Fiat Barchetta Cabriolet 1800cc

I still have a silly grin on my face whenever I take the Barchetta for a run. I am 62 years old, but recently going on 18 due to this little car.

Its very pretty. Lively. Has a wonderful growl. Handles brilliantly.

What I don't like is the Lack of a "WORKSHOP MANUAL" I like to potter on my car but would like a manual.

I've run a Fiat Barchetta Cabriolet 1800cc as a second car for 7 years doing a fairly low mileage. In that time I've replaced the exhaust, wheel bearings, heater fan, brake discs and pads. So reliability isn't as bad as I'd feared - touch wood. The odd wiring gremlin - slow electric windows and dash illumination can be intermittent.

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

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.

Wiring can be tricky, when I accelerate the hand brake light comes on and the air bag is on all the time!

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.

The stylish Barchetta Cabriolet 1800cc sports car from FIAT is the best 'Value for Money' sports car available in the UK. The performance of the 1.8 Punto engine in such a light bodied convertible makes this a rocket with superb road holding, comfort and economy. The LHD puts people off, but shouldn't as it adds to the charm and driving experience.

Downside - the boot size and insurance costs, but for £12k it cannot be beaten, and is preferable in EVERY respect to the Porsche, TVR and BMW predecessors in my garage. It's my third, but definitely not the last.