Alfa Romeo Spider (1996 - 2004) 2.0 TS 16V Lusso 2d (2003/03) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Doesn't follow the crowd

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Love it

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes - the style is timeless and Alfa seem to have nailed the corrosion problems.

What are you likely to buy next?

Not the new Spider. I took a test drive and it did nothing for me - lackes soul. Post-script: I bought a Mini Coooper S Convertible (Works). Not as much charismer as the Spider but does it go!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£17,300

When did you buy the car?

April 2004

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes: ex-demonstrator. The depreciation will make you cry when it comes to selling it though.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Style and value compared to other drop-heads

What was the dealer like?

Excellent - I was expecting worse as Alfa dealers have a bad reputation

What's it like to drive?

Great - the engine and gearbox are a joy. Gear ratios mean you can win the traffic light Grand Prix if that's what turns you on and it'll keep up with most. Keep with the 2litre version though as the chassis won't handle the V6 Power.

What's it like to park?

Wide doors mean you have to choose spaces carefully to avoid door-banging.

Have you had any problems with the car?

One major - a steering rack fault which got replaced under warranty - and a couple of niggles with roof mechanism, again fixed under warranty.

What's most practical about your car?

Surprisingly comfortable over long journeys. I'm 6' and probably being shorter or taller might not give the same answer!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Rollover bars - make it stand out from the rest.