5 Things I Love About The Abarth 124 Spider

[@Alexsp228]

I love the Abarth 124 - It's all the greatness of the MX5, with added character!

[@StefABtv]

Agree!

[@verdalexion7819]

Your videos on the Abarth finally convinced me to pick up my own 124 at the start of the month

[@StefABtv]

Awesome! Wicked cars right!

[@stanislas4990]

I love the "symphony of sound". What a fun car!

[@StefABtv]

Sounds great doesn’t it :)

[@ツインターボ-e8g]

It was a great video! I used this video to buy a 124 Spider. It's a used car, but I'm in love with the sound and the look. Thank you!　　From Japan to my dear friend

[@IRazRI]

Had mine for about a year now as my first car and I absolutely love it. Im geniuenly worried that any other car I get in the future won't be as good as this.

[@StefABtv]

They are brilliant things aren’t they!

[@blackporscheroadster6415]

I have had lots of cars including Porsches and can safely say you will not have a better car for the money. You will need to double your budget to get more.

[@rokcstar]

greetings from california. i am also into investing and personal finance. i've been daily driving my 124 abarth for a couple of years now and agree with all your points. such a great experience for not a lot of expense. p.s. i've been following your channel for a few years and your older videos on the 124 really helped when making my decision to go that route back in 2018. thanks!

[@StefABtv]

That’s awesome dude! Thanks for watching and supporting!

[@philjowett3760]

What a great upbeat video, thank you! That georgous Abarth 124 car is just awesome. You look like the happiest car content producer on KZbin. Brilliant!

[@StefABtv]

Haha thank you mate 🙌

[@smilepermile8165]

Your 124 is such an underrappreicated car - definite smiles per mile machine it is! Also can't wait to see your investing videos too :) Keep up the great work.

[@StefABtv]

Thanks buddy!

[@MrRoyck10]

Stef, you look so energised this new year and it is clear that the Abarth is making you happy, one starts to wonder if you appreciate it more than the 4C. Nice content and keep up the energised spirit!

[@StefABtv]

Thank you buddy!

[@jimondang6067]

I have been a fan of Italian cars for years. I used to have the Fiat A112 Abarth, which was an absolute blast. The next Italian car was the Lancia Prisma. I loved both cars. The main thing is that you so much more, like instrumentation that other European cars, at no additional charge. Actual gauges instead of "dumb lights". You simply get a lot of "bang for the buck"! Right now I have my eye on the 124 Spider Abarth! To me, that is one of the most beautifully designed cars around, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg like many roadsters!

[@StefABtv]

Agree they look stunning. Great cars

[@keithevans5667]

Love it, the sound, plus a matt black bonnet is fab and unlimited headroom! ;-) .......AND its an Abarth!

[@StefABtv]

Unlimited headroom is the one 😂

[@matthew571]

I own an ND2, and I dream to drive this car. I know it isn't as fast, but it looks amazing and I really don't see them driving about. I love it.

[@carcreationsyt]

Been thinking about getting one of these. Loved them since they came out! Wonder how it would compare to my JCW...

[@StefABtv]

Wicked cars. Good fun prob nit as quick as the JCW

[@carcreationsyt]

@@StefABtv Good to know, thanks!

[@stuclark1975]

Sorry to point this out, but heel & toe isn't primarily to "rev match" when changing down through the gearbox - that's what double declutching is for! Heel & toe is a way of keeping the engine in the power banf whilst negotiating something such as a tight corner - it originated in rallying. And before anyone says it, in rallying / racing you should change down in a straight line, before you fully get on the brakes for a bend (otherwise you'd just spin off). Heel & toe is then used to maintain engine the during the bend whilst still breaking (if necessary, although you should also be off the brakes before you turn the steering wheel for maximum stability) so you've got more instant power when you straighten up

[@herohoistsaustralia4502]

I just bought 1. Picking her up tomorrow. $AUD45,100.00. 50,000kms. Excellent condition with the Visibility Pack, Recaro seats and upgraded with Apple Carplay etc... I'll probably stick a larger turbo in after a year or 2... as I believe that's just more sensible than doing any of the smaller, incremental upgrades. Can't wait for Sydney's Summer to roll around - just a few months away… :)

[@domdavisx]

I recognise those roads! Up near White Waltham. Bought a 124 when I was working up there last year, great roads

[@adamgill5723]

This makes me wanna take mine out for a cruise!!!

[@StefABtv]

😂 roof down!

[@adamhastie5718]

Definitely..I hate heading home..haha.. And yeah..Stef..unless it’s raining..always roof down..

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I will concede the looks of the 124 have grown on me over time. I wish it got the 1750 though

[@sammysev16]

Would have been a rocketship if they squeezed the 1750 in it, would be comfortably over 220bhp per ton!

[@StefABtv]

Me too. Would have been insane with a 1750!

[@sportzntouring]

@@StefABtv the looks have grown on me too, but mainly through the subtle mods you've done. Loving how your car is looking right now!

[@nivgalanti5913]

you shoud drive it as it is and will realise that it is so briliant and well sorted as it is, even power wise concerns. I only modified handling stuff, i. e. Ohlins coilovers, and upgraded seats to Recaro. Pure funn. Much more then my previous heavily modified gt86, 981s and 308 gti.

[@Gentleman...Driver]

It would have been to similar to the Alfa 4C, thats why we dont have that engine in this car. It was planned as an Alfa Romeo Spider in the first place. Later the project was relabeled to Abarth/Fiat.

[@jasoncampbell7765]

I love my 124 Spider. I think I must have purchased one of the last 124's in the US last month. Fantastic handling car. Now I have a 2017 Fiat 500 Abarth (auto) and a 2020 Fiat 124 Spider Urbana (manual).

[@stephencrossley5900]

Totally agree!! Trying to get my hands on one at the moment, similar spec to yours in fact, however, I’m finding it a struggle to get a manual.

[@StefABtv]

A lot of the manuals with all options are either really high price or just not available. They are awesome cars :)

[@DylansCarReviews]

They are definitely quirky things. The lack of cup holders bothers me though! I love that you have the roof off with the window wipers on and a big jacket haha

[@samuel999]

They have slots for removable cupholders, which cost about £90 as OEM parts

[@DylansCarReviews]

@@samuel999 thanks man. I didn’t know that. Bit steep for a cup holder lol

[@Gentleman...Driver]

@@samuel999 In Germany they cost about 200 EUR. lol. Wont buy those. But to be honest, I dont have beverages in my car anyway. I dont want to spill anything. I always drive with the roof down, even when it rains. As long as you dont stop you wont get wet. Also the heater is quite effective. I dont have heated seats, but I dont need them.

[@StefABtv]

Haha yeah thought roof down for better exhaust sound was needed. Didn’t plan for the rain 🌧 😂

[@DylansCarReviews]

@@StefABtv hopefully it wasn’t too cold!

[@johngoodall7097]

I really think you might be happy to own this little gem of a car Stef😀😀😀 and what is more you would have more if you could maybe some different colours stripes here and there, you get where this is leading Stef, another good video though👍👍👍

[@StefABtv]

Thanks dude 🙌

[@FuelwithDave]

Loved my wife's 3.5 mx5 when she had it just needed more power which the 124 has. Sounds good 😎 Your investments sound like they have worked awesomely for you nice one!

[@StefABtv]

Thanks buddy!

[@jezjez5070]

Great video. Great enthusiasm! 👍

[@Sa3Tv]

It is a cool looking car! Especially with that performance exhaust too!

[@StefABtv]

Cheers mate yeah standard exhaust lol

[@Sa3Tv]

@@StefABtv it sounds good!

[@Innovaenergyser]

Looks like a fun little car, good for twisty roads

[@StefABtv]

Defo!

[@kidoctane]

From personal experience ...Italian Car Ownership is normally diametrically opposed to Investing !!! Fun Fact - I have (actually my financial advisor, Ms Octane) been slowly growing an equities portfolio ready when I retire with the express purpose of keeping both my Abarths in my dotage

[@StefABtv]

Lol yep so true 😂 but even if there are issues the cost to repair is very reasonable

[@NickG24]

Stop it, I find myself wanting one of these. When I got my first Job I had an MGF VVC which had great character - was a great package with a good engine and amazing sound track. This to me is the closest modern day roadster to it despite the fact it’s turbocharged. I think this engine seems far more characterful than the MX-5’s

[@StefABtv]

Haha yeah they are so much fun! Really enjoy driving it lots of character

[@EvilSean62]

when i was looking at the 595 i was thrown in a convertible and the sound was amazing ... sadly the convertible was discontinued and i ended up in a hardtop ...which made me a tunnel seeker .. windows down early shift on full throttle for a bark its not the same windows down ...soft top pram hood the low end gets to you and you need that to distract that its not a monster ... but it IS a monster compared to the fiat and the difference has to be celebrated its my mental health choice to drive the abarth ... much less hassle than stealing ferrarris ...anyways ...when i was in the showroom i sat in the spider ... and i feel you ... its not about being mental sub 3 second it is exactly what you say ... they are rare , they DO shift , they sound amazing...they are a proper hugging low to the ground in feeling with the road second skin driving immersion

[@deanfernihough942]

Love the 145, just had the abarth 595 esseesse... Love it, actually the one you did a review on.. The same car...

[@richardbarter9864]

Great video Stef...so tempted by the Abarth 124 and this doesn’t help 😂

[@StefABtv]

Haha baby 4C mate. Great fun to drive.

[@richardbarter9864]

@@StefABtv I’ve got saved searches on Autotrader for both 4C and Abarth 🤔😂

[@adamhastie5718]

Oh damn..slippery out there..haha..they are damn light on a wet road huh?..doesn’t feel unsafe..just very light..good fun.

[@StefABtv]

Yeah super light and tail happy in the wet 😂

[@stuclark1975]

Not if driven correctly

[@adamhastie5718]

@@stuclark1975 nope even driven correct it is light at the back end in the wet

[@stuclark1975]

@@adamhastie5718 guess it's down to ability then. I never have any issues with mine 😜

[@adamhastie5718]

@@stuclark1975 probably..I’m a pretty average driver..I never said I had any problem with it though.

[@thewyliecoyote3918]

Now that its lower it looks epic!

[@andrewgibbs5096]

6:50 ish: police cruise past “we’ve had reports of ....” 🤣

[@steve37ist]

did ya see how slow he went past lol deffo looking

[@StefABtv]

😂😂😂🙌

[@keithevans5667]

Admirers of the 124 Spider 😉

[@adamhastie5718]

Haha..the police stare more than most..they need to be able to identify the car..here in Australia in 3 years I have seen 3 of them..no one knows what they are.

[@aldo.brustenghi]

Hi, have you done a pro v cons comparison against the MX5? I would love to here you thoughts on this.

[@StefABtv]

Not yet. But will make a video when I can have someone with an mx5 who reached out asking the same thing lol

[@zenb0]

Hey I just came across your channel recently. I was wondering if you had a video of the mods you had on your spider? Thanks! Great content btw

[@StefABtv]

Cheers dude. I have a few videos on the mods I’ve got and a few videos coming out in the next few weeks. But in the video you just watched it’s got High spark coil packs, 30mm h&r springs and 25mm spacers all round. Also have the Apple car play mod

[@peterf46]

Thinking about getting one of these instead of a 4c..... are the prices going a bit high already? Very good video as always! 👍👍

[@StefABtv]

124 prices are rising yep!

[@chasinglimits]

Owning one of these types of cars, you’d really need a second vehicle that would be just a bit more practical! Great video 👍

[@Gentleman...Driver]

I have only my Abarth 124 Spider, no other car. My girlfriend has a Smart car (we dont live together). We dont need a "practical" car since we dont have any children. The Spider is perfect for me. You will fit your groceries in with no problem. I like to get bigger stuff delivered to me. The car is perfect for everyday. :)

[@chasinglimits]

@@Gentleman...Driver very valid points. All depends on your situation and family arrangements, so yes it can make a great only car to have.

[@StefABtv]

We have an Audi A1 as a daily so all good but I know people who daily these cars. Shopping can be ordered online lol roadtrips will be harder if you have a lot of luggage though

[@Gentleman...Driver]

@@StefABtv Yeh, just dont take anything with you on a larger trip. I made a trip last year to Italy. And I had basicly no clothes with me. I simply took the opportunity to go for shopping in Italy, since the prices for clothes are very cheap down there. I left with an empty boot, and I came back with a full one. :)

[@124Brad]

Great video mate, glad to see you loving the CarPlay still too👍🏼

[@StefABtv]

Yep it’s mega! Thanks for installing it!

[@mod.ts76]

As far as practicality goes, say you need to cook a thanksgiving meal, full course for 8 people. Would the groceries fit in the boot?

[@ERICtheLATE]

Harbor Freight makes legit trailers, add a 1.5 foot square tube to raise a hitch crate, the lights dont get blocked, and it is like a pickup truck. Add a lil reflector tape to corners tho.

[@StefABtv]

Will make a video on this soon. You can fit a lot in the boot will need to test how much you can fit now lol

[@cl7298]

My trunk/boot will hold everything that a super-filled standard-sized shopping cart/buggy 🛒 will hold. My Mazda MX-5 is nearly the same trunk/boot size, but slightly smaller than the FIAT boot. 👋 from 🇺🇸.

[@ZareP1]

I love this car, and with the price you said i would definitely get one... but the cheapest in Portugal is a 2017 one for 34k€, how is it sooooo expensive :o a normal fiat version is also between 24k€ and 27k, it's almost the double you pay in uk xD

[@StefABtv]

That is a lot of money!

[@rightpedaldown9346]

niiiiiiice! Thanks for sharing!

[@StefABtv]

🙌

[@weitsung-lin]

I feel it difficult to heel n toe in mine. Must be the shoes :(

[@ssrostovtsev]

Could somebody explain why ‘hill-and-toe’ technique is used? Braking by using the engine? Gaining more torque on lower gear? Faster shifting of the gear?

[@ilpatongi]

It let's you slow down whilst shifting down without jolting the transmission.

[@MOTORCELTIC]

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@keithdenton4421]

Hi Stef, without being too personal how tall are you? It is difficult to see from the camera facing backwards whether you fit under the windscreen level.

[@StefABtv]

6f1 mate and I fit fine 👍🏻👍🏻

[@keithdenton4421]

Thanks, that’s another box ticked. 😁

[@piero2611]

Any plans to get a bit more performance out of the 124 Stef? Remap maybe? 🤞

[@StefABtv]

Yeah hopefully once lockdown ends I can do something :)

[@steve37ist]

that copper looked like he was having a good luck at you

[@StefABtv]

Haha he was 😂

[@dominikvega7827]

I got mine in red yesterday! I wanted to ask who did you use for the Android Auto / Apple Car Play upgrade? Thanks!

[@NickG24]

He’s done a video on this and I think the guy’s details were in there - worth a look.

[@StefABtv]

Hey awesome news, congrats! Yeah check the car play video I did all the info there

[@d-n-a8119]

124 spyder is basically an Italian mx5 with better sound and firmer suspension 😆

[@StefABtv]

Haha yep

[@stevie007]

Hi, mate 👌👌 Loving the vids as per mate 👌👌 If I may be so bold!!!! did you invest in property by any chance? If so good on ya mate👌 as my dad always told me " Always invest in bricks & mortar my son, in the long run, you will never lose" Reg`s Steve.

[@StefABtv]

Hi mate. Thank you! We bought our home last year as we were renting prior so that in itself is a plus as we are paying our own mortgage rather than someone else’s. At the moment I’m investing in the stock market. Would like to do property in the long run

[@stevie007]

@@StefABtv Good on ya mate, an old wise head on young shoulders👌👌

[@jeffruebens8355]

Cheaper than a Mazda MX-5, but probably more engine problems to repair after 100,000 miles. The Toyota 86 is a little more practical with a small back seat, or the more practical Mazda CX-30 raised higher for better vision in traffic and more for adults in the back seat, with luggage in the back for a week long vacation.

[@Jubellymmel]

Always loved your 124 vids man! I have one question for you: Do you feel the ride becoming much rougher and less comfortable after lowering that beauty? I've been contemplating doing the same to my 124 but hesitating due to fear of less comfort..... Cheers

[@StefABtv]

Thanks man. The ride is still pretty normal. Just got to be careful of some high speed bumps and the odd pothole but no other issues. Defo much less body role too

[@DonPinguccio]

How reliable is the engine? That is my only concern really. I've never had an Italian car. I get piece of mind that it is mostly built by Mazda. But I haven't heard of any issues with the 1.4 Multiair engine. Anything to be concerned about? Many thanks.

[@danielcaponera5771]

I have one. Known issues with the water pump/thermostat. Many have them replaced under warranty. I recommend getting an extended warranty if you get one.

[@Gentleman...Driver]

Multiair engines are considered to be very reliable. After all the engine itself is a decade old and not known to have any bigger issues. The thermostat/water pump thing is because Fiat couldnt sell the cars and they were parked for over one year outside at industrial parking lots across Europe. In that time the thermostat could corrode and is therefor not working anymore. My car had a lambda probe failure on its maiden voyage for the same reason. But once you are driving the car, those issues will disappear. Since they stopped producing the car, you will not encounter those issues. The only thing you have to be a little careful about is that this engine needs the right oil, and it needs its oil changes. Also dont let it stand around for 1 month or longer, because then all the oil will flow into the pan, and a sensor will register this, preventing you from starting the engine. Then your car will need to be towed to the dealership and they will have to change the oil and reset the sensor. Cars from Fiat are better as their reputation. Its the dealerships you have to look out for, because many of them are terrible. I recommend that you are connecting with the community. Maybe someone can recommend you a good dealership where they care about the cars. If you are interested in the car look at the roof. All the Fiat / Abarth 124 Spiders had the Mazda roof of the first production charge. It tends to hang down in the inside of the car. Also the roof scratched against the roll bars.. If you see this: They change the roof with a new part that doesnt have this issue. And I would recommend to buy a stock car (no engine tuning, no suspension lowering). Sorry for my English, since I am not living in an English speaking country.

[@danielcaponera5771]

@@Gentleman...Driver I agree buying stock as well. And get the Abarth. The other models don't have sport mode which makes a big difference.

[@Gentleman...Driver]

@@danielcaponera5771 Depends if you want a hard riding and very sporty car, or if you want more comfort. More important to me was that the normal version doesnt have a limited slip differential. Also the Abarth is more unique and desireable. EDIT: If you want more comfort I recommend of buying the "Lusso" version.

[@DonPinguccio]

@@Gentleman...Driver Brilliant response. Thank you for taking the time and thank you to everyone else for helping out. I'm definitely looking at getting a stock version. And I'll definitely consider avoiding my local Fiat dealers and look elsewhere (though I will do some research in my local area before making any decision as to where I'll service it).

[@kellyturley8295]

Love the Spider Content - Of Course! I would like to see the 5 things you don't like :-(

[@StefABtv]

Will film that soon

[@ERICtheLATE]

Opinion Needed: Is clutchless upshifting good or bad???

[@Gentleman...Driver]

You mean in a manual? Bad.

[@StefABtv]

Bad mate

[@ERICtheLATE]

Dudes, the tiniest lil Jordanian/Italiano babe, gave me...ok, I paid for gas, over 2 dozen rides to school and back in a mint slate blue Supra, and would lift off the gas about 500 rpm, and shift into the next gear. No grinds, no jerking, and only used clutch for 1, R and a neutral coast. Had 120,000 miles on it by the time she inherited it, on the original clutch. (Her uncle taught her that and claimed that is how clutch was immortal) I was for sure smitten by both, I too, just never believed it was good for syncronizers, but she did it every time.

[@Gentleman...Driver]

@@ERICtheLATE Well you have to match the revs and press the gears in with some force. But you are right, its maybe good for the clutch (because it doesnt get used), but bad for the snycronizers and everything else on the gearbox. The best way to save your clutch is, to put it in neutral on the traffic light (and take your foot of the pedal). I would recommend using your clutch for shifting, it makes things easier and you dont missmatch the revs that fast.

[@ERICtheLATE]

@@Gentleman...Driver That is the motto, besides syncs, the throwout bearing and plate with all the fingers need not make contact for more than a few Mississippi's.

[@psychogobetween]

❤

[@jonaslippert6963]

they are so expensive in germany :( 27k is the cheapest 500km away

[@robbertabarthspider4347]

Netherlands is even worse.. two for 34k and one of 44k 🤯 I’m looking to get one from Germany or Italy using German import plates (if I have to import then why not Italy)

[@Gentleman...Driver]

Ive got mine in 2019 for about 26,000 EUR new from the dealer. The car hat 15km on the clock. But since they stopped producing the car, they are holding their value quite well.

[@StefABtv]

Wow that’s a huge difference in price!

[@Gentleman...Driver]

@@StefABtv They stopped producing the car in early 2018, and after that they just sold what they had in tock. The car has "only" a homologation for EURO 6. The law changed in September 2018. A new car had to be EURO 6dtemp certified in order to get an approval. But Fiat managed somehow to get a special permit until March 2019 to sell those cars as new. After that they started to register the cars on the dealerships. My car was one of them and also a very rare puristic version with no extras. I think they sold the cars here in Germany together with a loan of 1% for the same price. But I didnt want the loan, so my dealer made the same deal with me. They only wanted to get rid off the car since nobody bought one. Quite sad. In my opinion a very underrated car. But nobody knows what it is, nobody knows the Abarth brand really. And the car was too expensive in the beginning. In Germany there is not much going on for advertising of FCA products. Also the worst mistake was that they re-labeled the car from Alfa Romeo to Abarth/Fiat during the development process, because they had already the 4C as a Halo car and the Spider would have been to similar to that. If only the Duettotanta study from Pininfarina (2010) became real, this car would have made more impact.

[@FIAT-yn2nh]

👍

[@brycepage7445]

If you love this car and want any cash left over for personal finance, whatever you do, do NOT visit shopeurocompulsion.net/ First, you will want a better BOV which will immediately lead to a v4 intake and another horsepower boost. Before long, you will have added a larger front mount intercooler, stuffed turbo and ported manifold and their phase 3 tune. That will get this car to 230ish HP. You will be out a couple of grand but you will not stop smiling. It is how this car should have come from the factory.

[@qwerty69600]

It is ridiculous, and slightly embarrassing, that fiat/abarth have had one crack at the mx-5 and made it more desirable than Mazda ever had. Seriously, Mazda, take note and maybe try and inject some soul into the next version.