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The cars take a bit of work, but if well cared for will give you lots of driving pleasure. The one you're looking at is a 2 liter FI motor. It's not fast but it's nimble. There is a company called International Auto Parts that does on-line sales of lots of parts for this car.
Look for rust at the base of the doors (mostly near the front is where it starts). Also look at the undercarraige and the biggest problem is if the front upper A-arm is loose it's a royal pain to fix (parts are available for the shock tower repalcement, but it's a lot of labor if the metal is shot.)
Good parts of the car:
Dual A-arm front suspension.
Al caliper 4 wheel disc brakes. (rotors are CHEAP)
Centrally mounted rear battery (For weight distribution).
Pan-hard bar to help with the solid rear axle.
I almost cried when I loaded up mine on a flat bed to give to my mechanic (it had bad rust, and in four years of sitting some rats had nested on top of the engine and eaten all the wiring and hoses). I'm planning to get one for my daughter when she's old enough (she's only 4 now).
It's a great driving experience, and you can't get Pinninfarina lines for any less money. A beautiful car that will be very fun to own and drive.
Find a good mechanic if you don't work on your own cars. Not because it's trouble prone, but if you need to get a tranny rebuilt or something major (after all, it is almost 30 years old) you want someone who knows what they are doing.
There was an article in the NY times June 28th that talked about owning old Fiats.
She already hates the crx because its old and ugly.
well, i dont think that.
I can do many normal things myself. The downfall
becomes when you need specialty tools.
A 25 year old crx can be taken apart with
a 10 and 12 mm wrench.
__________________
07 MCa w/sport bought new, no kraut
87 CRX Si bought new, no rice
08 SX4 2WD bought new, <insert something snappy here>
You really need to look at the bottom of that car before you fall in love. Chicago car = lots of salt exposure. Might be a good one, but rust is a serious issue with 124's.
the rear axle is held in place with four trailing arms. Look to where the bigger ones (near the frame rails) attach to the body shell. That's a problem spot.
If it's live inside in the winter, it may be a good car. IF you find it's not a good car, keep an eye on eBay for one from CA, FL or AZ or the like, get it inspected and drive it home!
If you want really nice ones, (from drivers to fully restored) Joe's Fiat Service in Redwood City CA is a great shop. Joe is rather old so I don't know if he's on e-mail, but you can google his shop and give him a call.
The deal breaker appears to be the guy won't ship.
I dont like to leave the yard actually.
I did talk to my wife and lo and behold she says
"you can get anything you want with your webkin money
as long as its not an AR15"
I always wanted a ferrari 308, like magnum PI
But not to change subjects......
The one thing she is correct on is that I should probably try and
find one that somebody has already fixed up and it is nice, and semi
local, even if it is more.
__________________
07 MCa w/sport bought new, no kraut
87 CRX Si bought new, no rice
08 SX4 2WD bought new, <insert something snappy here>
All cars look good in pictures. You really need to inspect any car you buy. Or have it done by a trusted expert. 124's are fun cars if you can find a nice solid one.
talk to Joe Lakatos at Joe's Fiat Service. I don't know if he has any good ones in stock now, but Google his shop, give him a call, and let him know Matt Richter referred you. He's been so helpful and honest all the time I owned my car, that when it was done I just gave it to him for parts.
Also, he may know Fiat experts in your area that can help you locally.
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