my wife needs a new car, and it seems silly to own 4 cars. I'm planning on selling the Z, and she is planning on selling her car. We are planning on buying another car so that we have 2 good cars between us. Since I can't find a decent Z in our price range to use as a driver/parts car in the interim, i'm looking at Fiats, Alfas, and Miatas.

Any suggestions?

BTW, I'm not out of 240Zs PERMANENTLY, just until i have time for a rebuild...

Well, that just sucks.

Since you brought up only Fiat, Alfa, and Mazda, I'll give you my opinion on the two that I know. I've had a Fiat (124 spyder) and it was a blast to drive. The heat didn't work. ever. Of course, being in San Diego, the heat issue probably won't matter. The simple 4 cylinder engine is easy to work on, and quite robust. My '75 put out 99 bhp (IIRC)-not a fast car; but rather a quick car, and could turn on a dime (and pick it up). I would race 5liter mustangs (I was 17) and beat them off the line (nice clutch, great torque), though not much further (until the corners). Fiats rust in many of the same places as Zs, and have electrical problems like MGs.

Fiats will also provide ample legroom for someone who is 6'4" (something that the Miata won't do), and have "reasonable" cargo carrying abilities due to the rear seat area (the trunk is minimal, and holds the battery)

Miatas have a huge following, and as such have a multitude of aftermarket parts available. In addition, they are fairly simple to work on, though the engine bay is tighter than I care for. My sister has had hers for 15 years-at this point the only original parts consist of the seats, dash, tranny, trunk lid, and chassis.

Of the two, I would choose the Fiat.

If you can, drive one of each, then decide.

this one is a 1976 on ebay now. The door handle changed in 1977 to a finger pull design (like on the miata), but this design has better ergonomics.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Fiat-Spider-124_W0QQitemZ330110527114QQihZ014QQcategoryZ6218QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

sweet! thanks for the info. i was either looking at a 124 or even an 850.

but ya, i still haven't decided if i should just use my tax refund to fix up the Z. to get all of the parts i need ATM it will be ~$2000; that's not counting bodywork and paint.

tough call.....

Jason, let me know if I can help, I know a few people here in north county that can help you get your car together. PM and lets discuss what you are looking to have done.

for sure, ron!

Jason,

IMO, if you have to choose between finishing the Z for @$2000, or buying an unknown car for $X plus unknown $ for repairs, you might as well stay with what you know and have already. Why make your life for difficult?

Though if it looks like you simply must get out of the Z, then by all means look into a 124.

Hi Jason,

If you are interested in a fiat spyder at a fair price i know of a fiat spyder horder in san diego. He has to have 8 in his front yard, i lost his number but he lives on mission georg rd about 6 blocks past kaiser going east towards santee.

i use to have a 1980 fiat x19 the best handling car i ever have driven.

rex