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

Thumb up 83% of users recommend this product

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markr1's Review of Fiat Barchetta Cabriolet 1800cc

10th Mar 2009

Overall Rating

3.5 stars
  • Value for money
    4.5 stars
  • Length of ownership
    7
  • Performance
    3.5 stars
  • Reliability
    3 stars
  • Year Manufactured
    1996
  • Doors
    2
  • Practicality
    3 stars
Bad Points

1) 3/4 visibility is poor with the hood up. Can be a pain at roundabouts where you have to lean forwards only to find the seat belt locks!
2) Quite soft suspension for a roadster. Perhaps to disguise a lack of body rigidity. Can shake on rough roads.
3) I have experienced poor reverse gear engagement. Selecting 5th before reverse helps.
4) Insurance is pricey.
5) Parts are not the cheapest, £250 for OE exhaust though front brake discs and pads more resonable at £50. Consumable parts are freely available at dealers and motor factors.


General Comments

1) Best thing is the wonderfully rorty Itailian exhaust note that wails at high revs. Very addictive with the top down.
2) Keen throttle reponse and free-reving nature of the engine.
3) Great grip from standard tyres means it can be thrown into corners.
4) Comfortable ride for a roadster, smooth engine and controls.
5) Interesting syling looks more exotic than the familiar MX5, MR2 or TF. Rarity means people don't know its a Fiat. I have had a Barchetta as a second car for 7 years, doing a low mileage. Have replaced exhaust, heater fan, brake discs, pads and rear wheel bearings. So reliability hasn't been bad - touch wood. The odd electrical gremlin such as dash backlighting and slow windows has cropped up.

Overall its been great fun, comfortable and surprisingly practical for weekends away tough. Sharper and more adjustable handling wouldn't go amiss though.

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