboy
Club Member 857
|
Club Member 857
Forum is my life
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,101
highlands
|
Hi ST. Nothing I can add as good advice given about the Coop itself. One wee tip I was told by an old mechanic many years ago. Look at the make & condition of the tyres.If they are of the "el cheapo" brigade, he's possibly skimped on the rest of the car.
One last thing, I've purchased a fair few s/h cars in my time. Trust in that "gut" feeling. Stay lucky.
I'm an old git & happy with it,most of the time
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1206901
26/04/2011 13:47
26/04/2011 13:47
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
Thanks guys for all the advice, much appreciated.
It seems the non sunroof version is the one for me to go for then!
Is there a standard price I should look at paying? leaning towards 2.0L 20v Turbo. My budget is around £1500.
Again, thanks for the advice.
ST
Last edited by ST212; 26/04/2011 22:43.
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1207348
27/04/2011 13:47
27/04/2011 13:47
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
Is there a recommended model with better reliability then others?
Really fancy a coupe in sprint blue.
I'm getting the car as a project to work on and probably only use during the spring & summer.
Again, thanks for the advice.
ST
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1207358
27/04/2011 14:21
27/04/2011 14:21
|
suba
Unregistered
|
suba
Unregistered
|
Not really - but the turbos are going to cost more than the N/A cars to keep!
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: Kayjey]
#1207404
27/04/2011 16:00
27/04/2011 16:00
|
Hammy
Unregistered
|
Hammy
Unregistered
|
£1,500 is pretty much top dollar for a good 20V n/a example, any around this price should not need much work on it. Walk away from anything at this price with no history or that appears to have lots of faults.
Good examples maybe needing a cambelt change in the short term future (i.e 6months-12months) going for £850-£900 recently.
However there have been tidy looking 20V's going for as little as £600, even with a belt change (£450ish) you've got a Coupe for £1k.
Last edited by Hammy; 27/04/2011 16:02.
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1207878
28/04/2011 13:45
28/04/2011 13:45
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
Brilliant information. I've now printed off all the buyer guides too.
Thanks again for everyone's input. Much appreciated.
From what people are saying the non turbo could be the one to go for then.
ST
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1207980
28/04/2011 17:51
28/04/2011 17:51
|
nismo
Unregistered
|
nismo
Unregistered
|
From what people are saying the non turbo could be the one to go for then. but a turbo's more fun
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1208046
28/04/2011 21:07
28/04/2011 21:07
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
Nismo!! Exactly what I was thinking!! ST
Last edited by ST212; 28/04/2011 21:08.
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1208070
28/04/2011 21:49
28/04/2011 21:49
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
Also seen this Coupe on ebay - I know its quite expensive. Fiat Coupe on eBay I love the interior on this model. Just wondering if the silver dash surround (radio, buttons & clock) is standard or custom job? If standard, what model would have it? To be honest this is the first I have seen with this silver centre dash. ST
Last edited by ST212; 28/04/2011 21:51.
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1208084
28/04/2011 22:25
28/04/2011 22:25
|
proccy
Unregistered
|
proccy
Unregistered
|
its an LE (limited edition) which will have a plaque inside giving it's number in the LE list. nice looking example, but top dollar for sure imo
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1208683
30/04/2011 10:38
30/04/2011 10:38
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
Has anyone on the forum seen this? Fiat Coupe - eBay Very tempting but no interior pictures. Have requested them. ST
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1208858
01/05/2011 09:21
01/05/2011 09:21
|
suba
Unregistered
|
suba
Unregistered
|
Looks very clean - recent work has been done by FCCS as well.
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1208863
01/05/2011 09:53
01/05/2011 09:53
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,833 Haslemere, Surrey
Mark_S
Forum is my job
|
Forum is my job
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,833
Haslemere, Surrey
|
I would say go for a turbo, if you get 20v, you will only have to up-grade at a later date. I think the LE is potentially over-priced and the steel grey looks a solid bet at ca £2k. Good luck.
997 C4S
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1208868
01/05/2011 10:14
01/05/2011 10:14
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
Thanks again for all the advice. I've now found another Coupe that has taken my fancy, Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo - Grey Any thoughts on this one? Tempted as my personalised number plate can go on this one too. Am I also right that the steering wheel is height / reach adjustable? ST
Last edited by ST212; 01/05/2011 10:16.
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1208873
01/05/2011 10:43
01/05/2011 10:43
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,833 Haslemere, Surrey
Mark_S
Forum is my job
|
Forum is my job
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,833
Haslemere, Surrey
|
That looks an excellent buy !
PowerItalia are great specialists. The "Plus" leather seats are nice addition. Lots of money spent on clutch, cam belt and suspension re-fresh etc.
Wheel is adjustable for height and reach.
It go for this....
997 C4S
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1208889
01/05/2011 11:41
01/05/2011 11:41
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,370 Staffordshire
Nigel
Forum veteran
|
Forum veteran
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,370
Staffordshire
|
That red LE looks very nice, but I'd drop a grand off for the failed fog lamp TBH, the silver 20VT with the skirts and the Plus seats is a much wiser choice - it's been with Rog at PowerItalia for the last 35,000 miles of its life - this alone provides HUGE peace of mind. Clearly, the current owner is not scared of spending money as its required (rather than waiting for a failure). Given the price it looks like it will go for, its a far better choice than the (admittedly gorgeous) LE All the good Coupe buying guides say that for buying a ten+ year old Italian sports car, you should be buying on condition and history. Mileage and age are almost irrelevant now. I'd much rather buy a car with 100,000 miles and an obvious cherished life, than a car with half the mileage and half the history. I'm sure if you asked nicely and offered a beer or two, there would be a forum member that would accompany you on a viewing. Alternatively, why not ring Rog at AutoItalia and ask him about the car? - seeing as its been there a few times, I'm sure he'll remember it (especially as its unusual in having the Plus seats). I reckon he'd be happy to give you his opinion on the car and its owner's devotion to it.
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: Nigel]
#1208897
01/05/2011 11:57
01/05/2011 11:57
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,833 Haslemere, Surrey
Mark_S
Forum is my job
|
Forum is my job
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,833
Haslemere, Surrey
|
Agree with Nigel, I'd snap that up. A word of caution on hidden cost around the key fobs, once these go (physical degredation of fob) you can't get replacements. I changed mine to a different meta fob system, cost about £150 if I recall correctly. Good luck.
997 C4S
|
|
|
Re: Advice - Fiat Coupe
[Re: ]
#1208901
01/05/2011 12:10
01/05/2011 12:10
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
ST212
Unregistered
|
Thats brilliant Nigel.
Thanks for all your help.
Very interested in getting this car. Its got everything I want.
ST
Last edited by ST212; 01/05/2011 13:46.
|
|
|
|