2017 Fiat 124 Spider — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $15,000–$22,000. This is one of the more reliable vehicles in its class — here's what to watch for anyway.
Kestrel Take
A Miata in an Italian suit — built alongside the ND Miata but with a torquey 1.4L MultiAir turbo and softer styling. It's a charming, cheap-to-run roadster with the Miata's excellent chassis. The turbo four adds a little complexity versus the Mazda's naturally aspirated engine. A fun, distinctive convertible if the turbo was cared for.
Known Issues for the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.
The Fiat turbo four wants clean oil and can have MultiAir/actuator and oil-consumption quirks; check service and oil level.
Repair cost range: $150-$1,200
Inspect the soft top for wear, leaks, and proper operation.
Repair cost range: $100-$1,500
Fewer Fiat dealers than Mazda; some parts can be slower/pricier.
Repair cost range: Varies
Roadster packaging — snug and low on cargo. Character.
Repair cost range: N/A
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗Turbo oil consumption / neglected oil
- ✗Top leaks or damage
- ✗Modified/abused example
- ✗No service records
Good Signs
- ✓Documented oil service, steady level
- ✓Clean, leak-free top
- ✓Stock, adult-owned car
Found a specific Fiat 124 Spider?
This page covers what goes wrong on the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.