I got my '17 Abarth just in June at 12k miles and couldn't be happier. I was originally looking to get the 2.0t Camaro but ended up with the Abarth and haven't had second thoughts. I get the reputation, but these cars are fun and reliable. Doesn't hurt that so much is Mazda though. The 6 speed also drives fantastic. Glad to have one and be part of the club :)

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment. Welcome to the Abarth owners club! Let me tell you, after the 2.5 years of owning mine, I have no regrets whatsoever. Sure there are a few minor nitpicks, but at the end of the day, the 124 Abarth is a great looking car that is fun to drive, and that's what really matters in my opinion.

I bought my 2018 Abarth Spider brand new (only 32 miles on it!) last year and I dont think I will ever get rid of it. Amazing ride that always brings a smile to my face.

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for reaching out. Love to hear your 124 Abarth is treating you well. I'm of the same opinion too; it's always a highlight of my day when I get to drive my 124 Abarth.

I bought my Abarth 124 Spider in May 2019 and have had absolutely no problems to date, except for one sensor that was replaced. I've driven almost 24,000 miles so far. I still enjoy the car immensely to this day and it is a real eye-catcher. By the way, I drive it all year round with no problems. Greetings from Germany, north rhine westphalia

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Greetings from America! Thank you for reaching out, it is great to hear the car is doing well for you and that you are enjoying it. Impressive to hear you drive it all year round, I've driven mine in snow a few times and needless to say it's pretty difficult to do so. I was spinning the tires every time I tapped the gas pedal, but that is to be expected with a RWD car. Regardless, my 124 Abarth is truly special to me. You can have so much fun at a comparably low price point, few other cars compete in my opinion.

@Thompson1928cab

Жыл бұрын

@@LTCLLC In the beginning, the car was much more expensive in Europe than it was in America. When the price was corrected, the car had already been taken off the market. But yes, in the winter the Abarth is tricky to handle, but since winters aren't quite as badly snowy here in West Germany, it's all doable. You have even more fun with the carbon hardtop when it's colder ;)

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Ah okay, I honestly didn't even think about the value across different markets, thanks for mentioning. Oh I see, yeah here where I live we get a few months of off and on snow. There will be some days where I won't be able to get the 124 Abarth past a snowy driveway haha. Good to hear you enjoy it all year round

Had this for my first car, fair to say I absolutely loved it. Got an m2 now. Still sometimes miss it which I think says it all

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment. Wow you certainly chose a great first car! Do you think you will ever try to buy another 124 sometime in the future?

Congratulations. It’s a fantastic car. I sold mine before the winter and I’m already missing it and think I might just get another! One of the best little sports cars out there. Nice review 👍

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment, appreciate the positive feedback! I love this car and am thankful for the opportunity to own it. Always a fun time driving it on the road.

2 years ago I bought mind for $25,000 with 8000 miles Out the Door. 2017 Abrath manual transmission. I now have 35000 miles on it. No PROBLEMS OF ANY KIND.

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for reaching out. That is great to hear! I genuinely think the 124 Abarth is a hidden gem in today's car market, truly a wonderful car to own and drive.

@chriscam9946

Жыл бұрын

Aut or manual?

The location of the oil filter makes it possible to change it from above. Also, if you suck out the oil with a vacuum pump, you don't need to get under the car and remove anything there.

I also have one and I have the exact same sentiments. The fact that no one knows they are the US makes it even better.

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Totally agree, it's a relatively rare car to see on the road. I see way more Miata's then I do 124 Spiders. I hope you keep enjoying your 124, it's such an awesome car!

It's always special to see one of these cars around. I test drove a 2018 Lusso 6-speed a year ago or so, but ended up buying its closely-related relative: a 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata. The 124 is definitely a cool one-off car and looks better than the Miata from most angles, IMO. I happen to really like the classier and more tasteful looks. Hard to beat Italian designs. The 124 also has a little larger trunk compared to the Miata. I have heard of a few issues mechanically with these cars, but I think as long as you change your oil regularly and use good quality oil (Castrol/Liqui Moly or another reputable brand), I think you'll be fine. It's definitely important, even more so on turbocharged engines like the 124.

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment. I agree, the 124 is definitely a beautiful design. So I'm curious, does your Miata drive any differently compared to the Lusso you test drove? Or are they pretty much the same considering they are relatively similar in terms of engineering?

Oil changes on these cars are easier with a set of ramps - which don't cost that much if you find a set on sale like I did. Since I service all my cars, they were a good investment. You have to zip-off an aluminum plate that shields the oil pan to access the drain plug and there are ten 10mm bolts which you can unscrew quickly with a battery powered drill. The oil filter is the hardest part because you will need a dedicated socket to unscrew it, I think it's 26 or 27mm, and universal joint socket adapter help to work the angle of attack. The only recall on my '19 Lusso was for potential fuel pump impeller breakage. It made a huge difference on my car because before the recall, my engine seem to have a "flat spot" in the top range of the rev counter. I thought it was engine calibration related, but the annoyance went away after the new (recall) fuel pump was installed. Now the engine revs freely to redline with no loss in power.

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment. Fortunately my Dad does have a pair of ramps which I agree are lifesavers when doing any maintenance on the car. Still though, it is a pretty delicate situation because the approach angle on our ramps is pretty steep so we have to be very careful as to not damage the front splitter. I wholeheartedly agree with you on the oil filter, that is the hardest part to reach in the engine bay haha. Great to hear that your Lusso is running better after the new fuel pump!

I've had my 2019 Abarth for about a year and a half and 12,000 miles (16,500 total miles) with just a factory recall and no failures.

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for reaching out. Awesome, great to hear that you haven't had any issues apart from the recall. Out of curiosity, what was your recall for/was it an easy fix? Overall I've been extremely pleased with mine; every time I get it out on the road it I'm driving a dream!

@Kstxrd

Жыл бұрын

@@LTCLLC Some 2019 models had a suspect fuel pump module that would break apart putting plastic pieces in the fuel lines and causing engine damage. It was a 4-hour repair that required that I leave the car with the dealership overnight, but it took them 2 days to get my car back. The repair went off without a hitch though just took what seemed like forever as the sun was shining both days it was gone.

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Ah okay, understood. That's always the worst feeling, when the weather is perfect but you can't use the car on that given day. Good to hear they were able to get it all fixed for you.

Hey man great video. On the highspeed freeway, how’s the cabin noise levels when top is up? does it gets uncomfortable with all the noise? Also due to small HP, does it feels scary to overtake big trucks on highways?

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Glad to hear you enjoyed the video! Compared to a traditional SUV/sedan, there is definitely a bit more cabin noise with top up at higher speeds on freeways due to the low ride height, but it's never ruined the driving experience for me. I honestly never even think about cabin noise while driving, but then again I know some people prefer a very quiet interior, so this is just my opinion. While comparatively speaking yes, the 124 does have less HP than other sports cars, the HP on hand fits the car well given it's weight and overall size. I never feel scared driving this car on highways; it is extremely easy to control in terms of both steering and throttle/brakes. The turbo can get a little bogged down in higher rev ranges, but this is only a minor complaint on my part. I hope this helps to answer your questions.

The Abarth is a standalone sub-brand of Fiat that originally handled tuned-up cars of FIAT, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, SIMCA, Autobianchi, and Porsche. Lately, however, it has only focused on cars of the FIAT manufacturer and mostly on the 500 series. FIAT badging in the other countries of Abarth vehicles is erroneous and only done when Abarth does not have much market appeal to increase the retention in the memory of possible buyers. When thinking about Abarth, you can consider it similar to a Mercedes-Benz-owned Brabus but with a smaller scope and pricing.

@LTCLLC

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing this!

Thanks for review. . Im looking for the 2018 Abarth, with the Brembo brakes package. Is there much diference in the 2017 vs the 2018 model ?

@LTCLLC

7 ай бұрын

Best of luck car hunting! There is a good article by Car And Driver that breaks down the differences between each model year of the 124, I'd recommend checking that out for additional information, since I myself have only experienced my own 2017 model and can't speak authoritatively on a 2018 model. Hope this helps!

Own a 2020 124 Abarth. Could have purchased almost any sports car but will likely never get rid of this one. Rear wheel drive, 6-speed manual, 50/50 weight distribution, Record Monza exhaust and light as a feather. Not the fastest in a straight line but surpasses most things in the twisties. I can also mod the heck out of it. And unlike the MX-5, which Mazda inexplicably decided to save costs during its design, the 124 checks the mandatory box for any two-seater roadster, it looks amazing and several times its cost. The fact that I spent $31,000 new for it new makes me feel like I legally robbed a bank.

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Lots of great points here, I totally agree on the "several times its cost" idea that you brought up. It's a truly beautiful design for a car. Similar to you I plan to keep my 124 Abarth for as long as I can, it's a very special car. Thanks for your comment!

@ag4allgood

6 ай бұрын

You paid much more than I did for my 2016 Mazda MX-5 Club soft top with the Brembo / BBS package ! I test drove a 2017 Fiat 124 Spyder Abarth similarly equipped the day BEFORE my Mazda test drive. After seeing a video review on KZread of the 124 Spyder Abarth I thought it would be my next car. I was wrong. The heavy clutch pedal / the turbo Lag with dulled throttle response was not what I wanted in a roadster. Plus it was more expensive at the time by quite a lot !

@mikeydred11

6 ай бұрын

@@ag4allgood I understand but just can't get past the looks of the Mazda.....To my mind, pretty much job one for a roadster.

@ag4allgood

6 ай бұрын

@@mikeydred11 I like the MX-5 look / design plus how it drives is the whole selling point. You can test drive both cars & understand what I'm saying. Now since 2020 is the last 124 Spyder production year the prices will be falling. Just remember Fiat has a thin dealer network now selling one car in the US Market. My test drive convinced me the Mazda was a much better car / driving experience. If you base your decision solely on looks you have limited knowledge of roadsters. Even the mechanical configuration is an Italian nightmare. I'm talking about a simple oil change Fiat engineers decided it would be a great idea to put the oil filter upside down & make it elemental plus bury it under the air intake. I do my own oil changes / tire rotations / modifications & on the Mazda MX-5 mechanically makes sense to me.

@mikeydred11

6 ай бұрын

@@ag4allgood Me saying that a being good looking "is job one for a roadster" is somewhat different than, how did you say it? - "If you base your decision solely on looks you have limited knowledge of roadsters."........ Not quite sure why you recreated my words in an out of context manner unless it was to be insulting or make your point about the Mazda somehow more compelling. And fyi, having changed my 124 Abarth's oil numerous times and in under 30 minutes, your point about it being "an Italian nightmare" is equally as overstated. In my case, in the 4 years of ownership, it has never been to the shop except for routine maintenance, and that trend in echoed on the US 124 forum....I'm happy you like the looks of the Mazda. Much like picking a spouse, one should be happy with the looks of the sports car they drive.

I want a Miata 184ND but I now also think about the Fiata Abarth

I just happened to come across your video. I also have a mk6 gti with the dsg. I was looking at the Spider but may also have to get an automatic due to my wife not willing to learn a manual transmission. What do you think of the auto transmission on these? (I'm not trying to compare it to the gti dsg trans). Thanks.

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

That's awesome that you also have a GTI, haha small world! The automatic transmission in mine is great about 90% of the time; sometimes it will unnecessarily downshift when it thinks the RPMs are too low and you briefly lose the turbo response which can be a minor annoyance. It honestly only happens in the bottom end of a gear when stuck in traffic. I hope that makes sense, it's kind of odd to describe. Otherwise I am very pleased with it; when I need to get up to speed quickly in a low gear, the car will keep the gear and not upshift on me until I'm high up in the rev range. Like I mentioned in video; it's just such an easy car to drive (apart from blindspots). Side note, I'm not sure if you can in other trims, but in my Abarth you can put the car in drive-manual mode and upshift/downshift with paddles on steering wheel. I've been meaning to experiment with this for fun, but just haven't gotten around to it. I hope this helps to answer your question.

@joelervcolon

Жыл бұрын

@@LTCLLC Thanks for the quick response. I'll test drive an auto with the paddles to see how it responds. Thanks again!

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

No problem, happy to help answer any questions! Hope the car shopping goes well for you.

Picked my '17 Classica 6spd for a steal of a price and financing.. *Right before the Pandemic and FED caused everything to skyrocket* . Love it! Coming from big trucks it's really like strapping on a jetpack everytime I head out. Maintenance has been a breeze, other than having hidden filters (multi air, oil, and soft top) everywhere

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to reach out. Haha I bet driving your 124 is like a whole different world compared to a truck! Mine has been super easy to maintain as well; all I've done is change the oil a few times and have that sensor malfunction I mentioned in video fixed by a Fiat dealer. Apart from that the car has been a dream to own and to drive.

@seanin1990

Жыл бұрын

I bought a brand new 2018 Abarth and loved it until a tree fell on it in August 2020. In March of 2021 I found a fully loaded 2018 Abarth with 120 miles on it for $27,000 #winning. I can't wait for spring.

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Wow that's a great deal for $27k! Hope you enjoy once springtime comes. Thanks for sharing!

Got mine 2 weeks ago. Wheel speed sensor is bad and now a evap or vacuum leak haha. Love it tho :)

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment. Oh no! I can say from experience, I also had a sensor go wrong on my Fiat when I first purchased it. Quick trip to the dealer and they fixed it, no issues since. I hope those two issues are easy fixes for you.

@jordanb.7564

Жыл бұрын

@@LTCLLC yea I’ve got it back at the BMW dealer that I got it from and they’re paying for it all haha

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Haha good to hear!

Love my ‘20 abarth. Got lucky with finding a loaded one in the lowest production year. Absolute blast to own, so much fun and everyone breaks their necks looking at it. Lots of positive attention. Crazy good mileage, great manual trans. Cant say enough. If only fiat had advertised them…

@seanin1990

Жыл бұрын

My Abarth is certainly a head turner. The fact that it didn't sell very well in NY makes it rare. People assume it costs upwards of $80k, jokes on them. I hope to keep it forever.

@boejiden855

Жыл бұрын

@@seanin1990 yes exactly. Yesterday a lady called it a porsche lol. Everyone expects it to be very expensive, but thats just the parts LOL

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments. I agree; a ton of positives for a car like this that far outweigh the negatives.

@seanin1990

Жыл бұрын

@@boejiden855 lol, I get "Is that a Porsche" or "That's an Alfa Romeo, right"😆

@boejiden855

Жыл бұрын

@@seanin1990 nailed it! Although i am surprised when someone says it could be an alfa, i say “very close!” -side note, as much as i love the multiair sounds i DO wish we had the option for the alfa 1.75L. This car would be a riot!

Picked up a 2017 Classica at 50K miles for just under $15K, just a few months before everything began to hit the fan. My only regret is not getting a newer model, higher trim, or one of the special colors because it is so difficult to find nowadays 🤣 when I travel to other warm areas, I always try to rent some other version of this car if available.

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Interesting perspective. It's honestly not often I hear/see 124 Spiders with that much mileage, but you bring up a good point, it seems like these cars are somewhat rare relatively speaking (I would have to view official production numbers to back this up though). I'll go weeks and sometimes months without seeing another 124 Spider on the road. I'm interested to see if this will cause the car to increase in value if at all years down the line from now.

@BoxOfOranges84

Жыл бұрын

@Lets Talk Cars, LLC yeah, I've maybe seen 5 of these in the wild from memory🤣 I was surprised to see that many miles as well. When my friends see it, they'll guess every other Italian brand before FIAT, but I enjoy having a car that very few around here have seen before It looks like the previous owner used it as a daily, and they told me he traded it in for a 2020 model right before the discontinued production. I don't drive to work anymore, so I've added almost nothing to it.

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

I feel the same way too. It's fun to drive a car that you rarely see on the road; it makes the 124 Spider really feel like a special car in my opinion.

Why the Abarth had Fiat batches on the Motor and the Steering wheel in Germany i never See this only in America and Britan ?

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Hello! I am honestly not too sure how badging is presented across different countries and markets with the 124 Spider. It has always been interesting to me though how in America the predominant badging on Abarth models is the actual Abarth logo. Honestly I think it's a cool way for the Abarth model to stand out.

@ghosttrickalucard5201

Жыл бұрын

@@LTCLLC yeah i Agree i wont this Car so much But in Europe the Car Stuck between 25-30K i think this Car get in the Next Years a Colcetors Item

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Hopefully things will work out so that you can own one someday! Yeah I am definitely interested to see how this car's value changes over the coming years, but only time will tell. It will be fun to watch that is for sure.

Love my 17 black Lusso

@LTCLLC

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for reaching out, love to hear you're enjoying your Lusso! The 124 Spider is such a great car, the perfect companion for a fun time indeed.

@MrDjh66

Жыл бұрын

Yup I totally agree

4:30seconds...slushbox, thanks but no thanks.

Your 2017 Fiat 124 Spyder Abarth looks exactly like the one I test drove back in the 1st week of March 2017 with the exception that it was a 6 speed manual transmission with Brembo brakes. Taking it out of the Fiat dealership I noticed the heavy clutch pedal feel & because the road I was driving had many Stop lights that was not fun. Plus the turbo from a stop has Lag so the throttle response was muted so my enthusiasm for the 124 died. The next day I went to the Mazda dealer & sitting in front was the equivalent 2016 MX-5 Club soft top with the Brembo / BBS package. Immediately liked the super light clutch pedal feel & the amazing instant throttle response of the naturally aspirated 2 Liter engine. In the corners it felt much lighter & quicker. I was so impressed with the car that I had to Buy it. Nothing I had driven before came close to the driving feeling this car gave. Its been 6.5 years & I daily drive the car in 4 season weather. In the snow & ice it actually shows the 50 / 50 weight distribution much better. Great car all around. The 124 Spyder Abarth just wasn't what I wanted in a car for daily driving.