Alfa Romeo Spider (1996 - 2004) 3.0 V6 24V 2d (2001/Y) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

My car is yellow, and I like it that way. I like sports cars and I like nice looking things and I'm not desperately bothered about the opinion of others.

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

the smile and pat me on my head and say "there, there..."...imagining it's all just a phase.little do they know.... My wife isn't desperately happy with its lack of practicality but she forgives it when the sun is out and we go for a drive top down. It has a remarkably raffish air about it in the opinion of some

Would you buy this car again and why?

No, but only because I'm interested in trying out new cars as regularly as possible. Otherwise, probably, yes.

What are you likely to buy next?

A Jaguar that goes fast...very fast.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

August 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

I think it was an excellent deal and am firmly of the belief that had the previous owner known how rare this car actually was,then he may have, perhaps, as much as doubled the price

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I'd always wanted a convertible and this seemed to be the one to get especially as it came in Zoe Yellow. Plus I had heard much of that V6 Arese engine so was very keen. And I had no choice as my previous car had been written off by a third party who had probably just returned from a party

What was the dealer like?

A very nice couple

What's it like to drive?

Its generally a very good drive, not great but its better than average. It makes more sense not pushing it too hard, but just dropping the roof and cruising. It excels at this. Town driving is something of a pain though. If there is ever a pebble in the road, then you will feel it all the way through your spine. The ride is harsh, not just firm. Potholes or speed humps make me scream sometimes, not in pain, but because of the sound of the scraping! this is a low car, and you should watch out. Motorways and A-roads are desptached with relative ease. There is surprisingly little noise inside the cabin with the top up and top down, the wind buffeting is equally impressive but not really being a big issue, (as long as the windows are up). It is most comfortable gunning its way up straights, an

What's it like to park?

This car thinks its a jumbo jet....get ready for 30 point turns

Have you had any problems with the car?

Quite a few things, but perhaps these were expected. Clutch and Slave cylinder needed replacing having left me stranded on the M2. The roof motor needed a little coaxing to work properly but it was done without much difficulty or expense. Rear bearings. Spring pan arm, rear. Air con seems to have a chronic problem and suddenly the system is empty of refridgerant. Its been refilled thrice in a year and the problem isnt apparent. Oh and i had the cambelt changed as soon as i got the car as it was a new engine without a belt chage and the belt had been in for a while.

What's most practical about your car?

Nothing, but who cares. saying that, i have made a very long trip into central europe with the car loaded to the nines with stuff and if you use soft bags and dump the space saver from the boot, then you can pack in a surprising amount of stuff into that recess called a boot at the back of the car. Otherwise, its practical for overtaking slower cars at good pace.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Gadget: That V6 engine. Accessory: The electric black soft top when the sun's out Option: ermmmm...