Used buyer's guide: Alfa Romeo Spider

Alfa Romeo Spider front static
  • Alfa Romeo Spider rear static
  • Alfa Romeo Spider interior
  • Alfa Romeo Spider alloy wheel
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4 Dec, 2012 10:00am Richard Dredge

Don’t be put off by Alfa’s reputation, the Spider makes a fine buy

Verdict

View the Spider as a tourer rather than a sports car, and you won’t be disappointed. Due to a hefty kerbweight, soft suspension and excess scuttle shake, it’s not as good to drive as an Alfa should be. Key German and Japanese rivals are all easier to live with, but they don’t offer the character of the Alfa. So while this is a car you buy with your heart rather than your head, decent reliability means it’s a much more rational purchase than you might think.

Nobody makes characterful cars like the Italians, so if you’re looking for a stylish drop-top that stands out from the crowd, the Alfa Romeo Spider is one of the most appealing choices.

With gorgeous lines and a well built cabin, the Spider makes every drive feel special. Plus, it can be better to own than Alfa’s poor reliability reputation would have you believe – you just need to find a good franchised or independent garage to look after your car.

History

The Brera-derived Spider soft-top, known internally as the Type 939, reached the UK in spring 2007. There was a choice of 2.2 JTS or 3.2-litre JTS V6 petrol models, or a 200bhp 2.4 JTDm diesel.

Within six months, the JTDm was boosted to 210bhp, and at the same time an auto option (called Qtronic) was introduced for the diesel and the 3.2-litre V6.

Aside from the launch of a Limited Edition in summer 2008, there wasn’t much development on the Spider until summer 2010, when a new 200bhp 1.7-litre 1750 TBi petrol and a 170bhp 2.0 JTDm diesel arrived. But both are rare.

Alternatives

The Audi TT looks distinctive and is beautifully built, and there are lots around. There’s a choice of front or four-wheel-drive cars, all offering safe rather than exciting handling, but TTs are easy to own.

The Mercedes SLK is also simple to keep on the road, and gives coupe-like refinement with its folding hard-top in place.

Cheaper options include the Mazda MX-5 and Honda S2000 – these rear-wheel-drive roadsters are ultra-reliable, great to drive and in plentiful supply. If your priority is driving fun, check out Porsche’s beautifully balanced and solidly constructed Boxster.

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Submitted by taskbeater on Wed, 2012-12-05 23:25.

Put off by negative reputation?? This reputation has been given by magazines like yours AE. I have been using a 159 since 2006 with no problems!!! Get a life!!

Submitted by BrickinaWall on Thu, 2012-12-06 10:46.

"it’s not as good to drive as an Alfa should be" I seem to have trouble remembering the last alfa that was good to drive...

"you just need to find a good franchised or independent garage to look after your car" - preferable marry into the family, sign over a kidney or baptise their kid - you will get to know them that well.

Submitted by sirwiggum on Thu, 2012-12-06 11:31.

My GTV was a hoot to drive.

Though it isn't everybody's cup of tea, especially those who frown upon anything more exciting than an a4 diesel.

Submitted by BrickinaWall on Thu, 2012-12-06 12:21.

If you're refering to the late '70s alfetta-based gtv, I agree those were great, apart from breaking down ALL the time, and rusting the rest of the time. But they were quick, as fast as a 944 in 3.0l v6 guise. The turbos were even faster, but the could not handle the power. But my 944 is still in the garage and still runs well, my gtv is a memory. The later '90s gtv and spider were a bit of a joke as a driver's car.

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