I have one like that and I love it. Got it for my 64th. birthday. I could have gotten the stick shift which I would have preferred in my younger days, but now with bad knees and at 6 feet tall and around 260 pounds, the automatic is wonderful. Especially in my area that is now full of stop lights and heavy traffic. Also, everyone misses the storage compartments behind the seats. There is a storage compartment behind each seat for additional storage. I've owned a lot of cars and this is one of my absolute favorites! So much fun...especially in sport mode. I think that the automatic shifts really well! I have never had paddle shifters before, and I love them! This car is a keeper...for at least as long as I can get in and out of it okay!
you should have got this one.... roadstersalon.com I am 64 too and I recently bought an 82 Fiat Spider Turbo. I love the back seat. Talk about room. It is in beautiful condition. I carefully have carried a full size recliner in it, 14 foot lumber, costco shopping is easy.
Did drive one of these for 2 hours, manual gearbox. Such a fun car to drive, love the handling and the gearbox is fantastic. It does feel like MX5 but its just a tiny bit more special, and looks better imo.
I have an identical - same color and all except my seats are all black and mine is manual transmission - 2017. The car is great, it drives great, it has more than enough power to be fun to drive and always puts a smile on my face except when it rains! Something I find really helps is the automatic dim mirrors, when your driving position is low and you're being followed by an F150 with LED headlights rated at 1.000.000 lumens you'll need it!
I know this is an old review, however. I've owned and driven an UK version No 484 2018 Abarth 124 Spider since July 2020, While I agree most of your comments with the exception of one the points you were less than enthusiastic about. The Automatic Transmission!!! Ok the UK cars are slightly more powerful at 168 BHP as stock but the auto remains the same. Its not mediocre, its a mazing once you learn to drive and master it, In "sports manual mode" not only is its very quick changes with correct use of the paddles (extended paddles on my car, the stock one are too short) and coordination of the gas peddle. I'd pitch its against any manual stick shift gearbox version any time. Unless you're absolutely spot on with your clutch/hand and timing 100% of the time (which I seriously doubt most people are) then the sequential paddle shift changes up and down the gearbox are almost always perfect with lots of pops and bangs (on E10 fuel) pretty of throttle blips its just brilliant. Learn to drive a paddle shift auto would be my advice or come take a ride in mine.. you'll soon see.
It's so strange to see a 124 Abarth with the Fiat logo on the steering wheel....here (Italy) they are way more sophisticated and customized. Nice review, cheers.
I just found Phil's channel. Wow, why haven't I heard of this guy? He is very good, thorough, and tells us everything we want to know without going overboard. Sounds like he got a degree in communication haha. Good job Phil, hopefully you keep making videos. Subscribed.
I have one and I really appreciate the blind spot detection. Obviously with the top down you're wide open to look around, but with the top up the blind spot is pretty atrocious. I've come to really like the blind spot detection feature.
I just bought a 2017 red Abarth just like this one with just 19,000 miles up and I am loving it. This test car had almost all the options ticked while mine does not but I sure do love that manual 6 speed gearbox and the brembo brakes. Seems crazy to option this car all out but not go for the brembo's. It was hard to find a manual in the colour / spec I wanted (red bodywork / black leather / brembo's) as most of the used ones for sale are auto's.
I have the 2018 124 Spider Abarth and I love it. I got it with the automatic and it is fine. It gets a lot of looks and drives excellent. It has plenty of power. I think it looks a lot better than the Miata.The only change that I think they should make to the infotainment center is it should recognize two different phones. My previous cars recognized my phone from my partners phone. In this car it just shows two phones and does not post the name of the phone.
Great Review Just got mine Yesterday Same as yours Manual Transmission. The Abarth is much better than the mx5 And it's not Common and as of now They are not making any more. Parts should be no problem.
what a nice review. automatic is good for someone like me who has failed to learn how to drive stick shift 3 separate times. it is also better for driving in a place where i live like brooklyn new york with constant red lights every few seconds (not exaggerating). manual soft tops are the best. there is no motor that will break and it comes all the way down. the miata rf is awful. you still feel like the top is up because the back is hard plastic.
M. Edwards Abarth retains more value, has quad exhaust, has RED GAUGES, sportier suspension tuning and most important of all, comfortable Recaro seats.
@@marcocinelli1954 160 hp in North America. I believe it's an emission thing, although that doesn't explain why the Abarth is 170 hp everywhere else but America, 164 hp in the USA. So only 4 hp difference between Abarth and regular Fiat. That's why I bought a Lusso instead of the Abarth here in America.
@@williambayliss2367 very interesting indeed, but what an Abarth makes so special is the sound of the exhaust and not so much the horsepower! And really special is the history, it is the first Abarth Spider since 1974 and it will be for sure the last one with a combustion engine!
I've been in the market for one of these and was wondering what type of fuel you put in it. I know the owner manual states that the car should receive premium, but can take regular. I think the car has a knock sensor which changes the timing of the ignition caused by the difference in the fuel quality. Still, I would like to eliminate knocking altogether to preserve the engine.
I've been in the market for one of these and was wondering what type of fuel you put in it. I know the owner manual states that the car should receive premium, but can it take regular. Furthermore, I think the car has a knock sensor which changes the timing of the ignition caused by the difference in the fuel quality. Still, I would like to eliminate knocking altogether to preserve the engine.
Such a pity that Fiat will most obviously end production :-( Got a 2019 Fiat 124 Spider in Magnetico bronze...it's such a great car! Totally in love with it...
If you get a 2017 model make sure you get the software update from a Mopar dealership before the warranty runs out, or you'll end up with a perfect running car that you can't inspect until you drop $450.00 because the PCM can't communicate with state computers.
Personally, the automatic is the way to go if you live in the city or suburbs. I know manuals give you more control over the engine and enjoyment but really I'd much rather have a free hand in traffic than constantly rummaging with the gear stick. I have no problem with manuals, I get their appeal if you live in a rural area where you can fully wring them out but in a city, I'd take an auto every time if that's going to be my daily driver.
First off even hydraulic / automatic tops require latching, also you should be more careful as you put the top down you want to watch and make sure the material folds as it should always.
No, actually you shouldnt. You want your roof to get damaged while in warranty. The 1st gen Miata NDs and basicly all the Fiat/Abarth 124 Spider have an issue that the rooftop is scrubbing on the roll bars and some more things. It isnt a very well constructed roof. However Mazda built a new rooftop from scratch. It has a new part number, and they are changing them on warranty for those new roofs. Also both manufactureres are advertising how easy and fast you can open those roofs. So I will do exactly that.
Best review yet of the 124/Abarth I am a long time FIAT owner and fan.. however.. no sale. Why?: 1. Chrysler, worst car maker in existence... they need to go away, example they nearly destroyed Mercedes -Benz (disclosure: I am a former M-B factory rep/district manager Nor Cal/San Francisco Western Region) 2. 1.4 turbo..single overhead cam ..... give me 1800-2000 cc no turbo 3. Resale poor, good for buying used but I do not buy newer (vintage excepted) used sports cars. Abusive, ignorant owners. 4. No longer produced.. good luck with service and parts which is what killed FIAT in the USA originally.
Stupid ignorant comment. These cars are actually going up in value due to their rarity. My 2016 124 spec sell for £4-5k more than I paid for it two years ago. Parts are easy to get as most are shared with the very common MX5 ND.
I think it looks gorgeous, reminds me of 1950's Ferrari Califonian. I think its MUCH nicer looking than the Miata, if only Fiat had started with a 1600 block!!
Dreihme good idea except it would be tough to clean the car after dipping it. A lot of car cleaners don’t do well with plastidip. I’ve seen a lot of owners go to local wrap shops and spend 200-500 on the hood and trunk wraps. Seems like a good option
That would work, too. FYI, though: I plasti-dipped the chrome and trunk on my car in 2012 and have had really no issues (reapplied twice during that time). Good comment, though - thanks!
I've had one for two years now. I do like the car, but don't love it. The main things I dislike are the poor yellow non LED headlights and the hassle of having to rip the wheel trim off to change bulbs. The stick shift is a bit too 'snickity' and can sometimes feel abrasive. I think the headlights are a strange shape and I would have styled them differently. The seats aren't actually leather, but faux leather and wear very easily, especially on the bolster. However, the worst thing for me is the suspension. My car gets scuttle shake on bad bumpy roads (which there are a lot of in the UK) and it drives me crazy. That scuttle shake noise will haunt me till I die. I loathe it and unfortunately this car has it. On decent roads it drives great.
I drive an 01, 3r generation Miata for over 7 years. Loved it. Was Never going to sell it. Then I ran a Stop sign and hit a Full size Ford Pick Up Truck. I lost. So I love the Miata's. But I think the 4th generation is Horribly Ugly. I think this Fiat Spider has a Classic Body design. I would buy one for the looks alone.
I have one like that and I love it. Got it for my 64th. birthday. I could have gotten the stick shift which I would have preferred in my younger days, but now with bad knees and at 6 feet tall and around 260 pounds, the automatic is wonderful. Especially in my area that is now full of stop lights and heavy traffic. Also, everyone misses the storage compartments behind the seats. There is a storage compartment behind each seat for additional storage. I've owned a lot of cars and this is one of my absolute favorites! So much fun...especially in sport mode. I think that the automatic shifts really well! I have never had paddle shifters before, and I love them! This car is a keeper...for at least as long as I can get in and out of it okay!
you should have got this one.... roadstersalon.com I am 64 too and I recently bought an 82 Fiat Spider Turbo. I love the back seat. Talk about room. It is in beautiful condition. I carefully have carried a full size recliner in it, 14 foot lumber, costco shopping is easy.
Did drive one of these for 2 hours, manual gearbox. Such a fun car to drive, love the handling and the gearbox is fantastic. It does feel like MX5 but its just a tiny bit more special, and looks better imo.
No way it looks anything close to a miata rf
I have an identical - same color and all except my seats are all black and mine is manual transmission - 2017. The car is great, it drives great, it has more than enough power to be fun to drive and always puts a smile on my face except when it rains! Something I find really helps is the automatic dim mirrors, when your driving position is low and you're being followed by an F150 with LED headlights rated at 1.000.000 lumens you'll need it!
I know this is an old review, however. I've owned and driven an UK version No 484 2018 Abarth 124 Spider since July 2020, While I agree most of your comments with the exception of one the points you were less than enthusiastic about. The Automatic Transmission!!! Ok the UK cars are slightly more powerful at 168 BHP as stock but the auto remains the same. Its not mediocre, its a mazing once you learn to drive and master it, In "sports manual mode" not only is its very quick changes with correct use of the paddles (extended paddles on my car, the stock one are too short) and coordination of the gas peddle. I'd pitch its against any manual stick shift gearbox version any time. Unless you're absolutely spot on with your clutch/hand and timing 100% of the time (which I seriously doubt most people are) then the sequential paddle shift changes up and down the gearbox are almost always perfect with lots of pops and bangs (on E10 fuel) pretty of throttle blips its just brilliant. Learn to drive a paddle shift auto would be my advice or come take a ride in mine.. you'll soon see.
It's so strange to see a 124 Abarth with the Fiat logo on the steering wheel....here (Italy) they are way more sophisticated and customized. Nice review, cheers.
Get Abarth wheel centers on eBay for a few bucks. Fits over the steering wheel logo.
You believe that Acura is not a Honda?
My 2020 Spider has an Abarth steering wheel hub badge.
I just found Phil's channel. Wow, why haven't I heard of this guy? He is very good, thorough, and tells us everything we want to know without going overboard. Sounds like he got a degree in communication haha. Good job Phil, hopefully you keep making videos. Subscribed.
I have one and I really appreciate the blind spot detection. Obviously with the top down you're wide open to look around, but with the top up the blind spot is pretty atrocious. I've come to really like the blind spot detection feature.
I just bought a 2017 red Abarth just like this one with just 19,000 miles up and I am loving it. This test car had almost all the options ticked while mine does not but I sure do love that manual 6 speed gearbox and the brembo brakes. Seems crazy to option this car all out but not go for the brembo's. It was hard to find a manual in the colour / spec I wanted (red bodywork / black leather / brembo's) as most of the used ones for sale are auto's.
I have the 2018 124 Spider Abarth and I love it. I got it with the automatic and it is fine. It gets a lot of looks and drives excellent. It has plenty of power. I think it looks a lot better than the Miata.The only change that I think they should make to the infotainment center is it should recognize two different phones. My previous cars recognized my phone from my partners phone. In this car it just shows two phones and does not post the name of the phone.
Great review, great car!
Great Review
Just got mine Yesterday
Same as yours Manual Transmission.
The Abarth is much better than the mx5
And it's not Common and as of now
They are not making any more.
Parts should be no problem.
Excellent review and one of the best on UA-cam 👍🇦🇺
Thanks Phil great review answered all my questions watching this ,cheersd
Amazing review ! Keep up the good work.
what a nice review. automatic is good for someone like me who has failed to learn how to drive stick shift 3 separate times. it is also better for driving in a place where i live like brooklyn new york with constant red lights every few seconds (not exaggerating). manual soft tops are the best. there is no motor that will break and it comes all the way down. the miata rf is awful. you still feel like the top is up because the back is hard plastic.
Just came across your channel. Great video!
Nice review. I LOVE my Classica! Lots less expensive than the Abarth, and only 4 hp less....PLENTY fast!!
M. Edwards Abarth retains more value, has quad exhaust, has RED GAUGES, sportier suspension tuning and most important of all, comfortable Recaro seats.
I’m getting Abarth it’s 170HP in Australia.
I don't know where the normal Fiat 124 Spider has 160 hp, in Europe it has 140 hp and the Abarth has 170!!!
@@marcocinelli1954 160 hp in North America. I believe it's an emission thing, although that doesn't explain why the Abarth is 170 hp everywhere else but America, 164 hp in the USA. So only 4 hp difference between Abarth and regular Fiat. That's why I bought a Lusso instead of the Abarth here in America.
@@williambayliss2367 very interesting indeed, but what an Abarth makes so special is the sound of the exhaust and not so much the horsepower!
And really special is the history, it is the first Abarth Spider since 1974 and it will be for sure the last one with a combustion engine!
You deserve many more subs, enjoyed this episode thanks
Nicely done Phillip.
UK models have thd Abarth badge on the steering wheel. Bit strange it has the Fiat badge here.
First review watched...not bad, I like. I think differences from the Miata should have been highlighted more since they are 80% the same.
I've been in the market for one of these and was wondering what type of fuel you put in it. I know the owner manual states that the car should receive premium, but can take regular. I think the car has a knock sensor which changes the timing of the ignition caused by the difference in the fuel quality. Still, I would like to eliminate knocking altogether to preserve the engine.
Brother you forget a special 2 gloves extra behind both seats
I've been in the market for one of these and was wondering what type of fuel you put in it. I know the owner manual states that the car should receive premium, but can it take regular. Furthermore, I think the car has a knock sensor which changes the timing of the ignition caused by the difference in the fuel quality. Still, I would like to eliminate knocking altogether to preserve the engine.
Nice review - on my way to get one.
Excellent Review!!!
I love my Abarth. Such a fun and rare car.
Such a pity that Fiat will most obviously end production :-( Got a 2019 Fiat 124 Spider in Magnetico bronze...it's such a great car! Totally in love with it...
If you get a 2017 model make sure you get the software update from a Mopar dealership before the warranty runs out, or you'll end up with a perfect running car that you can't inspect until you drop $450.00 because the PCM can't communicate with state computers.
"It's more fun to drive a slow car - fast, than a fast car - slow" Great quote!
Doesnt make sense when you talk about my nissan leaf
Fantastic Review
Spot on all these main 👏 things of
This sports car
Sad that they are stopping production of this fun car.
Personally, the automatic is the way to go if you live in the city or suburbs. I know manuals give you more control over the engine and enjoyment but really I'd much rather have a free hand in traffic than constantly rummaging with the gear stick. I have no problem with manuals, I get their appeal if you live in a rural area where you can fully wring them out but in a city, I'd take an auto every time if that's going to be my daily driver.
why does it have fiat steering wheel when its an Abarth? in Europe it also got an Abarth steering wheel
Love my red Abarth with heritage stripe!
The original 124's top was just as easy to retract and, if you didn't bother with the snap-on cover., to put up too.
Great video
I prefer the coloration to be white and black
How’s the cisibility
First off even hydraulic / automatic tops require latching, also you should be more careful as you put the top down you want to watch and make sure the material folds as it should always.
No, actually you shouldnt. You want your roof to get damaged while in warranty. The 1st gen Miata NDs and basicly all the Fiat/Abarth 124 Spider have an issue that the rooftop is scrubbing on the roll bars and some more things. It isnt a very well constructed roof. However Mazda built a new rooftop from scratch. It has a new part number, and they are changing them on warranty for those new roofs. Also both manufactureres are advertising how easy and fast you can open those roofs. So I will do exactly that.
Best review yet of the 124/Abarth
I am a long time FIAT owner and fan.. however.. no sale. Why?:
1. Chrysler, worst car maker in existence... they need to go away, example they nearly destroyed Mercedes -Benz (disclosure: I am a former M-B factory rep/district manager Nor Cal/San Francisco Western Region)
2. 1.4 turbo..single overhead cam ..... give me 1800-2000 cc no turbo
3. Resale poor, good for buying used but I do not buy newer (vintage excepted) used sports cars. Abusive, ignorant owners.
4. No longer produced.. good luck with service and parts which is what killed FIAT in the USA originally.
Stupid ignorant comment. These cars are actually going up in value due to their rarity. My 2016 124 spec sell for £4-5k more than I paid for it two years ago. Parts are easy to get as most are shared with the very common MX5 ND.
I think it looks gorgeous, reminds me of 1950's Ferrari Califonian. I think its MUCH nicer looking than the Miata, if only Fiat had started with a 1600 block!!
You could easily Plastikote the hood, fascia and boot for about $20 and save the cost of the Heritage package
Dreihme good idea except it would be tough to clean the car after dipping it. A lot of car cleaners don’t do well with plastidip. I’ve seen a lot of owners go to local wrap shops and spend 200-500 on the hood and trunk wraps. Seems like a good option
That would work, too. FYI, though: I plasti-dipped the chrome and trunk on my car in 2012 and have had really no issues (reapplied twice during that time). Good comment, though - thanks!
Must just be the North American market. Most of the "options" he mentions are standard in Europe
Also, think about resale. Having that kind of option is a plus for keeping the value.
sport car, roadster without manual shifting? Next level could be, you get some driver with the car and owner just sits next to driver.
Forza Italia🇮🇹🇮🇹👍
I've had one for two years now. I do like the car, but don't love it. The main things I dislike are the poor yellow non LED headlights and the hassle of having to rip the wheel trim off to change bulbs. The stick shift is a bit too 'snickity' and can sometimes feel abrasive. I think the headlights are a strange shape and I would have styled them differently. The seats aren't actually leather, but faux leather and wear very easily, especially on the bolster. However, the worst thing for me is the suspension. My car gets scuttle shake on bad bumpy roads (which there are a lot of in the UK) and it drives me crazy. That scuttle shake noise will haunt me till I die. I loathe it and unfortunately this car has it. On decent roads it drives great.
so, it is not an Italian car??????????
Automatic transmission is a deal breaker. Come on manual is the only way
Manual tops are deffo way better.
I thought this was going to be an English video...
It’s about 30hp more not 4
In North America it's 4 hp difference, everywhere else it's 30 hp difference. Who know why?
Video is great but the music is infuriatingly annoying.
I drive an 01, 3r generation Miata for over 7 years. Loved it. Was Never going to sell it. Then I ran a Stop sign and hit a Full size Ford Pick Up Truck. I lost. So I love the Miata's. But I think the 4th generation is Horribly Ugly. I think this Fiat Spider has a Classic Body design. I would buy one for the looks alone.
The car looks nice but those factory rims suck. Automakers need to drop the black rim trend it ugly.
B B No
ARE YOU SPEAKING ABOUT FIAT OR MIATA ???
?!?!
music. dont use it anymore please )
Jay Leno's review is more positive than yours!