Alfa Romeo Spider (1996 - 2004) 2.0 TS 16V Lusso 2d Owner Review

Widely regarded as a future classic, I think the Alfa has a little more character - and a bit more exclusivity - that the ubiquitous Audi TT or Mazda MX5 of the same era. It's surprisingly well built, with a very nice Momo leather interior, and excellent panel fit and paint finish. There's a bit of scuttle shake, but generally it drives very well. I use mine more of a cruiser than an out-and-out sportster, but on a sunny day, top down, a country lane with that Italian exhaust rasp its absolutely intoxicating. By the way, it’s also the first car that I've ever owned that's worth more now than when I bought it. Values seem to have bottomed out, and the prices of nice ones are creeping up, although its still a very cheap way into Alfa ownership and looks way more expensive than it actually is. It will need regular servicing and maintenance though to keep it in good shape. All of these are getting on a bit now so budget for the TLC it'll need to keep it well fettled. It's obviously not hugely practical, but the boot is deep and wide, if not very long, and the shelf behind the seats is just about right for a weekend holdall. But that's not why you buy it. Mine was bought as a fun weekend car, but I do actually use it regularly to get to work - the reality is its quite an easy car to live with, useable every day (although I don't use it in the rain or when the roads have been salted) and not nearly as demanding as people think, and has a huge fun factor that sadly missing in many modern cars.