[AnClar]

So either to save weight, or money, or both, Fiat chose to not include a spare tire, just a "tire repair kit". That is, a can of sealant, and a warning sticker. Great if you happen to get a small puncture in the tread area...useless for anything else. Oh well...I guess that's what roadside assistance is for. ?

Since there is no spare, there is also no jack...there is, however, a steel towing eye that screws into the sockets front and rear. Mine is loose in the trunk. Anyone know if there is a storage area for it or is it just supposed to lie loose, rolling around in the trunk? Thanks!

 

[Godina]

I put mine behind the tire repair kit.

 

[jonesthestress]

there are a couple of suitable tie straps for the towing eyes in the middle of the boot under the latch. Mine were originally with the tool kit on right side tie wrap but kept falling out. There is a spare tie wrap on left side as well.

 

[Alvon Elrod]

there are a couple of suitable tie straps for the towing eyes in the middle of the boot under the latch. Mine were originally with the tool kit on right side tie wrap but kept falling out. There is a spare tie wrap on left side as well.

Your description describes things that I don't see in my car. I didn't receive any towing eyes or tool kit. The only 'tie wrap' is the strap for holding the tire repair compressor and slime kit. Is there a tool kit for these 124 spiders? Towing eyes?


Alvon

 

[frankmar]

I say get an electrict 12v air pump and tire plugs for punctures. I have both in my Murano.

 

[ameridan]

I only got the front towing eye with my car, but not the shorter one for the rear. But you can use the long one in either location I guess. The tire kit has a compressor in it as well as the goop, as someone else mentioned. I never noticed any tie straps - I'll have another look.

 

[TomM]

Mine's got a little air compressor with the Fix-a-Flat in a nylon bag. No tie-down straps, though. Just a front license plate frame.

 

[AnClar]

So it seems (and the owner's manual I got describes several scenarios) for tire repair kit, spare tire, tool kit, and towing eye(s). What I got on my U.S.spec Abarth is the tire repair kit secured to the rear of the trunk, it's tie down, and one towing eye...with a relatively long shank...I get the feeling that there should be two towing eyes...the longer one I have...and a shorter one, that I didn't get...for the front? What did you Euro spec owners get and how is it situated?

 

[AnClar]

Oh yeah...I also got the front license plate frame. Texas has two plates, but I hate to mount the front one because it messes up the front view of the car.

 

[jonesthestress]

in UK - two towing eyes (1 short, 1 long) in a bag, tyre repair kit (can of goo plus electric pump) also in a bag, 3 sets of tie downs

 

[AnClar]

in UK - two towing eyes (1 short, 1 long) in a bag, tyre repair kit (can of goo plus electric pump) also in a bag, 3 sets of tie downs

Yet another omission for the U.S. cars. Apparently not making the trip to Italy for final finshing at Abarth, and just coming to the U.S. straight from Japan, a lot of details got overlooked in translation. I guess they figure giving us a day at Bondurant makes up for it. I think I'd rather have had the Abarth-badged steering wheel with red centering stripe, the side Abarth scorpion emblems, Abarth logo key fobs, interior Abarth plaque, Abarth engine badging, Brembo brakes ($1500.00 in the U.S.), the interior Alcantara highlights, the red covered mirrors, lower fascia lip and front tow hook cover, the Record Monza exhaust, and the 6 extra HP. If I was interested in the heritage band, I'd also be annoyed at the $2000.00 upcharge for the U.S. vs. free for Euro spec. Don't get me wrong, I love my Abarth, but this is not a great advert for FCA. Just sayin'.

 

[Godina]

Sometimes less is more.

 

[LongBeachJim]

Oh yeah...I also got the front license plate frame. Texas has two plates, but I hate to mount the front one because it messes up the front view of the car.

So it sounds like the dealer didn't take the liberty to drill bumper holes. Does your plate frame have a less invasive way of attaching? There is a mechanical frame on EB which scoots under the bumper when not needed, using a remote control.

How strict is your region? My region of CA is lienient, and I've driven without front plates for 20 years without a ticket.

 

[stevenvillatoro]

AnClar, you can't make all of the people happy all of the time.

Many want a more affordable 124 Abarth, which is possible only by eliminating some frilly doodads, cutting out the round-trip boat fare to Italy, and leaving the customization up to us, and the aftermarket.

Sounds like a smart plan to me... an Abarth à la carte.

It means that I don't need those boy-racer Abarth badges to make cleaning/drying my car harder. I don't need Alcantary getting grimy on the console from my puppy standing on it. I don't have to take the too-loud Record Monza exhaust. I don't care if a steering wheel reminds me what brand I drive. Etc.

But for a pair of Benjamins, I can get red mirror caps and a red fascia lip, which is just right for me.

Isn't choice great!? Cheaper car. Ability to customize. No mucky Italian delay. Everybody wins!

 

[stevenvillatoro]

So it sounds like the dealer didn't take the liberty to drill bumper holes.

Many new cars have been designed for optional front license plate frame brackets in such a way that drilling bumper holes is unnecessary. This is often done by a manufacturer, pre-drilling holes in an inconspicuous vertical unpainted (e.g., black plastic) surface, such as within the grille of the 124 Spider.

I don't know how the FIAT front plate mounts, but this pic gives an idea of the intended location. Note that there are suitable grill areas above and below the plate in which a factory mounting bracket could be affixed without drilling the bumper.

 

[AnClar]

I'm probably just going to run without the front plate and see what happens.

 

[AnClar]

AnClar, you can't make all of the people happy all of the time.

I get that everyone's tastes are different...and one person's frills are another's choice. But unless I'm mistaken, the price of the Euro spec and the US cars are fairly close. The option cost of the brakes and heritage band together are $3500 for US cars. Is the Euro spec car $3500 more than the US? If so then fine, but if not, US buyers are paying $3500, if they so choose, for the same items that are included free on the Euro spec cars. I'm not interested in pointless bitching, but I'm also not the only one to comment on this topic. Other forum users have commented negatively about the fact that there are items that are included on the Euro spec cars but not the US ones.

 

[stevenvillatoro]

The base price of a US-spec Abarth is $28,195.

The base price of a UK-spec Abarth is £29,565, or US $36,186.

For those who don't want the full meal, I think we come out ahead in the US.

 

[JFernald]

I'm probably just going to run without the front plate and see what happens.

Having lived in Texas most of my life, I can tell you what is going to happen. You are going to get a ticket.

 

[JFernald]

The base price of a US-spec Abarth is $28,195.

The base price of a UK-spec Abarth is £29,565, or US $36,186.

For those who don't want the full meal, I think we come out ahead in the US.

You can add better brakes, better shocks, better wheels and tires, better exhaust, and customize it to your specific tastes with the $8 grand and have some money left over.