...You might search some engine swaps. Some very interesting things have been stuffed into them.

Did you check out the link I posted above? The LeMons team stuffed an Alfa twin cam V6 in the little X1/9 and it transformed it intoa seriously quick little car. It went from 75hp to 190hp with the swap and all was done on the cheap to keep the X1/9 as a $500 race car.

I don't know why anyone would bother with a Fiat X 1/9 for $5K - when you can find a very solid 1990+ Toyota MR2 or perhaps MR2 Turbo - for just a couple thousand more.

I sold FIAT, DATSUN and SABB in the early 70's and VW / FIAT & Lancia in 75... I'd avoid buying any Fiat - short of the 2.0L 124 Spyders - - even then it takes a careful and caring owner.

If your looking for a street rod project - swap the Toyota's MR2 turbo engine and drive train into a less expensive X 1 1/9...

FWIW,

Carl B.

I don't know why anyone would bother with a Fiat X 1/9 for $5K - when you can find a very solid 1990+ Toyota MR2 or perhaps MR2 Turbo - for just a couple thousand more.

Maybe because the second generation MR-2s are ugly?? They may be a vastly superior car, but they are too ugly for me to own. While the Fiat isn't a classic beauty, it's a bunch better than the 90+ MR-2.

I've did some googling, and have got horror stories on the reliability (lack-of) and rust issues. I've also seen stories of people driving them 100K mies with minimal problems. Anyone on here have any experience with these cars and could give me some advice.....or warnings?

Any advice is appreciated!

and

As with many cars, I suspect a whole lot of reliability is how they were taken care of.

Hi Guys:

It might be more productive to consider "durability" than "reliability". We would have to agree that how reliable any car is - at any point in time - would depend on how faithfully its owner maintained it according to the manufacture's recommendations. However there can be a large difference in durability between different models from the same manufacturer, or different models from different manufacturers.

After 40 years on the highways of America in the hands of American drivers - the 240Z has proven itself to be highly durable. The FIAT X 1/9's.... not so much. I'd say that they are fragile by comparison in typical use or abuse here.

FWIW,

Carl B.

Thanks for the advice and input everyone.

I was going to go look at the X1/9 again tonite now that I know more what to look for, but decided not to because it looks like its going to storm. Is that some kind of sign I wonder?

Sigh....

This whole thread has been yet another example of the general tunnel-vision, arrogance and negativism of a sizable minority of the Z-car community. It is SO easy to find something bad to say about everything. Even the way we pick apart other Zs. Darned few people seem to be willing to look for the good in other cars. Almost makes me want to sell my car and buy a 911. At least with that group the arrogance is expected.

Back on topic - perhaps the Fiats weren't/aren't as durable as other cars when they are abused at the hands of the typical US drivers. But we aren't talking about a typical abused car or typical US driver here, we're talking about a low-mileage, well cared for example, which would continue to be cared for by an enthusiast while being used as an occasional weekend picnic car. I see no reason at all why this car shouldn't continue to provide driving enjoyment under these circumstances.

There is more to the automotive world than Zs/Datsuns/Japanese/etc./...

I have no issues with working to keep a funky car running, but I get upset with the poor engineering. I have worked on several Fiats and they were a pain in the butt. Datsuns are 1000 times more straight forward and well thought out. If an X1/9 in good shape landed in my driveway, I'd cherish it and have a lot of fun.

I have no issues with working to keep a funky car running, but I get upset with the poor engineering.

Agreed. Although no car is totally immune to poor engineering. Let's face it, the rear diff mounting design on our S30s is a bit of a joke.

If an X1/9 in good shape landed in my driveway, I'd cherish it and have a lot of fun.

And that, to me as a car enthusiast, is the whole point. No car is perfect, but if we can have fun with it in one way or another, it's a good hobby.

Well I'm planning on going and taking a second look tomorrow (weather permitting). I gave it the once-over last Saturday but now that I've done some research, there are areas I now realize I forgot to check for rust ie. the shock towers. There was some surface rust on the engine cover and a few other small spots. I'm pretty certain though, that the car doesn't have any major rust issues.....just want to make sure.

I realize the MR2 is probably the superior car......but comparing the MR2 to a X1/9 is like comparing a Honda motorcycle to a Ducati. It just lacks that certain Italian "flair" which is hard to describe.

Arne is correct in that this car will just be the occasional weekend toy. Always garaged.....right next to the 240Z.....and never abused. Although at 35 mpg, could be an occasional daily driver.

IIRC, Dr. Gadget did an electric X1/9 on some show, Amped, Discovery, something like that. It had some impressive numbers.

Little brother had one for a while, he still says it was the funnest car he has ever had, but was too much for him to maintain.

Bonzi Lon

One thing to consider would be to take a few minutes and call around to some of your parts sources and ask for price and availability if say a water pump, clutch kit and maybe front or rear wheel bearings.

If you do have fixin' in the future, you should know how readily available parts are.

On a vagely related note, Fiats are actually coming back this year. At least, the 500 and 500C (cabrio). They are rather low cost, entry level type cars, however.

http://www.fiatusa.com/en/