Used buyer's guide: Alfa Romeo Spider
Don’t be put off by Alfa’s reputation, the Spider makes a fine buy
How much?
Most V6s we found had a manual box, which is no bad thing, but they’re more costly; prices range from £13,000 to £19,000. The more common 2.2 JTS costs up to about £18,000 (for a low-mileage 10-plate), while the newest diesels fetch £1,000 more. You’ll be doing well to find an auto; virtually all of these cars have a manual gearbox.You’ll need at least £9,000 to buy this generation of the Spider; that secures a 50,000-mile 07-plate 2.2 JTS. For £1,500 more you can get an early diesel, while you’ll need to spend from £11,000 for a 3.2-litre V6 auto.
Running costs
| Model | Insurance group | Fuel economy | CO2 emissions | Annual road tax |
| 1,750 TBi | 34 | 34mpg | 189g/km | £250 |
| 2.2 JTS | 28 | 30mpg | 221g/km | £270 |
| 3.2 JTS | 37 | 25mpg | 262g/km | £475 |
| 3.2 JTS Q4 | 37 | 24mpg | 273g/km | £475 |
| 2.0 JTDm | 32 | 52mpg | 142g/km | £135 |
| 2.4 JTDm | 30 | 41mpg | 179g/km | £215 |
Whatever engine is fitted, the Spider must be serviced every 21,000 miles or two years, although cars used for short trips and urban driving should be checked annually. Models with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) may also need more frequent maintenance; a dash display will say if it’s required. Servicing costs for four-cylinder Spiders range from £385 to £583; on the V6 it’s £394-£796.
Petrol models are chain-driven, but the cambelt on diesel Spiders needs replacing every four years or 84,000 miles (for £400). Also required are fresh brake fluid every two years (£54) and coolant (£115), although there’s no set renewal schedule for the latter.
