What's Your Best Bet?

Can I ask your advice before taking the plung on this one? I have had two Coupe 20v Turbo's previously so I am reasonably clued up on them.
I have not had one now for four years, but want to go back and have two in mind.
1: Blue 20v Turbo Plus, 75,000m, £5500
2: Silver 20v Turbo, 63,000 m, £3500

Both these cars are immaculate with everything (Cambelt etc) done on them and the Plus has a factory fitted bodykit. What do you think, are the cars worth the money, is the Plus worth the extra £2000?

Thanks for your feedback.

Both seem at the top of their price brackets.

Which do you like the look of most?

6 speed is nice but doesn't make much difference unless you do LOTS of miles.

Other than a few red bits and skirts there is no difference except a strut brace and these are only £90.

Go and drive them both, its amazing how the quality of "immaculate" coupes can vary!!

BUY ON CONDITION, CONDITION IS EVERYTHING.

Whatever you buy will not be perfect as the youngest are 9 years old.

FYI I chose condition over plusness, twice!!

Thanks a lot, I have now found another one and am taking someone with me to look it over.
This is a 98 portofino blue 20v Turbo, with all MOTs and 56k. Lots of work done on this car as well.
I wasn't looking for a private sale, but this one looks stunning.
The only negative given about the car is the rear off side wheel has been curbed, but I will be happy to replace if that is the only worry.
At £2995, if the expert is happy, I will be buying it.
I will keep you fully informed and with any luck, I'll have a real car again by next week.

OK, I admit I'm getting excited now.
With regard to my last post, the car is Sprint Blue not Portofino Blue.
In the original post I said about the Plus, the radiator grille looks to be different, it's like mesh rather than the standard lined grill.
Do you know where these are available from?

You can get these from eBay and Alternative Auto's new and also find them second hand on here (the forum). You can get hold of both, slat and honeycombe relatively easy. Speak to Joe and FCSS (Traders Section) he can get you just about anything you want, new or secondhand.

also, the position with a Plus - they're obviously newer than most 20vt's and imo are the best (as i have one) - but even fiat described them as the "top of the range"

as others have said though, condition and service history/maintenance is more important than mileage as has been proved loads of times on this forum alone

good luck mate

Good low mileage Sprinty 20VT? Sounds great. Just buy with the head, not the heart... (not that I did )! Paperwork and lack of rust are critical.

Good luck!

Thanks for your help everyone. I have spoken with the lad who I am taking with me, his garage is a Coupe specialist where my last Coup had it's cam belt done.
I am under strict instructions to leave everything to him, so I should be fine.
I will get this one, or another one within a week or two and I will get the honeycomb grille.
I had a red one first, then silver. The red looked great, but was a serious problem. I regret ever letting my silver one go, nothing I have had compares to these cars.
I currently have an Abarth 500. Got new last year and it's as new, but I fell in love with the Coupe a while ago and need one back.

Let you all know, the Coupe I am viewing has full Fiat service history and has had £1750 worth of work done on it at Motormech.
I have phoned Motormech, who knew the car and say it's one of the best.
I have made arrangements now and am going after work Wednesday.
With regards to a honeycomb grille, I am not having much luck locating one of these.

If motormech are selling it, you'll be okay, the car will be as described. Ask Paul for a grill while you are there, I'm sure he can find you one

Paul's a great bloke, he'll put you right.

the grill i'm not so sure he'll have, but if not try Steve at Alternative Autos and Joe at Countrycruising, both found on this site i believe

your grill might be a zender, which I would keep if I were you, or sell, there quite sought after. It could even be a a 16v grill if its a plastic, in which case I'd be checking for damage.
Best of Luck, The money your spending should get you a good example. As above pick carefully and be prepared to walk away if it doesnt tick all the boxes, there are plenty out there to choose from.

with motormech knowing the car, I would say It probably is a good one, looked after, with money well spent on it. didnt see the motormech detail till after I posted hence the edit

I was taking an expert with me to look over the car, but phone him this morning and on his advice, I asked if the seller would bring the car to the garage so it could go on the ramp.
He has had no problem with and is bringing the car on Wednesday.
The garage near me specialises in The Coupe, doing cambelts etc. So if he is happy and all paperwork is correct, by 5PM Wednesday I will have it.

D Day tomorrow, go to see if I have a new baby.
Added a picture to my signature as I think it looks stunning, hope it's as good under the hood.

Been suckered, absolutely gutted.
Supposed to be meeting the chap at my local garage for the car to recieve it's inspection, only for the chap to phone and tell me the car wont start.
I took two hours off work for this and my current car is being picked up tomorrow by new owners.
I'm now well fed up!

Crapola!! Don't believe it! Have you had any explanation from the seller?

Little consolation tonight, but if the car is unreliable maybe this has done you a favour...... good luck

which garage wafcarl?

I had arranged to have the car inspected at a Coupe Specialist Garage in Wigan. I had my cam belt, aux belts and various other jobs done to my last Coupe, so know the garage well.
I was happy to put all my faith in the garage and would have bought the car had he liked what he had seen.
But, that's over so now I want your opinions on two more cars I am interested in. I will get one of these, just nagging questions.
1: One is a Coupe 20vTurbo LE. This looks great and has had loads of work done to it. My concerns on this car are the car having been chipped, dump valves, uprated turbo etc. May all be innocent, but it seams to shout, "I've been driven hard"
2: The second is a 16vTurbo in yellow. This is completely original, one owner from new, FFSH, 50,000m and looks as new with no modifications. Also, this is from a garage and comes with 12m warranty.
So, what do you all think?

Is the 16vt the one mentioned in Spees thread?

If the second one is the one on Pistonheads (at Baynards in Surrey), then they have been trying to sell that for ages. I think they wanted around £5k originally - so maybe worth some further haggling.

If that is the one, then it would be interesting to know how long ago the 54k service was done and also when the cambelt was changed - I think the 4cyl recommended age intervals are less than the 5cyl (certainly is for my Integrale)- as that may be due again sooner than you think.

Does look though

Agree with evo_number_one completely!

Seems expensive considering wider economy and prices low mileage 20VT's have gone for recently.

No one modifies a car without using the extra performance they have paid for!!

Evo, it is the one in Surrey.
With you and others feedback, I think I'm going to see this one. It looks top draw and it's history looks great.
Are 20v Turbo plus alloys on this car an option, would you try this or keep completely original?
Do these come alarmed as standard? Any feedback on the garage?

I cannot recall seeing a 16vt with the plus alloys on, but have seen plenty with the standard 4x single spoke 20vt alloys on - so guess there would be no problems there. I'm sure someone else will be able to confirm/put me right on that.

AFAIK factory Alarm/immobiliser was standard on all coupes - but they are not the best!

If the car is as original as described, it would be nice to keep it that way, but those plus alloys would look on it.....

Good luck and remember - haggle like mad and keep us all informed how you get on

Any members in Surrey look at car for me?
Give you £20 if you will inspect car.

May be someone has?

Thanks for all help.

That's it everyone, I have bought this car.
It had new belts & clutch 400 miles ago and will come with 12 months MOT and parts & labour warranties.
I expect to get it early next week by delivery after inspection.
The lad on the phone says he has no problem if a fellow enthusiast wants to view the car.
Better change my avatar to banana yellow.

congrats matey, hope it's a good 'un!!

Quick out of the blocks there!

Well done Wafcarl - look forward to seeing some piccs and hearing more about her

I would bear in mind that if the car has been on sale with the garage for 2 years, then the 400 miles ago belt change could be needing doing again soon. However access is easier than on the 20 valve engine.

Good practice suggests that 16vt belts be changed every 3 years irrespective of mileage notwithstanding Fiat's 5 year schedule.

The garage is not a million miles from me, I may take up the lad on the phone's offer and take a look later this afternoon.

Thanks a lot.

like Petep has said , date of when belts where done is more important then milage covered unless they covered very high milage. i hope im wrong for you and did you get date of when they done

you should of stuck it out on first one imo, as more then like it was just a flat battery . as i belive the person took it as P/X. he may of not been using it and with a few weeks of non use and this cold weather could have done the battery no favors. and it had that all important specailist history and know by them

motor mech have just put up a 6speed belts just done and more

Personally, I'd have been shooting down the M6 to look at this one..... Nice 20vt, late model!

On balance so would I, seeing whose personal car it was.

Definitely would be looking at Paul's car at Motormech. The 16vt has been for sale for some time, suspect belts would need changing and as it would appear to have been standing could lead to all manner of other issues.

Moon grey 6 speed One of the few 20vt's out there worth around the £3k mark no doubt given whose car it was

bit late now, he's bought one

PM sent to wafcarl.

If you need advice on a 16VT Pete is THE MAN .

Great information received from Pete, invaluable. Doubts are now in my mind, I hope to speak to Pete and ask his advice wether this car is worth the money I am paying.

Deposit on Credit Card. If Pete tells me he does not believe the car to be worth the asking price, I will take the necessary steps.

If it's any consolation, I left a deposit on a low milage one owner Moon grey PLUS about 4 months ago. Then a few days later I bought a red PLUS with higher mileage because it looked nicer and had a much better history.
I lost my deposit but it was the right decision in the end.

I think a this stage it is also worth deciding what car you actually want. If you want a 20vt then buy one, if you want a 16VT buy that. If you want a plus buy a plus. I say this because unless you buy the car that you really wanted, then you will end up selling it on for another. This is both time consuming and an expensive way of doing it.

It appears from yur earlier posts that you have a budget that will stretch to a plus or LE. I would suggest you wait until a good one turns up, they usually do.

Between a motormech 20VT 6 and a 16VT it's a no brainer for me.

I will ring Motormech at 9am. I hope this will finally be a top coupe.
Birmingham isn't too far, so I could have a look and with Paul selling, it would surely be the best.
I think I owe Pete a few drinks, I would have been so disappointed if the car was not as described.
9am I will ring Paul. Has anyone seen the car, when I click on the link it doesn't work.
Cheers all

This is quite a crusade.

As well as Motormech, a car is displayed for sale with Auto Trader at Essex Car Site, a red 20v Turbo which again sounds and looks great. Has anyone looked at this car? Owners, mileage etc again sound great, but I will not be jumping in any more. Pete may have just saved me a lot of money, so if a club member or members are happy with either of these cars, it will be a huge bonus.
Thanks everyone.

sorry about that. I repaired the link on the site... try this one 2000 20VT Moon Grey Six Speed

<Lord Sugar on> Steve, you're fired.......!</Lord Sugar off>

I would call that an own goal...in an effort to NOT sell the TVR I managed to make all the sale links point straight to it.

Do i win the Friday frozen Fingers award!?

You win the "Truffle Strutbrace Award" for 2010

I have now looked at the car and pictures, that's just awesome.
Being Pauls car, the inspection wouldn't be needed as I would want him to check the car.
Let you know if I'm successful.

Now you've fixed your signature it will all come good

Hope to see a moon-grey avatar next to your name soon!

All sports cars have.

And exactly what you will do with it if you buy it.

Notice my new avatar?

Nice one!

When does she arrive?

I'm going tomorrow and taking a bankers draft with me. I've only bought a one way ticket to Birmingham, as I'm hoping I wont be using the train to get back.

Good luck! I only bought a single rail ticket when I went to see my Moon 20VT6, and did not regret it. Hope springs eternal...

It will take more than 10 inch of snow to stop me, on the train now.
Only problem is due to weather and conditions on M6, I can't drive it back.
If everything is ok I can buy and will have to get the car delivered to me. At least if it's paid for and I've checked it myself, I can relax and get the insurance etc changed over.

The M6 is passable this morning?!

You haven't been watching the news or Traffic England website then?

Seriously, the M6 is experiencing real issues at the moment and will continue to do so for some time. Life/death journeys only, and in my mind, sorry to say this on a coupé forum, but driving a new coupé back home doesn't fall anywhere near that category!

Very sensible move: get the train to take the strain, look at the car, assuming Paul manages to get to work, and leave the car there until the weather clears and the Police/Highways Agency say the roads are safe again. Job done!

The issue is never your driving skill, it's those other muppets out there who are pre-programmed to try everything in their power to kill you and wreck your car!

Looked at car and checked against the forum check list with no worries.
The garage its self inspires confidence, think I'll have it serviced there. Some great personal touches as well, I can't wait to introduce the car to my carnaubu wax.
Getting it delivered though, it's too risky trying to drive home in this weather.

congratulations (again!) on your purchase - at least with motormech you know its as safe a bet as there is, and if it goes wrong he'll be very fair with you. he's a top bloke

Just completed the final payment for this stunning car. I hope to be meeting all of you through 2011 during some days out.
Soon as I have the car, it will be subjected to a good few layers of carnaubu wax, a nice covering of Extra Gloss Protection, a waxing underneath and I will buy a new cover to keep off any nasty bird droppings from the car.
I will get the car either Tuesday or Wednesday, just have to see when the delivery company is able.

Well done and good luck!!!

Well done wafcarl
Looks a good one..

Did you happen to see the other one they have for sale there, the yellow 20v vis ?

Sorry I didn't. It looks like it has been looked after in the advert, certainly had all the belts and diagnostics done.

Take my sincere advise.

Don't even come close to buying a coupe, you'll end up in disaster, financial problems and issues that you never wanted to see !

Buy something reliable, probably something which is not Fiat !

It could be worse - you could support West Ham as well

Shan - you should apply the Thumperian Principle to your posts

In 100 posts, you haven't said one good thing about the Coupe - why are you here?

ban him!!

It's probably only one of the many banned users using an old log in anyway?

Someone like BJ or Andre/Spit or whatever!

Shan - Bore off will you

Just a quick read through his post history gives you the shan story.
I need coupe..fit spoiler...need more power...maintainance bills ...coupes are s%*£....I'm not bitter but...

What we have here is a complete lack of understanding of what it takes to buy and run an ageing italian car.

But he's not the first or the last.

Wafcarl, that moony looks a stunner and Paul is a top coupe man.Nice move.

All Shan has been 'requested' to cheer up, so it's under control you can all stand down now

Too late, guess I'll just have to live with it.

Ah - you have a good car there - it has the REALLY low mileage engine out of my own Moonie Plus. I drove it for a couple of weeks before Paul did the engine transplant from my modded Sprinty. It is a good strong engine - very smooth and good on fuel too

I honestly thought Paul was going to keep it after fitting the engine. Seems the lure of the LE has got to him...

My money has now gone to Paul and getting the Coop Thursday morning.
Could have had it tomorrow, but no one to pick up from Birmingham. Oh well, everything good comes to those who wait.

Im sure it a good un knowing paul..Enjoy...were doing a trip to spa racetrack in june?...

Could you send me details on that or will they just come up on the forum? I would love to go in a convoy of Coops, bet there are some admiring glances.

I thought you would have read every thread on the entire forum by now

Spa threads 2011

Cheers mate, been a bit one track minded lately.

Oh Eck! Deposit needed by November. Is this set in stone or would I still be able? I can give £30 now if I am able to.

contact petep think it still open to additions...

I owe all of you, so at minimum would like to wish you all the best. I was nearly stuck with an overpriced 16vTurbo from a garage only too pleased to miss sell a car.

Instead, I now have a 20vTurbo from an Italian car specialist in Motormech. I was expecting to pay a petrol bill, but even this was sorted by Paul as my car came with a tank of fuel meaning Birmingham to Wigan no problem.

A good day to check out reliability today, minus 8 this morning and still below zero has presented no problem what so ever.
I will now repay Paul, Motormech and yourselves by looking after the car good and proper.

Thanks all, I will take some pictures soon.

get your ass to Spa and buy us all a few beers, gratitude is always thirsty!!

Hope it's before that. Noticed meet in Midlands, only a couple of hours from me. Like to attend that, what you think?

I've noticed you've put your name down for the Midlands meet now

Look forward to meeting you.

We're a friendly bunch, so no need to worry about meeting us

oh definitely come down, good bunch of folks and LOADS of coupe knowledge!! you'll be made very welcome and have a good laugh too

Think I may stay a night. If it's on a Saturday or a Sunday, a hotel Saturday night would be great.
As soon as place and dates are confirmed, I'll check out some hotels and get one booked.

I've just taken a few photographs. Not exactly the weather, but not too bad.

Moon Grey 20v Turbo 6

Double click on images to view large.