[sl_austin]

Hi all,

I'm contemplating a Lusso or Abarth, Lusso test drive earlier this week was fun. Since then, talked to a good friend who is Italian (born and raised, still lives there most of the year), who suggested Fiat's are of very poor quality (incl. the 124 which is also sold in Bella Italia). A few google searches dug up consumerReport ratings (for USA) that put Fiat (500, the only model available in the USA before the 124) at the very bottom for quality and reliability, Chrysler was also not faring well. Anecdotally, a neighbor owns a 500, which has been in the shop for going on a month, for 'warranty repairs'.

So I'm wondering what are general thoughts on quality and reliability on Fiat in general, and what are reasonable expectations to have for the 124 in that regard?

Thanks in advance,

- SL

 

[Sonny Burnett]

Considering the only part of the car that is Italian is the engine, the rest being built in the MX-5 Hiroshima plant, more than likely to be the most reliable Fiat you can buy lol.

Note the part content being only 20% Italian 75% Japanese.

 

[Chipshot]

The worst quality car I've had in the last 20 years was a 2004 Miata. I still loved it.

Cars in general have gotten so good that any problems really stand out. I have no hesitation about getting a Spider.

 

[stevenvillatoro]

My Abarth 500 was faultless during the three years and 40,000 miles that I owned it. I've owned three Miatas, and they were all 100% problem-free. FIAT's MultiAir engine is widely acclaimed with a good reputation.

I see no problem other than your uninformed Italian friend. If you're concerned, then just wait and see.

 

[phillawson]

No problems yet at 3000 miles on the 124. My 500Abarth was almost trouble free at 65,000, the one problem I did have took a while to fix because of parts availability. That does seem to be a problem at least in the USA, parts are never available.

 

[iamz]

If you look at the breakdown in Consumer Reports, you'll see that the engines are not one of the problem areas with current Fiats.

 

[sl_austin]

Thanks much for all the replies and insights so far, much appreciated. Coincidentally, just got an email from the local dealership that they received an Abarth. Will try to find the time to take a look tonight/this weekend.

Cheers, S

 

[kpoling]

Over 3,000 on my lusso. Had a coil fail at 500 miles and it took a week to get the part but since then no issues.

 

[cadreamin]

I have to say I have been contemplating the same issues, even when cross-shopping the 124 and the ND Miata. I certainly feel more comfortable than I would another Fiat due to the Japanese part list and assembly, but still wondering if one should expect the Miata to be more reliable. Also same thoughts as I consider the two companies and how different it might be dealing with each if needed. Any thoughts from the group, especially those that have owned a Mazda prior to their 124?

 

[stevenvillatoro]

Keep in mind that – for essentially the same car – the 124's warranty is 33% longer than the Miata's. Four years, not three. To my way of thinking, this is a huge benefit.

 

[LongBeachJim]

If you look at the breakdown in Consumer Reports, you'll see that the engines are not one of the problem areas with current Fiats.

Exactly. CR dings the Italian power equipment and electronics, which in the case of the 124, is Japanese.

I don't take much stock in Consumer Reports anyway, as I've heard repeatedly that many of their statistical sample sizes are way too small.

 

[Chipshot]

What's the latest from Abro about his engine replacement?

http://www.124spider.org/forum/10-engine-technical-discussion/3762-my-engine-being-replaced.html

 

[MotoPete]

Keep in mind that – for essentially the same car – the 124's warranty is 33% longer than the Miata's. Four years, not three. To my way of thinking, this is a huge benefit.

At least one local Fiat dealer is offering a six year warranty!

 

[Dyim]

Assembled side by side in japan.

Engine has no significant issues in the 500 from what I read on here.

Manual is from NC, which is better than ND (which is already popping up with issues).

Electronics I assume Mazda?

I think the 124 should fare well.

 

[RBH58]

Just do it. Your friend is fixating on Fiats of 30 years ago. "Fix It Again Tony" days are long gone.

 

[LongBeachJim]

At least one local Fiat dealer is offering a six year warranty!

Unless this dealer is footing the bill, this is possibly an extra-cost "extended warranty", offered by dealers throughout the auto industry. Such warranties can be purchased a year or more after point of sale, often at a better rate. Some consumers like the extra reassurance, others have done the math and feel that extended warranties are a bad deal.

 

[MotoPete]

Unless this dealer is footing the bill...

I'm not sure how it is supported (whether by the dealer or FCA), but was told it is not an after-market warranty product (I specifically asked as I've had one before through NWC and found that they generally aren't worth the paper they're written on).

 

[Abro]

Hi everyone,
I finally got my spider back with new engine in place! I was only able to spend a couple of days with it but all indications are good. I'm in France for a couple of weeks but I will give a detailed update when I get back under a new topic.

 

[sl_austin]

Pulled the trigger

After much deliberation, I pulled the trigger last night on a grey Lusso with tan interior. Sharp looking car, my 15 year old drivers-ed son was thrilled to be first to drive it around the hood. According to the dealers site and verbal accounts the 124s are selling pretty well in central TX. Looking forward to seeing more on the road!

 

[Greg]

The car is rock solid. Almost all the newer cars are, so much so that Consumer Reports has drastically altered their standards for what "reliable" means. As an example, they rate the Fiat 500L very poorly in reliability, but if you look at the actual list of issues, none are really reliability issues. Cup holder won't hold a Super Big Gulp, point off! Nav system requires you to read the instructions, points off, transmission works perfectly, but shifts "abruptly" points off (I guess they want it to slip....)

The 124 will likely prove to be very reliable. I have had zero problems with these engines in three other cars.

Greg