Fiat Barchetta Cabriolet 1800cc Review

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Fiat Barchetta Cabriolet 1800cc
3.4 stars
Average rating for this product is: 3.4 out of 5

From 3 ratings and 6 reviews

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rubblegum's Review of Fiat Barchetta Cabriolet 1800cc

19th Oct 2007

Overall Rating

3.5 stars
  • Value for money
    4 stars
  • Length of ownership
    2 years
  • Performance
    3.5 stars
  • Reliability
    4 stars
  • Year Manufactured
    2000
  • Doors
    2
  • Practicality
    2.5 stars
Good Points

Plenty of good points, see general comments.


Bad Points

Small for 6' + drivers.
Car is handmade and some parts very expensive. Front wraparound bumper £450...Limited production run :only 50,000 odd made.
LHD only which is a problem to some, but no real handicap in a little car.
Lightly made, dents easily, and no rubber strakes down the sides.
Poor headlights..genuinely needs HID upgrade.
Boot is small, bigger than MX5 and will just hold weekend luggage for 2.
Hood is manual and can't be put up/down in the car.
High insurance, same as much more pokey and expensive BMW Z3 and Nissan Skyline, Fiat Coupe etc
Softtop security issues. Roof is a magnet for yobs with pocketknives.
No electronic gadgets, beyond basic CD/Radio and electric windows..not even electronic tacho/trip computer.
Noisy at speed and thunderous with the roof down.
Ceased production in 2005.
Front wheel drive. Purists expect roadsters to be RWD?Poor visibility through the rear plastic window..would be nice to have a glass panel like Honda S2000. How to fold a glass window???


General Comments

Fine style alternative to MX5, and 'sardined can' hatchbacks like Astra's, Peugeots etc.
Starting to show its age. Design dates from '95. Based on Mk1 Punto chassis but well tweaked and you wouldn't notice.
Fast enough 0-60 in 8.5secs with a top end of 125.
DTR Sportscars in Wimbledon are accepted as the Barchetta experts. Most Fiat dealers don't want to know although its not complex to service. Home mechanic is perfectly capable of looking after it.
Real shame Fiat didn't do a proper RHD version as it would have sold like donuts. Well made, galvanised body with 10yr 'anti perforation' warranty. Mostly sorted mechanicals. Pre '98 have old time Alfa cam variator issues which should be rfixed under warranty by Fiat.
Engine from Alfa, mostly sorted with no major problems.
Comes with ABS, twin airbags, and electric windows. Options include leather, aircon, fogs. Also a noddy luggage rack which looks gash!
Quickish with 130Hp in a 800Kg body.
Usually a show stopper over the 'common as mud' MX5.
Hood folds away under its own cover when down and doesn't fill the boot.
Main issue with this type of car is limited space. Not child friendly. Fine when paired with a bigger car. Not so hot when its the only wheels.

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Members' Comments onrubblegum's Review

  • agv30 Rank: Lance Corporal on 20th Oct 2007

    I though this was a helpful review because it seems to be an honest assessment of the car.